A good chunk of NFL success is derived from physicality and what players do on the field, but the mental/preparation side of things also pull a ton of weight when it comes to overall success in the league.

That’s why Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jacob Parrish’s latest quote about preparing for the Cincinnati Bengals is something to take note of heading into Week 1.

“Shoot, I would say I started watching some over the summer break,” Parrish told reporters after Monday’s practice. “I was excited when they came out [with] the schedule and said we got Cincinnati first week. I mean, you can’t ask for better competition in the first week.

“Go out there and prove yourself. So you know I’m excited for this opportunity to go out there and do what I do.”

Parrish is set to play a massive role for the Buccaneers in 2026. He’s slotted to be the outside perimeter corner in base defense, and he’ll move to nickel when Tampa Bay breaks out its sub packages. In other words, Parrish is going to be on the field for just about every single defensive snap that makes sense, unless he needs a breather, gets hurt, or Todd Bowles wants to sub someone in because of matchup reasons.

The Bengals present a serious challenge right out of the gate

Make no bones about it: Cincinnati does present a challenging task right off the bat. Quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receiver Tee Higgins, and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase are arguably one of the best offensive trios in the NFL, and they can break a game wide open at any moment’s notice. Hence the game’s 50.5 over-under heading into Week 1.

The Buccaneers need Parrish to step it up in Year 2 and take the leap forward that any NFL team expects of a developing player as he continues to get more reps under his belt. So far, it sounds like Parrish is doing all the right things to ensure 2026 is a successful year. The fact that he has been preparing this long also shows the drive and hunger he has when it comes to having a good season and developing more as a player.

Buccaneers defense and Jacob Parrish face a tough matchup against Bengals WRs Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase

The matchup for Parrish against Higgins and Chase will be a tough one, though. As we all know, Parrish is a bit undersized. He’s under six feet tall, and both Higgins and Chase are bigger wideouts, especially Higgins, who is 6-foot-4, 220 pounds.

They each present a different skill set, as well. Chase is by far and away the best wide receiver after the catch, while Higgins is a big-bodied, physical target who can make contested catches and tough receptions over the middle.

Granted, Parrish does play bigger than his size, and he’s got long, lanky arms to help disrupt passes and keep balls from hitting their spots. But when it comes to the ball placement of Burrow and just how accurate he is, Parrish knows there is very little room for error.

“He can make any throw out there, man,” said Parrish. “It doesn’t matter if you’re in tight coverage; he’s still gonna have perfect ball placement. So knowing that, man, there’s gonna be good plays [and] bad plays. There’s always next play, (however), so that’s how I’m going to go out there on Sunday.”

Regardless, the fact of the matter remains: Parrish is doing the film work and the mental work to have a good game against the Bengals. Now he just has to show up and show out whenever kickoff happens on Sept. 13.