The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered what could end up being one of the more embarrassing losses of the entire NFL season on Sunday, coming from ahead to fall to the Deshaun Watson-led Cleveland Browns 23-19.

Watson threw for over 230 passing yards on the day with a pair of second-half touchdowns while outdueling the man he replaced in Cleveland, Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield. Mayfield struggled for much of the game, overthrowing intended receivers and missing an open Emeka Egbuka in the end zone on fourth down in the final seconds.

Beyond the struggles of Mayfield and the offense, there was plenty of blame to go around. That includes on the defensive side of the ball, where the Bucs failed at all three levels of the defense in key parts of the game.

Reuben Bain, Jr. has been invisible through 2 weeks

Included in that is 2026 first-round draft pick and starting edge rusher Reuben Bain Jr. The former Miami Hurricane showed a lot of potential and made plenty of splash plays in training camp and in the preseason. However, Bain has effectively been on a milk carton through the first two weeks of the season.

According to Pro Football Focus, Bain has generated just two QB pressures with no sacks so far on the young season. For a player Tampa Bay drafted to be a difference maker off the edge, those numbers are not going to cut it.

Todd Bowles addresses whether injury is a factor in Bain’s performance

Bucs coach Todd Bowles was asked on Monday morning after the loss if a sprained AC joint Bain was dealing with in the preseason might be a culprit in his struggles, as some on social media have speculated. Bowles did not dismiss that theory directly but said Bain is still healthy enough to play.

“He says it’s not,” Bowles said of whether his prior shoulder injury is affecting Bain. “I mean, I don’t think he’s completely healthy, but at the same time he’s good enough to play, so we’ve got to get more production there.”

It’s interesting that Bain mentioned him not being completely healthy. But even if Bain is hurting, there really is no excuse for Bain or any other player dealing with injuries in the NFL. The NFL is a results-based league, injuries and/or aches and pains are a part of the game for everyone, and excuses are worth nothing at this level.

Minnesota presents a tough test

Bowles, Bain, and the rest of the defense are going to have to figure out how to get home on some quarterback rushes and affect the passer better than they did on Sunday and in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The challenge gets no easier on Sunday, as the 2-0 Minnesota Vikings come to Raymond James Stadium. The Vikings will also have their elusive starting quarterback Kyler Murray back under center after he missed Week 2 with a concussion.