Tampa Bay Buccaneers facing defensive concerns, NFL insider

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have lost three games so far in the 2026 NFL regular season.

The franchise's early-season performance captured the attention of an NFL insider, who expressed concern about the Buccaneers’ defense and highlighted other challenges.

That’s the case for the League insider, analyst and reporter, Jason La Canfora, who said in an exclusive interview for Casino Guru News: "The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a major defensive problem now."

The insider and analyst acknowledged that the team’s defense is in the hands of Todd Bowles, a coach renowned for his extensive defensive expertise.

However, La Canfora explained: "Talked to a couple of people. One, an advanced scout who’s going to face the Bucks this year. He’s told me it does not look like that team is of one mindset on defense."

The award-winning NFL reporter, citing the League insider, explained there are "too many blown coverages" in the Buccaneers’ play, adding that there are "too many people running free in the middle of that field."

La Canfora continued, saying that the team isn’t playing with such cohesion, which is typically associated with the defense led by Bowles.

"That’s not what Todd Bowles believes in," he explained.

The NFL insider and analyst pointed to other challenges, questioning if the Buccaneers are getting enough in return from Baker Mayfield, the quarterback whose contract was reportedly extended for a whopping sum.

"And I had a general manager tell me before they signed Baker Mayfield for $55m a year, that if they sign Baker Mayfield, the quarterback, for $55m a year, they will probably quickly regret it," La Canfora said.

Focusing on Mayfield’s performance, the insider said that he was "off to a terrible start," and cited difficulties in pushing the ball downfield, raising further concerns.

"Mike Evans, the receiver, he’s done the most damage with his entire career. Baker Mayfield is now in San Francisco. Guess What? Like the AFC South, the NFC South is better than some people probably thought," La Canfora said in conclusion.

Image credit: Pixabay.com