The Bucs are coming off their most impressive game of the 2026 season, beating the Cowboys 24-16. That led into a 10-day break that served as a mini-bye and a chance to reflect. They entered Sunday’s game against the Steelers needing a win to stay afloat and keep whatever hope they once had for the year alive.

At Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay let the game slip late. After trailing 16-3 in the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh came back to tie it up and won 26-19 in overtime. Here is what was most impressive for the Bucs in this one.

DT A’Shawn Robinson

It’s one thing for a defensive tackle to get one interception in a season. That is a feat in itself, being in the right position at the right time.

But two?!

A’Shawn Robinson’s first quarter interception of Aaron Rodgers was a key moment, as it gave the Bucs the ball at Pittsburgh’s 36. Robinson has unequivocally been Tampa Bay’s best offseason signing, as he has graded out as the best defensive tackle in the NFL through five games. It is hard to argue with that. He has become one of the defense’s best ballhawks and is a true tone-setter.

K Chase McLaughlin

Chase McLaughlin continues to be an automatic source of points and is the Bucs’ Most Valuable Player.

Bucs K Chase McLaughlin – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

That comes with understanding his high involvement correlates with Tampa Bay’s extensive offensive struggles. Regardless, McLaughlin connected on a 43-yard field to open the game’s scoring. He then added a 47-yard field goal in the second quarter, a 33-yard field goal in the third quarter and tied it up 19-19 with a clutch 53-yard field goal with 13 seconds left.

OLB David Walker

Todd Bowles has stated that the reason for David Walker not getting more snaps is because of run defense. Turns out Walker can do that, too. Bowles’ reasoning never made much sense, especially given the struggles Tampa Bay’s pass rush has had.

Walker had a key run stuff in the second quarter and also dropped back in coverage later in the drive and sniffed out a Germie Bernard screen to stall out the Steelers’ drive. Add in the impact he makes as a pass rusher, and it is glaringly obvious he deserves a starting workload.

Want another example, or two?

He recorded two sacks this afternoon, as he took down Aaron Rodgers in the third and fourth quarters. He now has a team-leading four sacks this season.

OLB Rueben Bain Jr.

We’ve all been waiting to see the Rueben Bain Jr. who made headlines in Bucs training camp. Bain’s performance and work ethic raised expectations for how he would hit the ground running in his rookie season, but he has struggled to put it together — until now.

It was a day for former Miami Hurricanes, as “Hurricane Bain” came sweeping through to bring down Aaron Rodgers on third-and-15 for his first NFL sack. That wasn’t the only big play Tampa Bay’s first-round pick contributed to, as he also deflected the ball on A’Shawn Robinson’s interception. This game served as a notice that Bain can play.

ILB Josiah Trotter

Josiah Trotter is one imposing player. I can’t talk enough about how well Trotter has played in his rookie season. After coming under fire, the decision by the Bucs’ front office to identify him as their guy has paid off. He has brought a jolt of physicality at the line of scrimmage with powerful hits. Trotter is a bruiser with a nose for the football, finishing with 11 tackles on Sunday. Tampa Bay firmly has its inside linebacker of the future, if that hasn’t been clear enough.