The disappointment surrounding the 2026 Bucs reached a boiling point entering Sunday’s game. Frustration over Tampa Bay’s underwhelming 1-5 record has simmered for weeks, and the team’s last chance at digging itself out of an early-season hole came Sunday against the Panthers.
They put their best foot forward with a season-best effort in Carolina. They steamrolled the current NFC South leaders 43-13, looking hungry to go on a run and stack wins. An unbelievable effort across the board makes this week’s most disappointing column an extreme shortlist.
ILB SirVocea Dennis
One defensive wrinkle Todd Bowles implemented with promising results against the Steelers was running 4-3 defensive looks with Christian Rozeboom as an extra linebacker. With Rozeboom landing on injured reserve this past week, SirVocea Dennis took over his responsibilities in that package.
As soon as Dennis took the field, a 34-year-old Darren Waller exposed him.
The Panthers answer!
Bryce Young connects with Darren Waller for a 50-yard touchdown!
📺: FOX/FOX One pic.twitter.com/5rHghBbZV0
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 25, 2026
On a day where just about everything went right for Tampa Bay, this was the one play the defense wished it had back. Seeing Waller outrun Dennis down the seam was embarrassing. Being that this was one of the only disappointing moments of the game, this only drives home the fact that Dennis’ days in red and pewter are numbered.
Drafted as a fifth-round pick in 2023, he had every chance to stake his claim at a long-term starting role last season. Given that he failed to play well enough to remain a starter this season and then was burnt when he did get some playing time? That does not help his cause.
Where’s Bucs WR Ted Hurst III?
This isn’t to knock Zac Robinson, but rather a general observation and the fact I have to write something here.
Bucs WR Ted Hurst – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Ted Hurst III was targeted once, and the result was him drawing a 21-yard pass interference penalty. Zac Robinson sought to control the time of possession by establishing the run, which made Tez Johnson the leading receiver with two catches for 33 yards. Hurst did not record a catch, and I wanted to see what he could do with Emeka Egbuka being out.
No one should be complaining about the result, but this was one of the first true opportunities for Tampa Bay’s third-round pick to breakout.
That time will come eventually, but the breakout is put on hold.
Adam Slivon has covered the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for five seasons at PewterReport.com, serving as a Bucs beat writer, social media manager, and podcaster. He joined Pewter Report as an intern during the 2022 season while studying Sport Management at the University of Tampa, graduating in May 2023. His reporting includes covering practices and press conferences, conducting exclusive player interviews, and breaking news on the Bucs.
In addition to his written coverage, Adam regularly appears on the Pewter Report Podcast, hosts a weekly YouTube series, Top 10 Takeaways, and manages Pewter Report's social media platforms.
A Wisconsin native, Adam spent his entire childhood growing up on a farm. In his free time, he enjoys watching the Brewers and playing sports video games. His Pewter Report colleagues call him "Sly" - which is a fitting nickname for someone whose favorite actor is Sylvester Stallone.
Follow Adam on X at @AdamLivsOn.
Bucs Dominate All Three Phases In 43-13 Win Over Panthers
Bucs at Panthers: Most Impressive In Week 7
