Simply Success Newsroom

Bucs Rookie Jalon Daniels Says Overtime Loss Won’t Shake Team’s Confidence

Oct. 19, 2026

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels says the team’s confidence remains intact following Sunday’s 26 to 19 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Raymond James Stadium.

The Buccaneers held a 16 to 3 lead entering the fourth quarter before Pittsburgh rallied, scoring on five consecutive possessions to force overtime and claim the win. The defeat dropped Tampa Bay to 1 and 5 on the season. Head Coach Todd Bowles said afterward that the team no longer has any margin for error, while also expressing faith that his close locker room would hold together.

Daniels echoed that message. Speaking after the game, he said the loss would not affect the team’s energy or belief, adding that allowing results to dictate daily habits would mean conceding defeat before the next game begins. He said the team would review its mistakes on film and turn its attention immediately to Carolina.

Daniels has started the last three games after veteran Baker Mayfield dislocated the thumb on his throwing hand in Week Three against Minnesota. Tampa Bay went 1 and 2 in those starts, highlighted by a strong Thursday night performance in Dallas in Week Five. Daniels acknowledged he was not satisfied with the record but said the experience of playing alongside established NFL playmakers convinced him he can compete at the professional level.

The Buccaneers now travel to Charlotte for their first NFC South matchup of the season against the 3 and 2 Panthers, who won the division last year on a tiebreaker over Tampa Bay and Atlanta. Mayfield returned to practice this week, and team updates on Friday indicated he is expected to start Sunday, though he is listed as questionable on the injury report.

Following Carolina, the Buccaneers return home to host the Atlanta Falcons on Nov. 1.

Quotes provided by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers