The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are currently experiencing a challenging phase in their season, having lost four out of their last five games. Their lead in the NFC South has diminished significantly as they look towards an important matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs’ offense has struggled recently, scoring 20 points or less in the past three games, resulting in a disappointing 1-2 record.
Bucs’ Offensive Struggles and Emeka Egbuka’s Performance
Quarterback Baker Mayfield has faced difficulties, failing to surpass 200 yards in passing for four consecutive games. A key contributor to this offensive lull is rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka. After a promising start, averaged 89.0 receiving yards in the first five weeks, Egbuka has recently seen a decline in performance.
Receivers Statistics
- Average receiving yards in first five weeks: 89.0
- Average receiving yards in last eight weeks: 45.1
- Targets per game in first five weeks: 7.6
- Targets per game in last eight weeks: 9.0
- Number of drops since Week 6: 6 (NFL-high)
- Catch percentage since Week 6: 40.3% (NFL-low, minimum 40 targets)
Despite these statistics, offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard expressed unwavering confidence in Egbuka’s abilities. Grizzard noted that the challenges faced by the rookie can often be underestimated, even by coaching staff. Egbuka has shown versatility by playing all three receiver positions, which adds to his promise as a player.
Coach’s Confidence in Egbuka
Grizzard emphasized Egbuka’s preparation and readiness to contribute. “He’s a very confident guy,” Grizzard stated, highlighting the player’s strong determination. The coach assured that the team plans to involve Egbuka more significantly in upcoming games, especially when the stakes are high.
As the Buccaneers prepare for their next game, all eyes will be on Egbuka. His ability to bounce back and perform under pressure could be crucial for Tampa Bay’s success moving forward.
