Bucs rookie Egbuka shines with 2 TDs and secures the victory

Emeka Egbuka: A Dream Debut with the Buccaneers

In his first NFL game, Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka proved his worth with a stellar performance, capped by a decisive touchdown that sealed the victory against the Atlanta Falcons. Egbuka, with 1:04 on the clock and the score 20-17 in favor of the Falcons, became the second player since the 1970 merger to achieve a game-winning touchdown reception in his first game, emulating Ernest Wilford of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

This was the second touchdown of the game for the former historic receiving leader from Ohio State, selected by the Bucs with the 19th pick in the 2025 draft.

“We shoot to kill,” declared Egbuka.

Emeka Egbuka

“Our goal was to score, not to seek a tie to go to overtime,” explained quarterback Baker Mayfield. The Buccaneers, who had suffered overtime defeats and at home against the Falcons the previous season, came out with determination. The offensive strategy, with five wide receivers and an empty backfield, was key. Egbuka, on a post route on the right side, found himself in single coverage, which allowed Mayfield to throw the perfect pass for the winning touchdown.

“You can’t ask for a better pass,” Egbuka stated. “I had to concentrate to catch it. It was a memorable moment.”

Emeka Egbuka

Egbuka, accustomed to the pressure of big stages, including the Mercedes Benz Stadium, where he led the Buckeyes to the college football national championship, demonstrated his composure and preparation.

“Movies, preparation, knowing the game and the confidence in the quarterback we had since August,” Egbuka said. “Baker threw a perfect ball, honestly, and made my job easier. Much credit to him and to God.”

Emeka Egbuka

In the match, the Bucs also lacked several key players, but Egbuka’s performance compensated for these absences. Mayfield, despite some issues with long passes and the Falcons’ blitzes, found a constant in Egbuka. The winning touchdown pass had a 24.9% success probability, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.

“He’s a true professional. He doesn’t play or act like a rookie. He made some incredible catches and plays for us today. Obviously, we’re going to keep trusting him,” Mayfield commented.

Baker Mayfield

Coach Todd Bowles highlighted Egbuka’s preparation for this moment, stating that the player was ready for the challenge.

“For him, this is nothing. They play much bigger games in ‘The Big House’. He played with such composure, and Baker [Mayfield] played with such composure,” Bowles concluded.

Todd Bowles