Buccaneers’ Rookie WR Faces Challenges With Injury-Plagued Offense

Buccaneers’ rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka got off to a strong start, putting up 25 catches for 445 yards and five touchdowns in his first five games.

Egbuka was a huge factor in the Buccaneers’ early success this season. This earned him national recognition and helped the team to a 5-1 start despite the offense’s injury issues.

However, his production has dropped over the past six games.

Since Week 5, Egbuka has struggled, posting 23 catches for 304 yards and just one touchdown. His production has dropped off significantly, averaging 18 fantasy points per game in Weeks 1-5, but just 8 per game from Weeks 6-12.

Egbuka’s recent struggles continued in the Buccaneers’ loss to the Rams, where he was held to three catches for 32 yards, with most of that coming on a late-game deep shot from Teddy Bridgewater.

So What Has Changed For Egbuka?

Egbuka’s decline coincides with the Buccaneers’ offensive woes. The team’s injury issues have taken a toll, and the OL has been decimated.

The Buccaneers are also missing key players like Bucky Irving, Mike Evans, and Chris Godwin, who’ve been limited by injuries. With Egbuka becoming a primary target, opponents have adjusted their game plans accordingly.

Baker Hasn’t Been Baking Either 

Mayfield’s early success was short-lived this season, as he’s struggled with a shoulder injury.

Since week 6 Mayfield has had accuracy issues, and declining efficiency. His early exit in the Rams game, replaced by Teddy Bridgewater, further disrupted the Buccaneers’ offense and impacted Egbuka’s rhythm.

It’s unrealistic to expect a rookie WR to carry the offense, especially with a struggling O-line and QB situation. Egbuka’s stats reflect the challenges he’s faced.

Egbuka’s been less involved in the offense, with fewer big plays, more contested targets, and a drop in scoring opportunities, mirroring the Buccaneers’ overall struggles.

Defenses have adjusted, knowing they can shut down the Buccaneers’ run game and a healthy Mike Evans isn’t a factor. Taking away Egbuka is now a key part of stopping Tampa’s offense.

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Egbuka remains the Buccaneers’ top WR and leads all rookies in TD catches. The return of Bucky Irving could give Tampa’s offense a much-needed boost, taking pressure off Egbuka. He also gets a favorable schedule, with six straight games that should be good for fantasy production.

Egbuka’s upcoming schedule is promising, with matchups against the Cardinals, Saints, Panthers (twice), and Dolphins – all teams with bottom-10 defenses.

Mayfield’s status is the big question mark now. He’s has a low-grade shoulder sprain, and if all goes well, he could be back in action against the Cardinals on Sunday.

The Buccaneers’ offense is looking to get back to full strength soon, with Chris Godwin back and Bucky Irving potentially returning, Baker Mayfield’s injury status improving, and Mike Evans expected back in the near future.

The BR Rub 

To be fair, Egbuka’s game is more suited for catching and running, not necessarily

He has the potential to be a huge yards after catch guy. But he doesn’t have the physique to do what Mike Evans does. Egbuka is 4 inches shorter and nearly 30 pounds lighter. Because of this size difference, Egbuka struggles on 50/50 balls, fades, and catching in traffic.

Egbuka’s role with the Buccaneers needs to be that receiver that’s running free with coverage trailing him. Think of him as the Bucs Tyreek Hill, just a bit slower.