Bucs vs. Eagles: Most Impressive In Week 4

Coming out to attempt a 65-yard field goal, there was not much thought that he would actually make it. Instead, McLaughlin’s kick had just enough power to go through the uprights, making it a 24-6 game. That kick tied him with Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey for the second-longest field goal in NFL history, and it is safe to say it will be a record that is always safely written in the Bucs’ history books. It is also worth noting that it was the longest outdoor kick ever made, with the others being in domed stadiums.

In the fourth quarter, “Money McLaughlin” then connected on a 58-yarder, which was a chip shot by comparison.

He is now 8-for-9 on field goal attempts over the past two games, and any concerns about him can safely be put to rest.

WR Emeka Egbuka

What can’t this rookie sensation do?!

Stepping into the shoes as the Bucs’ top wide receiver in this one as Chris Godwin Jr. was making his season debut, Emeka Egbuka made a huge play in the third quarter. It was only a one-play drive for the offense, as quarterback Baker Mayfield launched the ball to Egbuka down the right sideline over two defenders. After each of them failed to make a play on the football, it was full steam ahead for Egbuka to the end zone for a 77-yard touchdown.

The rookie showed great concentration to track the ball in, and from there, it was off to the races. With that touchdown, Egbuka set a new franchise record for the most receiving touchdowns through four career games.

RB Bucky Irving

Bucky Irving spent much of Sunday afternoon battling. Irving was fighting through injury much of the game, but then he came through with another big offensive play late in the third quarter. The dynamic running back followed up Emeka Egbuka’s 77-yard touchdown with a 72-yard receiving touchdown of his own.

Baker Mayfield found Irving deep along the left sideline, hitting him in stride. Despite not being 100%, the running back found another gear and found the end zone to make it a 31-20 game. That put him over 100 all-purpose yards on the game, as he finished with five receptions for 102 receiving yards and added 15 carries for 63 rushing yards.

Returner Kameron Johnson

The main reason why Kameron Johnson made this Bucs team was for his special teams ability, receiving the nod to be the primary returner after looking dynamic throughout the offseason. That has carried over to the regular season.

Johnson first had an electrifying 44-yard kickoff return that was negated due to outside linebacker Anthony Nelson having a holding penalty on special teams. No. 19 would not be denied on his punt return in the third quarter, though. Fielding it from his own 14-yard line, Johnson slipped through a wave of Eagles’ defenders for a 46-yard punt return. Initially it appeared a flag would again thwart his efforts, but it was picked up and gave the Bucs the ball at the Philadelphia 40-yard line.

Later on in the fourth quarter, Johnson added to his return totals by ripping off a 27-yard return. Although he has yet to make an impact on offense, Johnson has been one of the few bright spots on special teams.

DT Vita Vea

The Bucs’ pass rush failed to record a sack in the first half, but it was a different story in the second half of action. Defensive tackle Vita Vea took over with two sacks on Jalen Hurts at critical times.

Vea’s first sack came on a second-and-13, which then made it a third-and-22 and resulted in the first stop for the defense. Then, the big nose tackle came through again. On a third-and-8 two drives later, Vea again wrapped up Hurts to give the offense the ball back. Without Calijah Kancey, the four-man pass rush has taken a big hit, with more added to Vea’s plate to not only be a run stopper but bring opposing quarterbacks down.

Mission accomplished on Sunday.

CB Benjamin Morrison

Now that Benjamin Morrison is factoring more into the Bucs’ defensive picture, he has shown glimpses of promise that made him the team’s second-round pick. Morrison finished the game with three tackles, including one where he laid out Eagles wide receiver Devonta Smith.

More impressively, Morrison held his own against Smith and A.J. Brown. On a third-and-10 in the fourth quarter, “B-Mo” broke up a pass intended for Brown to get a defensive stop. It was an impressive showing for the rookie.