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Rookie Emeka Egbuka Lifts Buccaneers With Last-Minute TD in 23–20 Win Over Falcons

Injuries to Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan elevated him into Tampa Bay’s No. 2 receiving role to start the season.

Overview

  • In his NFL debut, the No. 19 pick caught four passes for 67 yards and two touchdowns, including the 25-yard go-ahead score with 59 seconds remaining.
  • Tampa Bay’s missed extra point set up late drama before Atlanta’s Younghoe Koo missed a 44-yard field goal that would have forced overtime.
  • The former Ohio State standout became just the second player since 1970 to record a go-ahead TD in the final minute of his first NFL game.
  • Baker Mayfield and coach Todd Bowles lauded Egbuka’s poise and professionalism, with Mayfield calling the rookie “the real deal.”
  • Early analysis floated Egbuka as an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate, and the 1–0 Buccaneers visit the Texans on Monday night, Sept. 15.