Bucs rookie wide receiver emerged onto the scene yesterday with a strong performance. The rookie out of Ohio State burst onto the scene yesterday when he stepped up in place of an injured Chris Godwin Jr. and Jalen McMillan. He secured an impressive four catches for 67 yards and two touchdowns, and the final score was the one that put Tampa Bay on top for good.
His performance was not only impressive, but it was historic, as one account pointed out on social media.
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According to the NFL, 345 of the league’s communications department, Egbuka became the second player since the 1970 merger to record a game-winning TD reception with under a minute remaining in regulation or OT in their first career game. He joins Ernest Wilford, who did it in 2004, for the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Buffalo Bills in what was also a road game.
The Bucs hope that Wilford fares a bit better than he did in 2004, as that was half of his touchdown production that season in Week 1.
In the opener against the Falcons, however, the rookie showcased he has the trust of his quarterback and coaching staff to be used in critical situations like that. He is likely to keep that role with both Godwin and McMillan out, and until proven otherwise, he should be allowed to.
Jason Licht may have hit on another first-round pick if this was any indication of things.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs’ Emeka Egbuka joined the history books with strong performance