Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield scouts Emeka Egbuka in Seahawks win 'one of one!'

Adam Schultz

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Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield scouts Emeka Egbuka in Seahawks win 'one of one!' image

© Steven Bisig

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka continues to make a mockery of the NFL as his 163-yard game helped power his team past the Seattle Seahawks 38-35 at Lumen Field.

With Mike Evans and Bucky Irving out, coupled with Chris Godwin slowly making his return to football after his nasty ankle injury, it has been Egbuka who has been counted on by Baker Mayfield, and through five weeks, he's answered the call.

But seven receptions for 163 yards and a touchdown against Seattle's stout defense? Yeah, that's special.

For Mayfield, when asked if he has ever seen a rookie receiver come in and do what Emeka has done through five weeks, he gave a short answer.

“Never,” Mayfield said. “He's kind of one of one."

But what makes Egbuka so good so early in his career?

“He's just well-rounded and not just in football, in life," Mayfield added. "I think he's grounded. I think he's just genuine in everything he does. He's intentional, and you just don't see that often, and especially as a rookie with the talent that he has, you really don't see it often.”

More: Buccaneers' Todd Bowles gives glowing praise for Rachaad White after Seahawks win

Emeka Egbuka a top offensive weapon for Mayfield

Given the injuries to the offensive personnel, Egbuka has had at least four receptions in each game, and he is making the most of his opportunities.

One can only imagine what this offense will look like when Godwin and Evans both return, and Mayfield will have a genuine three-headed monster at his disposal. Until then, it will be the Egbuka show in the passing game as Josh Grizzard has been dialing up the plays to get his rookie involved early and often.

Tampa Bay is 4-1, and one big reason is the play of Mayfield; the other is the play of Egbuka.

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Adam Schultz

Adam Schultz is a freelance writer at The Sporting News. An Australian journalist with years of experience covering the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL, Adam has interviewed several high-profile athletes in Australia for various sites and brings a unique view on the NFL.