The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were dealt a reality check against the New England Patriots in their 28-23 loss in Week 10, and it shines a light on how crucial it is for teams to be all across the little details during a game.
The Buccaneers detailed how time and time again it was the little things that hurt them in the loss to New England, and in a game where the NFL world was waiting to see how "real" the Buccaneers' Super Bowl hopes were, they got dented.
For ESPN's Seth Walder, he has put all 32 teams into playoff tiers, and for Tampa Bay, he's put them in tier 4, named "Likely in, barring collapse."
"Quarterback Baker Mayfield's hot start to the season and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka's emergence as a serious Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate have the Buccaneers 14th in EPA per play despite a rash of injuries," Walder wrote. "That should be enough to get Tampa Bay, which leads the NFC South, back to the playoffs, and the Bucs have a manageable schedule the rest of the way."
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Do the Buccaneers' playoff hopes rest on Egbuka?
For a rookie to have that much pressure on his shoulders isn't good, but given the injuries to other receivers in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan, Egbuka is the last one standing.
And he's played like a star.
He leads the Buccaneers in yards (677), touchdowns (six), receptions (40), and targets (76) and is coming off another 100-yard game against the Patriots, his third of the season. And as odd as it sounds, Emeka will likely have to continue this sort of form to help Baker Mayfield and the passing game.
I think Walder is right. Barring a collapse (or more injuries to the offense), the Buccaneers should be in the playoffs.
But there is still a long way to go, and one thing we know about the NFL is that anything can happen.
More Buccaneers news:
- When is Bucky Irving coming back?
- Drake Maye outduels Buccaneers counterpart in battle of MVP contenders
- Emeka Egbuka's baseball career draws attention thanks to Mariners' old post
- 2026 NFL Draft team needs for the NFC South after the trade deadline