Emeka Egbuka And The Run Game
November 4th, 2026
Receiver Emeka Egbuka.
Is there a cause-and-effect that motivated the Bucs to go full-blown ground-and-pound the past two weeks?
Yeah, the Bucs claimed Sunday’s run-heavy game was due to the weather. The Joe typing here thought that was a convenient cover and the Bucs were going to run the ball rain or shine because the Bucs’ passing attack stinks worse than a port-a-potty in July, and the Bucs badly needed a division win.
In his podcast this week, former Bucs corner Aqib Talib also was suspicious of using the rain as an excuse to run the ball.
Two weeks ago the Bucs ran like crazy, too, and simply wiped out the Stinking Panthers.
Again, Joe applauds this offense, for now. The passing attack is wretched and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN has already said Bowles had a sitdown with Bucs offensive coordinator Zac Robinson to hash out a way to make the offense better.
They decided to lean into their strength, which is the offensive line and running backs. We’re seeing the results.
But then Joe saw from football data scientist Sam Hoppen that Emeka Egbuka is the most-targeted receiver on the Bucs. That may speak volumes about the pass game because Egbuka is having a bad season.
So if a struggling receiver is being given most of the targets, that could be a reason why the passing attack is flaccid.
Also, when the Bucs started going all Woody Hayes, remember that Egbuka missed both of those games, dealing with a concussion and a foot injury. Did the Bucs go ground-and-pound because Bowles ordered Robinson to change the offense, or did Robinson change the offense because the guy he targeted most in the passing game wasn’t available?
Team target share concentrations: pic.twitter.com/dBeP1V8ijc
— Sam Hoppen (@SamHoppen) November 3, 2026
November 4th, 2026 at 9:06 am
This was the plan when they hired Robinson. Ball control is the name of Bowles game. Now this is to the extreme side, but if you think their plan was ever to throw the ball more than 20 times a game it wasn’t. Play great D and run the ball has always been his style of football.
November 4th, 2026 at 9:07 am
Could it just be, because Falcons rarely stopped the runs and in sloppy conditions you play field position, smart move by Bucs. Not so much by Falcons, 4 interceptions and probably should of been 6.
People need to quit wringing their hands and talking to themselves, BUCS WON!
Al Davis…. JUST WIN BABY!
November 4th, 2026 at 9:14 am
I would guess Baker’s thumb has something to do with it, as well. I expect the passing game to improve. A lot of young receivers, bad protection, etc etc. All correctable from a group that’s done it well before.
November 4th, 2026 at 9:15 am
Egbuka was great out the gate and quickly fizzled out. We are screwed if he’s the center of our passing offense. He does not play tough, he is not that fast and has inconsistent hands. We need a true #1 WR because Egbuka is not that guy.
November 4th, 2026 at 9:20 am
All of the above. Keep running till someone stops it.
November 4th, 2026 at 9:22 am
Also you know when a oline doesn’t hold or allow sacks? When you run the ball.
Also running the ball keeps defense fresh and off the field!
November 4th, 2026 at 9:23 am
It’s a problem if he’s our most important receiver, because he catches less than half his targets
November 4th, 2026 at 9:29 am
i said it before and i’ll say it again…the eggman sucks…
he doesn’t really separate and is average with everything else…
his one bright spot is his brain, and that can actually help him succeed…
as he gains veteran status in the league he will probably get masterful at finding holes in the defense to drop into for easy receptions…he will become great at finding spot and holes…
that’s just who i think he is…
i actually thought mcmillan was going to become our #1 receiver this year…go figure…
hopefully tez can keep stepping up…otherwise we shockingly don’t have much of a receiver room…we went from stacked to out of stock like almost over night…how did this even happen
November 4th, 2026 at 9:31 am
and yes he looked simply amazing in his first 6 or so games in his career…like a world beater or something…
then poof……gone
November 4th, 2026 at 9:31 am
“the Bucs passing attack stinks worse than a porta potty in July”. Joe, you guys are some of the best football writers out there. And, as readers, we get the benefit of a good laugh while reading your overall solid reporting.
Let me help you out. Baker Mayfield has thrown 200 touchdown passes. He may very well throw 200 more. His.3 second release time is elite in the games history. His interception per pass is in hall of fame parameters. He’s got the best playoff passer rating in league history.
He’s a first pick and Heismann winner. He did something at Green Bay that no passer in NFL history has done- perfect! passer rating. Same at Seattle. 375 yards and less than 5 incompletions. 4 passers in history have thrown for 4500 yards and over 40 touchdowns and 70% completion in a season.
You silly reporters may think you’re kicking a dog while he’s down. Your error in thinking- Baker is not a dog, and he sure as hell ain’t down. He gave a Browns franchise hope for the first time in half a century. He followed Tom Brady and turned this franchise into a way better team than Brady finished with here.
Keep on kicking that dog, fellas. But stand back an extra step or two. Baker ain’t one of those dogs whose bark is worse than his bite. Just the opposite.
November 4th, 2026 at 9:35 am
Ever since last year’s bye, Mayfield has be very indecisive in the pocket. He waits, gets happy feet and runs around. I see other QBs drop back, plant that back foot and fire away — knowing the window will be there. Mayfield seems to need to wait until he sees a receiver open, which is way too late.
November 4th, 2026 at 9:35 am
Both EE and Hurst are really bad. Can’t get separation and can’t catch. CG and Otton need to be involved more in the passing game. I’d bring in the other receivers to see if they can make a difference but I think the play designs are also pretty bad. Zac doesn’t know how to call pass plays that take advantage of defensive formations. Zac was not the right OC for this team.
Bears game should be interesting, because the Bucs will not be able to run on them like Atl.
November 4th, 2026 at 9:43 am
Bucs are going to need their passing game to beat the Bears.
November 4th, 2026 at 9:48 am
Yes definately believe the weather played into the Bucs plans so they just kept running the ball. I don’t think EE is completely healthy and the foot injury is slowing him down. Yes, not understanding why Godwin is not more involved . Everyone said he looked great in training camp. He appears to be able to get open. Hurst is a rookie and playing that way presently. The Bucs need a passing game that they don’ appear to have. If Baker plays better that may help. However, as we all saw they won’t be able to just run the ball at Chicago. That team is explosive on offense and with JS at DT the defense is something. If the Bucs have no passing game this could be a blowout. It will definately be the Bucs biggest test. Another critical game imagine that!!
November 4th, 2026 at 9:58 am
gotta give CG a shot and see if he has anything left in the tank…with all due respect…he’s been thru it physically…
gotta use chris more…he is still a savvy pro…
and it’s time for hurst to stand up or sit him down…
bring up some hungry guys off the PS if necessary…guys who are willing to do anything to make it…guys who will “will” themselves to make a catch…
#ToWillNotToChill