“Grade Inflation” Of Emeka Egbuka
June 10th, 2026
Interesting data cobbled together by the ESPN stats gremlins.
For those unaware, BSPN invests untold millions into its stats team that produces all kinds of analytics to share with content-production people, so they can inform the public and try to sound crazy smart.
Mina Kimes shared a slice of the data today on her podcast. She was exploring and explaining why she considers receiver Emeka Egbuka a major X-factor for Tampa Bay this season.
Kimes’ deduction is that Ebuka is not a Mike Evans replacement and shouldn’t be treated as such.
Egbuka, ranked 22nd in yards per route run against zone last season, Kimes noted, but only 61st against man coverage. Against “off” coverage, Egubka checked in at 17th in the NFL; against press he was 64th, per Kimes.
The data backs up that Egbuka is a heck of a zone receiver, Kimes insisted, noting he “actualy ate up [Patriots Pro Bowl cornerback Christian] Gonzalez a little bit underneath when he was playing zone” during the Bucs-Patriots game in November.
However, Egbuka had “grade inflation” because his early success was against second-rate cornerbacks, Kimes said, claiming she studied “all Egbuka targets from the first five weeks.”
Joe’s not down on Egbuka or thinking he’s overrated. He’s strong, versatile, talented and certainly on the rise. A good offensive coordinator should be able to craft a fantastic passing offense with the Bucs’ weapons barring another barrage of injuries.
June 10th, 2026 at 10:46 am
“Egbuka, ranked 22nd in yards per route run against zone last season, Kimes noted, but only 61st against man coverage”
Guess who else has a history of struggling against man coverage
June 10th, 2026 at 11:00 am
The red zone offense against man coverage last year was poor with Grizz calling plays and Evans missing time. Hopefully Zac can call better plays. Hurst and the TEs should be good against man in the red zone. Hopefully EE will improve under Zac.
June 10th, 2026 at 11:22 am
Kimes’ deduction is that Ebuka is not a Mike Evans replacement and shouldn’t be treated as such.
BINGO…unfortunately
GO BUCS!!!!
June 10th, 2026 at 11:27 am
Put Hurst at X and get the other CB1 to cover him, and all our WR’s will shine.
Hurst may struggle in that scenario for a bit, but he’s the best suited to best a CB1.
June 10th, 2026 at 11:33 am
You are what you are until you prove you are better
June 10th, 2026 at 11:37 am
The Detroit game is where people started playing man against us, our fortunes changed after that
June 10th, 2026 at 11:39 am
I guess it was just a coincidence that just after seeing him with a wrap around his waste going all down his leg his production dropped off.
June 10th, 2026 at 11:42 am
I agree Egbuka is not a replacement for Mike Evans. No one can replace Mike Evans. You don’t replace family.
You just produce new generations.
Egbuka is…Egbuka. His effort and production will determine his career and legacy. In 10-12 years, a new WR for a new generation will come in and take over for Egbuka.
June 10th, 2026 at 12:26 pm
Egbuka doesn’t need to replace Mike. He only needs to be Egbuka. That will be enough. There are plenty of other weapons surrounding him. He doesn’t have to be a hero, just do his job. The talent is there if the scheme is right.
June 10th, 2026 at 1:02 pm
Everything is predicated on injury recovering and improved play calling by seasoned play caller Robinson. That in itself should make that Bucs the favorites for their division. If the defense improves and injuries are not like last year the Bucs could get to the go deep into the playoffs.
June 10th, 2026 at 1:18 pm
man some of you must have a daily quota you have to meet to post on here
June 10th, 2026 at 1:24 pm
Evens was good when he played! ,he missed 12 games the last 2 seasons Time to move on ! NO doubt this years team will be better Eggys time now !
June 10th, 2026 at 2:26 pm
EE is the man until he isn’t.
That’s when McMillan or Godwin or Hurst take over.
With a little Tez sprinkled in.
Not worried.
June 10th, 2026 at 2:38 pm
WBLsays, would that other player that has trouble with man defenses be the QB seeking a big play raise? The same QB who craters against man but tops the ratings against zones?
June 10th, 2026 at 2:54 pm
Mike Evans is a first ballot HOF’er, who is a physical freak at over 6′ 5″ and 230lbs with extra long arms.
e2, as we said when he was drafted, is much more of a Godwin clone – which means he’s really really good, but no, not at Mike Evans level. e2 also had a very high floor, and he’s already outperformed that.
One thing to keep in mind, in addition to Baker’s awful play from week 7-17, is a reminder that e2 was a rookie – and still has a lot of room to improve.
But for 2026, I’ll stick with Godwin being the #1 for as long as he’s healthy.
And, as I’ve pointed out before, at the end of 2025, on tape, the best WR on the field for either team was Jalen McMillan – he looked awesome. He really reminded me of JSN over those last few games. He looked so crisp and quick in everything he was doing. I don’t know if it was more about him being fresh and going up against worn out opponents, but if he can look like that next year, wow!
June 10th, 2026 at 2:55 pm
@OkieJim
That same one, that same one that crumbles against anything single high looks w/simulated pressures. Guesses wrong, next thing you know Dee Alford or Alontae Taylor is running off with the ball and our scoring opportunity
June 10th, 2026 at 5:28 pm
Seattle won a super Bowl without Mike Evans; KC won several super bowls without Mike Evans; Philadelphia won a super bowl without Mike Evans. What’s the point?
June 10th, 2026 at 8:45 pm
I never thought he was that great either. S No, 2 WR but not great.
June 10th, 2026 at 8:49 pm
Rod Much, Baker’s play wasn’t awful but the Buc WR’s were. Dropping passes, quitting routes, bad route running, not being aggressive for balls. It’s all there to see on tape.
June 10th, 2026 at 9:40 pm
Duane Davis Says:
June 10th, 2026 at 8:49 pm
Rod Much, Baker’s play wasn’t awful but the Buc WR’s were. Dropping passes, quitting routes, bad route running, not being aggressive for balls. It’s all there to see on tape.
————
Please stick your head into the blade of a running lawnmower – it’s really fun, like a light tickle… Try it and see!
Actually based on how dumb and low IQ your comment is, you might just do that. So I’ll make clear, it doesn’t feel like a tickle, it’s more like one of those massage chairs at the mall. It’s fantastic, give it a go and let me know what you think.
God bless.
June 11th, 2026 at 2:00 am
Wow Rod Munch, I sincerely hope you felt some regret soon after hitting submit on the above comment. You can disagree with others’ opinions, but that kind of language is unwarranted.
June 11th, 2026 at 2:04 am
Tired Legs had his flash in the pan. If he has a Michael Clayton career from here on, that’s the upside.
June 11th, 2026 at 8:47 am
Munch please get back on your MDS Meds! Mayfield Derangement Syndrome has taken over Your Life!
June 11th, 2026 at 9:58 am
Worth mentioning that he’s not the guy drawing up the plays. Egbuka was only 61st against man coverage under Grizzard. If he’d been in a different OC’s offense, he probably would have had a different result.
I’m not saying he’s quit-on-his-team-for-less-money 2.0, but we shouldn’t assume he can’t be, either.
June 11th, 2026 at 6:31 pm
WR3