TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Emeka Egbuka caught a deep ball that sailed through two defenders and raced toward the end zone before slowing down at the 1, turning around and walking backward to complete a 77-yard touchdown catch.

The rookie wide receiver had an impressive first month with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Egbuka has 18 receptions for 282 yards and four touchdowns. He leads all rookies in yards and TDs.

With Mike Evans sidelined by a hamstring injury, the Buccaneers (3-1) are counting on Egbuka even more. His long TD catch sparked a rally against the Eagles last week that fell short.

The Buccaneers had other needs when it was their turn to pick 19th in the first round of the NFL draft. But they couldn’t pass up Egbuka, who had a stellar career at Ohio State.

He’s lived up to expectation

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