The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter their Week 10 bye with a 3-6 record and a passing offense that has struggled to produce consistently. Perhaps the most telling statistic is where their leading receiver ranks in the NFL.
According to Ira Kaufman, Emeka Egbuka leads Tampa Bay with 278 receiving yards through nine weeks, a total tied for just 80th among NFL receiving leaders.
The Buccaneers' official statistics confirm that Egbuka has 31 receptions for 278 yards and two touchdowns in seven appearances. Chris Godwin Jr. follows with 29 catches for 259 yards, while Tez Johnson has generated 254 yards on only 11 receptions.
Tampa Bay's passing struggles extend beyond its receivers
Egbuka's production has been affected by a foot injury that sidelined him for two games, but Tampa Bay's passing problems go well
beyond one player's availability.
The second-year receiver averaged 14.9 yards per reception during his 938-yard rookie season in 2025. That figure has dropped to 9.0 yards per reception this year, with his longest catch covering just 21 yards.
Godwin has appeared in all nine games, averaging 28.8 receiving yards per contest, while Johnson's 23.1 yards per reception demonstrate his ability to generate explosive plays despite limited opportunities.
Tampa Bay's quarterbacks have combined for 1,423 passing yards, six touchdowns and nine interceptions through nine games. The offensive line has also allowed 27 sacks, contributing to an offense that has struggled to sustain drives.
The Buccaneers have found considerably more success on the ground, totaling 1,475 rushing yards, including 582 combined against Carolina and Atlanta in Weeks 7 and 8. However, their reliance on the ground game has not translated into a winning record.
In Week 9 against Chicago, Baker Mayfield completed 18 of 32 passes for 243 yards but threw two interceptions in a 27-24 loss. Egbuka returned to the lineup and caught three passes for 38 yards, while Johnson led Tampa Bay with 76 receiving yards.
Head coach Todd Bowles has indicated that he will not change the offensive coaching staff or play-calling responsibilities during the bye week, leaving offensive coordinator Zac Robinson to address the team's shortcomings.
Tampa Bay has shown it can carry the offense on the ground for stretches, but a passing game without a 300-yard receiver for nine weeks remains a significant challenge. With eight games remaining, the Buccaneers need more consistent production from their receivers and quarterbacks to improve their position in the NFC South.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs' leading receiver ranks just 80th in NFL receiving yards
