Winners and losers from the Buccaneers' Week 5 win over the Seahawks

WINNER: Baker Mayfield and Emeka Egbuka’s chemistry

If there is one thing that is driving the Bucs’ 4-1 record this season, it is the connection between Baker Mayfield and rookie WR Emeka Egbuka. Mayfield was perfect when targeting Egbuka, who accounted for 163 of Mayfield’s 379 passing yards (43%). Egbuka also had five of Tampa Bay’s ten longest plays, including a 57-yard bomb to set up Tampa Bay’s second touchdown.

EMEKA EGBUKA HAS DONE IT AGAIN!

The rookie’s 5th TD of the season puts the @Buccaneers ahead

TBvsSEA on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/d5BwfXXNQi

— NFL (@NFL) October 5, 2025

Just five games into his NFL career, Egbuka is currently Tampa Bay’s top wide receiver, at least in Mike Evans’ absence and while Chris Godwin works his way back from last year’s ankle injury. He is also a leading candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year and is already one of the best receivers in the NFL. Much of the success can be credited to Mayfield, who is playing the best football of his career and has complete faith in his young receiver.

LOSER: Tampa Bay’s defense

There is no way to spin Tampa Bay’s defensive performance against Seattle. They were just plain terrible for the majority of the game, allowing 461 total yards and five touchdowns while forcing just one punt. If not for a Jalen Milroe fumble off an ill-advised option pitch and a late Sam Darnold interception, the Bucs defense may as well have not been on the field.

The defense was not put in the best position to succeed as the Seahawks were unfazed by any of Todd Bowles’ blitzes. However, that does not explain how the Bucs looked physically outmatched, particularly in the run game. They allowed 6.1 yards per carry, the most since last year’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens and sixth-worst since Bowles began coaching Tampa Bay’s defense.

The only saving grace was Lavonte David’s interception in the final minute. Without this turnover, it is likely Darnold and the Seahawks offense would have easily gotten into position to kick their own game-winning field goal. It was the high-leverage play the Bucs needed, but it belied the overall disappointing play of the entire group.

WINNER: Tez Johnson

If having Emeka Egbuka emerge as a top NFL receiver was not enough, the Bucs also have 2025 sixth-round pick Tez Johnson looking like a legitimate weapon. Johnson was Tampa Bay’s second-most productive wide receiver against Seattle, catching four passes for 59 yards. His change of direction was on full display as he avoided several tackles and even inadvertently led Seahawks CB Nehemiah Pritchett to take himself and his own teammate LB Earnest Jones IV out. With Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan still out and Chris Godwin shaking off rust from his time rehabbing his ankle, Johnson is making the most of his opportunities and proving he deserves a big role in Tampa Bay’s offense.

LOSER: Kick coverage

Every week this year, Tampa Bay’s special teams have been a liability in some way. This week, it was the Bucs’ kick coverage, which allowed three returns of at least 40 yards and 28 28-yard return average. The long returns set up three of Seattle’s five touchdowns. While the Bucs avoided more catastrophic special teams plays, the unit continues to have problems that put added pressure on the other units. If this problem does not get addressed, it could end up costing the Bucs when it matters most.