Emeka Egbuka Saves the Game, and the Day

A now five-year-long tradition was on the line as Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. scrambled for a four-yard touchdown, taking back a second lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 20-17. The time was ticking down, Bucs QB Baker Mayfield rifled drive after drive, pushing the offense to the 25-yard line. He rushes back to the 33rd yard line, surrounded by a Falcons defense. Deep in the end zone rushes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka as the clock strikes 59 seconds remaining. Mayfield launches the ball across the field and directly into the hands of Egbuka, securing the game and the tradition and making himself and Egbuka names to remember for the rest of the season. 

Today marks the Buccaneers' fifth year straight of winning their season opener. Along with this tradition come four previous division titles and hopefully one more. Today's game ended with a final score of 23-20 for the Bucs, who, after securing the touchdown, missed the extra point field goal and left the final moments of the game up to their defense. When the final 10 seconds hit, the Falcons were in field goal range to tie and go into overtime. Yonghoe Koo lined up for the 44-yard kick and missed. 

From one missed field goal to another, and a hard and long fought game, the Buccaneers reign victorious and make up for their two losses last year to the Falcons, thanks to Baker Mayfield's power and Emeka Egbuka's agility.