Against the Seattle Seahawks in Week Five, rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in receiving with 163 yards and a touchdown but Tampa Bay also had key contributions from tight end Cade Otton and rookie receiver Tez Johnson at Lumen Field.
With four receptions for 81 yards in Week Five, Otton matched his second-highest regular season receiving total in a single game, trailing only his career high 100 receiving yards on 10/21/24 vs. Baltimore. Through the first four weeks of the 2025 slate, Otton primarily served in an unselfish blocking role to assist the offensive line on blitz pickups or to seal off run lanes. Whether a flag route on the opening possession for a gain of 28 yards, exploiting soft spots in zone, jumping over defenders for additional yardage or sealing the edge for Rachaad White to cross the goal line, Otton was proficient in the passing attack on Sunday. He helped set the tone and has been a consistent force for the Bucs on offense.
"We have some plays in for me every single week," noted Otton. "I think the game kind of dictates what coach calls. I just always want to be ready for when the ball comes my way. If the ball isn't going to come my way or I'm blocking, I want to do my job to the best of my ability. I just want to make the plays when they come to me."
Johnson, the Bucs' seventh-round pick in 2025, had his strongest outing since joining the Buccaneers, making four receptions for 59 yards. He showcased his shifty footwork, turning what would be a tackle for loss into a six-yard gain. Johnson later had a gain of eight yards off a Mayfield bootleg, where the signal-caller moved his landmark and found Johnson downfield. He showcased his suddenness and ability to adjust his timing of breaks to elude defenders. Both Otton and Johnson made an impact with run after catch to boost the offense's production in Week Five.
"Whatever it takes to help the team with my role whether big or small, just always staying positive so my goal is to go out there and to give my best ability and effort to the team," said Johnson.
