Rookie receiver Ted Hurst dropped what very likely would have been the game-winning touchdown pass Sunday against the Browns on a dart of a throw from Baker Mayfield.
Hurst got two hands on the wet ball but couldn’t squeeze it.
Hurst also bobbled a sideline catch earlier in the game and didn’t secure it in bounds. He finished the afternoon against the Browns with 2 catches for 27 yards.
Head coach Todd Bowles was asked Monday on the team’s radio network what Hurst’s ceiling looks like after two games.
“I think it’s getting to be pretty good. Ted’s going to be a heck of a player for us. It’s only a matter of a time before he breaks out,” Bowles said. “His route running has been crisp. He’s been explosive off the ball. He blocks well. He has an outstanding catch radius. It’s just a matter of time before he catches fire.”
Of course, the Bucs are running out of time. Bowles and the Bucs needs wins in a hurry.
Today, Joe asked Bowles how Hurst’s confidence is after not catching the late end zone throw Sunday. Bowles said Hurst is not having a confidence issue.
Hurst led the Bucs in targets on Sunday with 7, and Joe expects the Bucs to again rely heavily on Hurst against the Vikings on Sunday. Hopefully, the break out game of which Bowles speaks is days hours away.