Murphy flourishes in his first game back with Bucs The Tampa Tribune, published 30 September 2014 All Louis Murphy could do was stay in shape, keep thinking positive thoughts and hope the Buccaneers brain trust didn’t forget about him. The former University of Florida standout took care of the first two elements, and Tampa Bay management handled the rest, bringing Murphy back on Tuesday, 17 days after releasing him on the brink of the season opener against Carolina. With little practice time, Murphy took his frustrations out on the Steelers on Sunday, leading the Bucs with six catches for 99 yards. “It was tough (being cut), I can’t lie,’’ Murphy said. “I knew this team had what it takes to win, and I’m just glad to be part of all this. I got the call, thanks to management, and I didn’t want to let the guys down.’’ Five of Murphy’s receptions came after rookie receiver Mike Evans was sidelined by a groin injury late in the third quarter. Mike Glennon kept looking for the St. Petersburg native, and Murphy kept getting open. “He was unreal,’’ Bucs general manager Jason Licht said. “I can’t think of another player that came onto a club and in less than one week had the kind of impact Louis Murphy had today.’’ Included among Murphy’s five catches in the fourth quarter was a 41-yard grab in the final minute that set up Tampa Bay at the Pittsburgh 5-yard line. Three snaps later, Glennon found Vincent Jackson for the game-winning touchdown pass. “Louis stepped up and made big plays,’’ Jackson said. “He’s a good football player.’’ Murphy, 27, is playing for his fourth team since being selected by Oakland in the fourth round of the 2009 draft. “We talked about that play in practice,’’ said Murphy, who found an open seam down the middle. “We knew they were going to run a Cover 2 late, and that hole was going to be open. They made a great call.’’ In his rookie season with the Raiders, Murphy burned the Steelers for two touchdown catches, including a late game-winner from Bruce Gradkowski as Oakland rallied for a 27-24 triumph at Heinz Field. On Sunday, Gradkowski looked on from the Pittsburgh sideline as Ben Roethlisberger’s backup. “It just feels good to be back with the team,’’ Murphy said. “Don’t forget, our defense stopped them and gave us a chance to win. There’s something about this place for me — it’s electric.’’ Murphy’s teammates marveled at his immediate contributions for a previously winless team desperate for a spark. “Did you see his passion out there?’’ asked Bucs rookie tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins. “The guy just got here, but he stayed in shape and waited for another opportunity. Everyone made big plays today, especially Louis Murphy.’’ In a sense, Murphy capitalized on a rapport he developed with Glennon during training camp, when both players appeared destined to be bit players. “We have a good connection, and I was happy when we brought him back,’’ Glennon said. “It’s just awesome for him. He texted me a week ago, and I asked him what he was up to. He didn’t mention the Bucs, and next thing you know, he’s in there making a big catch that set up the game-winning touchdown.’’