Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 Takeaways from 42-14 loss to Tennessee Titans
By David Rumsey
Aug 24, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) works out prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Evans was desperately missed
Jameis Winston only got to play two preseason games with the Bucs best WR, Mike Evans, and never completed a pass to him. That didn’t change Sunday since Evans missed the game with his hamstring injury.
Evans practiced Friday but threats of rain and a sloppy field made the Bucs hold the second-year receiver out the game Sunday afternoon.
Once Evans gets back on the field it will definitely take some time for him and Winston to develop the right chemistry, but his return really can’t come soon enough for the Bucs. Even if the two aren’t on the same page, Evans’ presence in the offense will certainly help open things up for other playmakers.
Vincent Jackson was Winston’s primary target Sunday, earning 11 targets but only catching four of them for 51 yards. The Titans defense definitely knew Winston would be looking for Jackson and didn’t let the veteran beat them.
Jackson can certainly still be effective, but I think he will be at his best when the defense is more focused on keeping Mike Evans in check. If Evans can command doubles teams then not only will Jackson benefit but also Seferian-Jenkins and anyone else Winston may look for.
It felt like Evans was close to playing Sunday so hopefully Lovie Smith will let him play against the Saints indoors next week.