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Buccaneers at Chargers: Five Game-Changing Players

By Bailey Adams

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; A view of a Tampa Bay Buccaneers flag waved by fans at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; A view of a Tampa Bay Buccaneers flag waved by fans at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) stretches prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) stretches prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Mike Evans

Last week was just another step in the evolution of Mike Evans into a true NFL star. He caught eight passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns against a good Seattle defense. While lined up against a star in Richard Sherman, Evans showed that he’s still one of the most underrated receivers in the league. Dez Bryant, Antonio Brown, Odell Beckham and Julio Jones get a lot of attention from the national media, and deservedly so. But, no. 13 is proving that he belongs in the same company as those guys.

San Diego has given up 271 passing yards per game, which is tied for the sixth-highest average in the league. The Chargers’ defense is good against the run, so the Bucs may look to air it out on Sunday. As a result, Evans will get a lot of targets. If he does, it will be another big day production-wise for the third-year receiver.

In Sunday’s win over the Seahawks, Evans went over 1,000 yards on the season, becoming just the fourth wide receiver in NFL history to start a career with three straight 1,000-yard seasons. Jameis Winston especially likes to look his way on third downs, which has made him the league-leader in third down catches. The Bucs will surely continue to feature the 2014 first-round pick this week against the Chargers, and if he can stay consistent, things could easily be swung in their favor.

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