Buccaneers at Saints: Five game-changing players for Week 9

Mike Evans

Week 8 was a forgettable one for stud receiver Mike Evans. In the Bucs’ 17-3 loss to the Panthers, he caught just five of his 10 targets for 60 yards. All of that production came in the second half, as he was held without a catch in the first half. Evans has the ability to dominate a game, but he never got into a good rhythm with Jameis Winston and had a couple of passes go off his hands. Tampa Bay has a tendency to live or die by Evans, which could hurt them if he struggles on Sunday in New Orleans.

Must Read: Key Plays from Week 8

Defensively, the Saints have been a joke in recent years. 2017 is different, though. Yes, they still have just the 17th-best passing defense, but they’re also only giving up 20.7 points per game. Airing it out with ease against the New Orleans defense isn’t a certainty anymore. That complicates things a bit for the Bucs, especially if Winston continues his sub-par play. If he can’t go due to his shoulder injury, it’s up to Ryan Fitzpatrick. No matter who is taking the snaps, they need to get Evans involved early and often.

It’s not like Evans is still the only threat for Tampa Bay. But he is by far the most talented receiver on the roster. He needs to lead the charge for the position group and if he can’t, it might be another disappointing day for the Bucs. DeSean Jackson, Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard are reliable, of course. But if Evans is shut down the way he was against Carolina, Tampa Bay’s chances will be dim.