Buccaneers: Players to watch against the Falcons in Week 15

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 10: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks for an open receiver during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on December 10, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 10: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks for an open receiver during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on December 10, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
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ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 26: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a catch in front of Robert Alford #23 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 26: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a catch in front of Robert Alford #23 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Mike Evans

On the whole, it has been a disappointing season for Evans.  This was supposed to be the year he cemented his place atop the list of best receivers in the league.  It has been mired in controversy and lackluster performances.

This week the Mike Evans Foundation was launched.  This gives him something extra to play for and could help elevate his game back to the previous season’s levels.  They have visited children all week and helped bring Christmas and presents too many families less fortunate then they are.  This seems to have touched Evans and having these foundations for kids, and their communities is a great way to give back.

On the season the Falcons only have two players that have recorded interceptions in Deion Jones and Desmond Trufant each having two.  This stat means Winston can be more aggressive in getting the ball to his receivers as the Falcons are showing poor instincts when it comes to breaking on passes.  They have also given up 44 plays of over 20 yards in only 14 games.  That’s over three plays per game on average that go for over 20 yards, and Evans needs to take advantage this week for the Buccaneers to stay in the game.

With 760 yards receiving on the season Evans needs to average 80 yards receiving over the next three games to reach the 1000-yard mark for the fourth consecutive season.  This week He gets to face the suspect Falcons secondary who has been known for giving up the big play at times.  Evans and Winston need to find each other to begin the healing process for the Buccaneers core and build for the future.

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