PFF names top five grade Buccaneers vs. Panthers
By Cory Kinnan
4. WR Mike Evans and DT Vita Vea
Tied for the fourth graded player against the Panthers according to PFF were wide receiver Mike Evans and defensive tackle Vita Vea. Both players have been expected to be a heavy part of the plans for the Buccaneers this season, and while neither have been flashy, they have done their jobs on their respective sides of the football.
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Evans, after playing through week one with a sickness, has totaled just six catches for 89 yards through the first two games of the season, but remained a dependable target Thursday night. Catching four passes for 61 yards, Evans was targeted by Winston eight times against the Panthers, and nearly had a touchdown grab on a play that could have been flagged for defensive pass interference.
More importantly, Evans continues to draw attention in coverage to allow for others like Chris Godwin and Breshad Perriman to find space against the defense to make plays. Although his season is off to a slow start for his high standards, Evans continues to find ways to make an impact on the field for the Buccaneers.
Vea may have the least sexy job in the entire NFL, but he does it well for the Buccaneers; his role on the defensive side of the ball does not go unnoticed, however, as he continues to be graded as a high performer. On primetime Thursday night, Vea tallied four combined tackles and managed to put a lick on Cam Newton once; he has recorded seven tackles thus far throughout the season.
The big defensive tackle’s real worth can be found by how well he keeps blockers clean of the linebackers and pass rushers, however. Part of the success of Shaquil Barrett and Lavonte David from Thursday night can be credited to Vea, who routinely eats up double teams and gives them favorable matchups to make plays for defensive coordinator Todd Bowles and the Buccaneers’ defense.