There is a lot working against the Buccaneers at this point in their terrible season, and Mike Evans struggling might be one of the most impactful.
The Buccaneers and Mike Evans have become an inseparable combination. Evans will go down as the best offensive player in franchise history and will have a decent claim as the best player ever to don the pewter and red, but he hasn’t played like it recently.
Evans is going through a slump, there aren’t a lot of other ways to put it. Much like the rest of the offense, Tampa’s wide receiver captain has not been himself.
The drops were the first major issue, especially on several wide-open passes that could’ve gone for easy touchdowns, but Evans has also struggled in recent weeks with getting involved in the offense.
Whether this is an issue that stems from Byron Leftwich (which is likely), Evans’ play, or both, the Bucs needs to find a way to fix this very soon.
During the past three games, Evans has only accounted for 12 receptions for 125 yards and no touchdowns. In fact, Evans’ three touchdowns on the season are extremely unlike him as is, but the same can be said for the rest of the offense and even Tom Brady.
Whatever the reason is, the Buccaneers need to make getting Mike Evans involved one of their top priorities on offense if they truly want to save this season. A few catches per game for a few yards is not how Mike Evans needs to work, and the Bucs and Evans need to pick it up if they want to get him over 1,000 receiving yards to end the season.
The Bucs would do well to get Evans more involved with vertical routes and plays where he can bully smaller corners.
Regardless, the Bucs need more from one of their most important players. Hopefully that positive change will come very soon.
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