By Alex Fleming
It’s nearly time for the dynamic duo of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to save the day.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering the season as the cellar dwellers for seven out of the last eight years. As far as contention for the division is concerned, expectations for the Buccaneers are low. Year five of the Jameis Winston experience promises to be a make-or-break year. The secret to success for the Buccaneers not only lies in their quarterback; it is also within their wide receivers.
Mike Evans
Mike Evans, a perennial Pro Bowler fresh off a five-year/$82.5 million extension, is poised for continued success. He has produced 6,103 receiving yards thus far in his career (1,200 per season average). Though the veteran failed to reach double-digit touchdowns for the second consecutive season, he broke out with a 1,500-yard (18 yards average per catch) season last year. Evans is under-appreciated and undervalued as an elite wide receiver in today’s NFL.
Chris Godwin
Entering the fray, Godwin is coming into his third season with amazing numbers as the former #3 receiver. With the trade of DeSean Jackson to the Philadelphia Eagles, he was supplanted as the #2, and deservedly so. The Penn State product is poised for a breakout season. Following up his rookie year with 59 receptions (95 targets) on 317 yards, Godwin had his fair share of looks during the 2018 season. The 72% increase in his second year (nearly double his rookie receptions), along with consistency and productivity proves his worth on the gridiron. Godwin is emerging as an unguardable and reliable outlet to the Bucs.
Video credits: Aaron Ames, Panda Production
Photo credit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers