Mike Evans Returns And Looks To Extend History

It’s clear the Tampa Bay Buccaneers missed Mike Evans last week against the Green Bay Packers. There has been some speculation that the game would have gone in the Buccaneers’ favor had he been able to play. But nonetheless, he returned in week four and made a statement.

Week Four By the Numbers

After sitting a week Evans came back with vengeance and helped the team’s offense finally show some guts. Though it was in a losing effort Evans showed just what he’s capable of. With ten targets Mike Evans was able to haul in eight receptions for a total of 103 yards and two touchdowns.

The first touchdown, a 13 yard dart as Evans streaked across the middle was the first touchdown for the Buccaneers of the night. Hit while bringing the ball to his body fans saw once again why he’s so dependable. His sure hands clutched the ball like a vice as he was sent cascading to the turf.

The second touchdown was more of what fans have come to know Evans for. A fade pass to the back corner of the endzone that Evans’ hauls in while falling down under tight coverage. Pure brilliance.

Extending History

Week four gave Evans 235 yards and three touchdowns on the season. With 13 games left in the season Evans in over a quarter of the way to another 1,000 yard season. He’ll need to average only 59 yards a game in order to accomplish the feat. The next four games will provide an opportunity to close in on further extending the record.

Next Four Games

First, the Atlanta Flacons, currently 25th in passing yards allowed are allowing 260 passing yards a game.  They have allowed six players catch for over 70 yards this season. There will be ample opportunity for Evans against A. J. Terrell and Casey Hayward.

Second, the Stealers are allowing the 21st in total pass yards with 251.5 yards a game. Much like the Falcons, the Stealers have allowed six receivers to churn in over 70 yards in a game. Though their defense has been able to limit the amount of points put up by their opponents.

Next, the divisional opponent Panthers are surprisingly 13th in pass yards allowed. The Panthers have been stingy.  Part of their success has been the stellar play by Jaycee Horn. Horn currently grades as the fourth best corner, according to PFF, in the league right now so this should be a interesting battle. They did however allow for two Saints receivers to reach over 100 yards each in week three.

Lastly, the Baltimore Ravens sit dead last in passing yards allowed. Their defense has allowed 1261 yards so far equating to whopping 315 yards a game. Three receivers thus far have eclipsed 100 yards versus the Ravens’ secondary. In what may equate to a shoot out Evans may have a big game.

Final Thought

Over the next four games I could easily see Evans have a stat line around 300-325 yards total. That would place him at 535-560 yards with nine games remaining in the season. We’ll continue to monitor his progress at BucsReport and keep you posted as Mike Evans continues to try to extend his streak.

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