Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 X-factor players for Week 1 vs. Saints
4. Scotty Miller, Wide Receiver
News broke earlier Wednesday about star wide receiver Mike Evans being a potential game-time decision due to a hamstring injury. Evans has already missed practice on Tuesday and Wednesday and head coach Bruce Arians did not seem optimistic about him practicing again before Sunday’s game.
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If Evans cannot play, Brady may look to Scotty Miller to fill some of his void and most importantly targets. Although Evans and Miller are two different types of players when it comes to size, someone will have to take some of the potential catches and looks Evans would have been receiving against New Orleans.
Plus, with Evans out the Saints can have an easier time focusing on Chris Godwin. Miller has the speed to help replace the downfield threat Evans provides, but he probably will not be seen outmuscling cornerbacks or winning jump balls in the same way Evans can.
Miller’s size is reminiscent of some of the receivers Brady was used to throwing to in New England and the two seem to have built up some chemistry already. Miller was even present at some of Brady’s informal workouts with teammates before training camp started.
Although Justin Watson will also see increased time with Evans out, Miller may be the guy who gets the most opportunity to step up on Sunday. Even if Evans does play, Miller may get an increased snap count so the team can be cautious with Evans. With Miller slowly becoming a Brady favorite, we may see the Buccaneers do just that.