Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3 Bold predictions for Week 2 vs. Panthers
2. Mike Evans will gain over 100 yards receiving with two TDs
Mike Evans struggled against the Saints, but things will be different Sunday against the Panthers. First of all, just the fact Evans will not be seeing Marshon Lattimore and the Saints should provide an uptick in his production.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Evans has been held to one catch or fewer four times against the Saints. It has only happened to him six times overall in his career so clearly New Orleans has his number. With Lattimore shutting him down for the third time in his career, Evans will be happy to see anyone else lining up opposite of him this Sunday.
Additionally, Buccaneers receiver Chris Godwin is in concussion protocol and has been ruled out for Week 2. As such, expect the Buccaneers to lean even more heavily on Evans. Establishing chemistry between Brady and Evans is vital for the Buccaneers to succeed this season and you may see the team force the issue on Sunday so this can happen.
Arians has already stated he wants Evans to have at least 10 targets per game, for what it’s worth. He will see this and probably more on Sunday.
The Raiders do not have a receiver as dynamic as Evans but rookie Henry Ruggs III was still able to get loose on the Panthers for an average of 18.5 yards per reception. If Brady and Evans can get on the same page, they should do the same against a vulnerable Panthers secondary and defense in the middle of a full rebuild.