The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell to their second straight loss after being toppled 42-28 by the Carolina Panthers topped last Sunday.
It was a loss that featured a notably quiet performance from recording just one reception despite being targeted 10 times by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in the contest. This is an area that Fitzpatrick has keyed on as being something he must do a better job of getting the star wide receiver effectively involved, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.
“They did a nice job,” Fitzpatrick said. “I think when a receiver doesn't have production, especially with the amount of targets he had, a lot of that falls on me in terms of being able to pick and choose my spots and better ball location on some of the throws. Better timing on some stuff. You know, there were a couple throwaways and knockdowns that get added to that total that make it look maybe worse than it was. I've got to do a better job.
“Mike's a guy that I've leaned on all year and will continue to lean on. When we get those one-on-one matchups, Mike, we think, is up there in the top two or three guys in the league, and how he goes, we go.”
Through his first four years in the league, Evans has proven to be one of the best wide receivers in the league. He has recorded more than 1,000 receiving yards and 65 catches in each of his first four campaigns while scoring 32 touchdowns over that span. Evans has been off to a strong start this year as well with 47 receptions for 786 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
The 25-year-old has shown to have a strong connection with Fitzpatrick on the field this season as three of the five games he has played this year have seen him notch more than 100 receiving yards, including all four of his touchdown receptions. This is something that has helped fuel the Buccaneers' large amount of offensive success with Fitzpatrick under center.
The Buccaneers will likely look to feature Evans greatly in the passing game to help get them on the right track in their Week 10 matchup against the Washington Redskins.
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