No “Funk” For Mike Evans
October 23rd, 2015
Mike Evans is busting his tail, said a respected teammate.
Joe already has written that the Mike Evans slump has some fans nervously murmuring the name “Michael Clayton.”
Fair or unfair, the memory of this one-year wonder is seared deeply into the consciousness of Bucs fans.
Yesterday, when fellow wide receiver Vincent Jackson held court with the Tampa Bay pen and mic club, Jackson disagreed when Joe asked what it may take to get Evans out of his “funk.”
“I don’t know about that term, but he is doing everything he needs to do out here,” Jackson said. “He’s practicing well, he looks good each and every week. Ups and downs, just the way [the game flows]. Some guys get more targets and some guys get extra coverage and things like that. Mike is playing well. [I’m] excited for him to have a great year.”
First, it was reassuring to learn Evans is busting his tail in practice. That’s one way to snap out of it. But also earlier this week, Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht pointed out on an All-22 clip how Evans is crushing it on blocks in games.
If a receiver was checking out and just going through the motions, then he wouldn’t be blocking like a beast.
So it sure seems whatever is causing Evans’ lack of production, it isn’t effort. That’s a good sign.
To hear more from Jackson, click the arrow below. Audio courtesy of Joe’s friends at WDAE-AM 620.
October 23rd, 2015 at 8:18 am
Today is Joe’s Mike day…
Mike Bennett, Mike Jenkins, Mike Clayton, Mike Johnson, Mike Evans…
And even the Pen & Mic club….
As the commerical goes…..”Mike, Mike, Mike, Mike, Mike”
October 23rd, 2015 at 8:29 am
@Tampabaybucfan
lol
October 23rd, 2015 at 8:36 am
If people bother recalling, while everyone here was ranting about how good Mike Evans was in the off season, I was the voice of reason. I said straight up that he needed to prove he isn’t a One Year Wonder before he can be crowned anything.
I was jumped on because people assumed I was anti-Mike Evans or something.
That isn’t the case. As my record clearly shows, I am a “Props when props are earned” kind of guy.
That said…and please pay attention…I like what I’m seeing from Mike Evans. He’s in a little bit of a slump, no doubt…but instead of moping over ut, he is driving forward, trying to work through it. It isn’t just a matter of not quitting…the way to overcome these things is to put the petal to the metal and drive through those barriers. Eventually, they’ll give was. And in the process, he learns and improves so it doesn’t happen again after he endures.
It’s for this reason that I have hopes that Mike is NOT a One Year Wonder. He still hasn’t proven he isn’t (yet), but I have high hopes for him because of his efforts.
October 23rd, 2015 at 8:41 am
I really don’t think Evans is a one year wonder…..he is simply too talented…..the catches he makes are often spectacular…..not routine. He has tremendous skills and a mixture of strength and agility…..his best days are ahead….I’m quite sure.
October 23rd, 2015 at 9:26 am
Funny how Clayton was called a “blocking icon” and it was said his job is to catch the ball. For Evans, he isn’t checking out or just going through motions because he still blocks.
I think he just needs to follow the ball into his hands. He’s looking to run too soon. He’s looking for a flag instead of fighting through contact. He’s not timing his jumps to catch the ball at it’s highest point. He looks flat footed on some of his jumps, like a rebounder after the ball takes a surprise bounce in his direction.
October 23rd, 2015 at 10:01 am
Stop pushing off, attack the ball at its highest point and run better routes and he will be fine. If those three things don’t improve he will be Clayton 2.0
October 23rd, 2015 at 10:06 am
I, I,I, I. ME, ME, ME.
October 23rd, 2015 at 11:49 am
@Joe
Clayton also blocked like a beast Joe…he had to do something once his hands turned into bricks ya know.
October 23rd, 2015 at 12:26 pm
I’m not own that hit the panic button 4-5 games into season when it comes to a certain player. Yes those fans are out there. Especially with rookies. If the rookie doesn’t show them anything by week 4 then he’s going to be a bust. Happened with JW this year, happened with Charles Sims last year and I’m sure I could go back and find plenty more.
That being said it’s happening with a 2nd year player that played stellar for a rookie last season too. Evans really didn’t get things going until like 4-5 games into last season. Sure players have slumps in their 2nd season after performing well their rookie season. Fans invoking Michael Clayton are those fans that hit the panic button 4-5 games into the season. Then again some fans were hitting that button during pre-season. That’s even more crazy in my book, and trust me I know crazy.
So I’ll put it to you like this. Jameis Winston won’t LET Mike Evans fail. Just trust in the new leader. Some of you will start to see what I’m talking about in the next few weeks as they start to play the tougher teams on the schedule. I’ve been saying wait until mid-season on Jameis. be skeptical all you want. I KNOW this kid. I repeat. He won’t LET Evans fail. It’s just that simple.
October 23rd, 2015 at 12:28 pm
Oh boy typo right off the bat….hope it’s not too messy. It’s long as hell though. Hope you have a spare 10 minutes. Yikes.
October 23rd, 2015 at 7:43 pm
Joe says: “Fair or unfair, the memory of this one-year wonder is seared deeply into the consciousness of Bucs fans.”
I think the Joes are more more focused on this than the regular fan…