Vincent Jackson Cracks Down On Mike Evans
February 7th, 2016
Vincent Jackson speaks
It’s rare for Vincent Jackson to acknowledge negativity, even when it’s obvious.
But last week, Jackson seemed very comfortable opening up about the discipline issues of Mike Evans during an appearance with Ronnie and TKras on WDAE-AM 620.
Jackson was asked whether he’s counseling Evans on his behavior. Jackson said he is, but it’s also a group effort.
“And it hasn’t just been myself. I mean, we talked to him as a team,” Jackson said.
“Our coaches, obviously, make it known, not directly at Mike. But more about, ‘What do we want to represent ourselves as an organization? How do we want to look as players? How do we want to play the game?’
“Mike has obviously had some instances the last couple of years. You know, he’s a young guy. He plays with a lot of passion, a lot of competitiveness. And, of course, we understand that to a certain extent, but when it becomes something that’s detrimental for not only himself, but it’s going to hurt our team.
“We want the best for Mike. We want him to be a positive part of our team and our community, and have a good life in this league. I think a lot of people respect his game. We know he’s a talented player. … There’s a lot to be said for having a character that’s respected around the nation. So we’ll continue to work on that. I mean, he’s like a little brother to me. We talk all the time. We hang out off the field. I make sure I stay in his ear. And I try to get him to control himself in the heat of the moment. I don’t expect to see much of that next year. Again, if it happens, I’ll be right in his ear.”
Again, this was rather revealing stuff, considering it was V-Jax, who rarely offers much substance when talking about a teammate’s challenges.
Joe wonders how Dirk Koetter might handle drops and personal fouls and ejections, versus Lovie Smith’s responses. Joe suspects things will be different.
February 7th, 2016 at 12:34 pm
Having a real WR coach this year instead of a glorified personal assistant should help too. Lovie had too many charity cases on his staff.
February 7th, 2016 at 12:36 pm
This magnifies the value of Vjax going forward……he may only be worth 6 million as a WR…..but as a mentor/leader….he’s worth the 10 million……especially since we have the money…..The same goes for Mankins…..these type players coupled with young talented players make for a great mix going forward.
Mike Evans is very young and he will have every opportunity to mature….I sure am glad we didn’t draft his teammate….
February 7th, 2016 at 12:39 pm
Yeah straighten up and fly right punk!
February 7th, 2016 at 12:47 pm
“I sure am glad we didn’t draft his teammate”
Definitely !!! No Johnny Rehab for us….that kid has got major issues.
February 7th, 2016 at 1:01 pm
Hopefully VJAX has a couple more good years left in the tank.
When he does hang them up he’ll make a great coach if he wants to remain in the game.
February 7th, 2016 at 1:09 pm
#13 now has reputation with db’s. they know they can get in his head. he also has reputation with the refs. He is not going to get any iffy calls.
February 7th, 2016 at 1:24 pm
Watched the Buccaneers Super Bowl Video today. After seeing the mentality of those guys, hearing the sound bytes of Lynch, Sapp and Brooks it’s obvious we have a long way to go. I think Jamis will help with the mentality and culture change but for now it seems like we’re so far away.
February 7th, 2016 at 1:35 pm
BoiseBucsFan …same thing for me. Whenever I watch that DVD I say the same thing. Although I personally think JW is going to take us where we want to go, sooner than fans realize. Yes he’s THAT special.
February 7th, 2016 at 1:58 pm
So by the sounds of it VJax is planning on being back for sure next year… Would be cool to seem him stick around a few years with JW and ME… Oh that would be sweet… Think Moss and Carter with a better version off Dontea Culpepper at QB and a far better running back tighend tandum…. Hope VJax includes ASJ in on the mentoring….
February 7th, 2016 at 2:08 pm
Not sure VJ has a lot left in the tank. Injuries are taking their tool on him. My guess is 2 yrs at the most. Evans had a lot of dropped balls this past season at critical points in the game. As stated before, not at all worried about these guys. We’d better get a better Defense or expect more of the same this season.
February 7th, 2016 at 2:09 pm
Vincent’s a true company man and for this reason alone, he’s worth the premium money next year.
But…. both his speed and YAC were already in decline thanks to father time. If his knee isn’t a go, he’s going to be one expensive slot/possession guy.
February 7th, 2016 at 2:11 pm
I wonder who’s going to talk with ASJ?
We’ll be a different offense next year if he can break out.
February 7th, 2016 at 2:59 pm
Regardless….we need to pick up a top tier WR…….add a player/depth to the Oline…..and if we get real production from ASJ & Brate….along with Jameis’ improvement….we will be strong….
February 7th, 2016 at 3:36 pm
Hopefully Monken can get in ME’s head in a good way. Tell him that it’s time to be the best!
Then I’d lay down the law. The first time you whine to a ref you come off the field for the rest of the series…the 2nd time two series…sooner or later ME would figure out if he wanted to play he’d have to clean up his act.
Then I’d tell ME we’re going to really work him in camp and practice. I’d tell the DB’s to be all over him…interfere…grab and hold and get ME used to being manhandled. By the time the real games rolled around he’d be ready!
February 7th, 2016 at 3:39 pm
I like the fire he plays with. He has some moments where it goes overboard. But for the most part he is fine. The drops are the biggest issue with him. He has to get better at catching the ball. He has all offseason to work on it. Lets hope he does. He is too talented of a player to have lapse in concentration like he does. Jameis needs him to get it together.
February 7th, 2016 at 4:21 pm
The entire team is taking on Koetters candid personality, which Howard thinks is freakin awesome.
Welcome to a real team Bucs fans. We’ve been waiting a long time. The Tampa2 mafia will go the way the dinosaurs and the MGM (actually there was an alleged MGM sighting in the Alaskan wilderness earlier this year)
February 7th, 2016 at 4:55 pm
Great, babysitting by committee. Let’s not confuse passion and competitiveness with stupidity and immaturity. Evans and ASJ have a lot of growing up to do as well as requiring a major change in attitude. Hopefully these new coaches can get them to play right and smart. Tall task. If they put as much effort in catching the ball as they do at bitching at the refs and drawing penalties, they’ll be fine.
February 8th, 2016 at 12:48 am
I hope our coaching staff could do a good enough job that Mike doesn’t need Jackson in his ear. At this stage in Jackson’s career he is paid more for his leadership than his production. But if the leadership from the coaching staff and Jameis can replace Jackson then that gives us some flexibility.
I am usually a guy that will support veteran leaders staying on the team. But i feel like Jameis has taken on enough of that leadership, and i feel like the coaching staff we have in place is also going to be good for mike. I would be excited to keep Jackson, but im not going to ignore the cap number jackson holds. Thiis is also assuming we can find some talent worth replacing Jackson on the roster.
February 8th, 2016 at 8:53 am
Doesn’t Jackson have two or three Dui’s from California? Now he gives maturity lectures!
February 8th, 2016 at 9:01 am
it appears evans immaturity is the main reason vjax is staying. would’ve been nice to have that extra cap space
February 8th, 2016 at 9:27 am
I hope that what is happening to his buddy), will show him how easy it is to waste a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Being close to Manziel should give him perspective on what he stands to lose if he doesn’t learn that playing in the NFL is as much mental as it is physical. I hope he gets it.
February 8th, 2016 at 3:30 pm
This draft is supposed to be over represented with very good big “Uglies” on both the OL & DL lines. Everything in football starts at the line of scrimmage. Draft a bunch and let the fun begin. Wouldn’t hurt to squeeze a CB out as well.