Breakthrough Game
October 6th, 2017
Rookie Justin Evans
For months, Bucs fans were told rookie safety Justin Evans was a good football player, a safety worthy of a second-round pick.
Last night, for the first time (including preseason), Bucs fans could nod their heads in agreement.
What a great feeling that is. And for Joe, it was the best part of this shouldn’t-have-happened loss to the Patriots.
Evans’ athleticism showed and he looked rather assignment-sound in a defense known for its complexity.
He was pressed into starting duty with Keith Tandy and T.J. Ward injured, and Evans was up to the task under the bright lights. He finished with eight solo tackles and two passes defensed. His tackling wasn’t perfect, but it certainly was good enough.
His acrobatic, first-quarter interception (video linked here) was a great example of when awareness meets raw talent. And he almost had another diving pick of Tom Brady later in the game.
Bucs officials have to be ecstatic. The rookie jumped in against Tom Freakin’ Brady and was up for it. Too bad Vernon Hargreaves wasn’t right there with him.
October 6th, 2017 at 1:17 am
A fantastic first start for Justin Evans. This kid has a swagger about him.
I’m usually not one for moral victories, but there were a lot of positives to take from this loss and our rookie safety was one of them.
October 6th, 2017 at 1:23 am
He was a bright spot tonight. Happy I never said anything bad his game. He can be a player
October 6th, 2017 at 1:23 am
Picking Tom Brady for your first career pick has to be morale boosting. Like what he showed out there, but he did miss a few tackles as described.
October 6th, 2017 at 1:23 am
Brady didn’t look like Brady tn. Secondary and defense as a whole stepped up. Bright future ahead Bucs fans
October 6th, 2017 at 1:53 am
Nice to see he is starting to play up to his potential. He was definitely a bright spot.
October 6th, 2017 at 2:00 am
Evans was a pleasant surprise in an otherwise lackluster performance by many others.
October 6th, 2017 at 2:01 am
Kid can’t tackle worth a shtt. If you actually watched him you can see he is terrified of contact that he may not get the better end of. His whole game is on the big hit from a vantage point. Kid can’t straight up meet a tough guy in the hole. Conte for all his faults is not scared to put his face on someone in the hole.
Credit Evans on a timely and challenging interception early in the game. There is hope for the flowers
October 6th, 2017 at 2:27 am
Justin Evans is going to be an outstanding Free safety
October 6th, 2017 at 2:32 am
What’s the situation on Cairos Santos ?
October 6th, 2017 at 3:36 am
I definitely noticed him flying around and making and impact. Good first start young man and he did miss a few but so did a few others. Hopefully he can build on this game and we can get TJ back
October 6th, 2017 at 3:49 am
Rojas,
I’m not 100% but I believe Santos was placed on IR last week. Basically, I don’t believe He’s an option for the Bucs
October 6th, 2017 at 6:41 am
I have been hard on Evans but last night he played very well.
October 6th, 2017 at 7:42 am
Evans looked like a pro version of his A&M self, consistently around the ball, willing physicality on display for a guy his stature, and you can see how he plays fast and mean. I’m excited about Evans, Beckwith too, both guys are getting valuable PT experience in what’s still a very young season
October 6th, 2017 at 7:43 am
Yes I’d radther have him and Tj ward together on field same time
October 6th, 2017 at 7:45 am
It can only get better and I don’t know what the f happened to Vernon heargreaves he was pose to be what justin EVANS is a straight up baller not so much
October 6th, 2017 at 7:55 am
I have been one saying this was a bad draft pick. I might have to eat my words and admit I was wrong. He looked pretty solid last night. Plays with the kind of passion we wish Hargreaves had.
October 6th, 2017 at 8:21 am
great game by Evans. Some bad angles but if he lined up the ball carrier…he laid wood.
October 6th, 2017 at 8:23 am
@ duke – he was placed on IR but then waived. He would need to pass a physical in order to be waived I believe, but either way, he is free to sign any where. The question is the health. Groin issues are no joke…especially for a kicker.
October 6th, 2017 at 10:27 am
The teams 2nd leading tackler and he doesnt know how???? I’ll take him anyday the pick was a highlight clip and he should have had two. Obviously the guy should be on the field at all times.
October 6th, 2017 at 12:05 pm
Evans played outstanding last night. One of the bright spots. Got his first pick off of TB. Made all kinds of plays in the run game and was covering people… flying to the ball. Team him up with TJ! Conte still blows.
October 6th, 2017 at 1:53 pm
Injuries may be a blessing in disguise
Him and beckwith flat out balled
Need to find ways to keep them on field
October 7th, 2017 at 9:00 am
Vernon is to worried about his Instagram ratio and getting petty sh*t in the offseason. He blocked me for calling him out for not following 1 teammate but follows a couple jaguars. He has talent but he doesn’t have the passion to be a elite CB. Trade him. If only we traded up for Jalen 3 spots instead move back 2 spots for this subpar corner and the kicker on the streets. I see why Jason didn’t get a contract extension now. Kwon in the 4th is his best pick. Mike and jameis were no brainers. Go get Malcom butler Jason…