Mike Evans Talks Tom Brady-Receiver Chemistry
June 8th, 2022
Russell Gage is catching balls but not practicing.
Everyone knows Mike Evans is on track to land in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day. And with fellow stud receiver Chris Godwin recovering from a blown knee, Joe’s mind is locked in on newcomer WR Russell Gage fitting in — and quickly.
It’s one of the great X-factors for the 2022 Bucs season. Will Gage hit the ground running and help keep the offense lethal.
Yes, Gage is a versatile veteran, but chemistry between a quarterback and a receiver doesn’t just fall out of the sky. Tom Brady has been less engaged working out with teammates than in past offseason with the Bucs, and Gage is battling an injury that the Bucs will not reveal publicly.
Joe is triggered by free agents arriving and then coming up with an unknown injury. No, Joe is not ready to type “Russell Sweezy,” but the fear is there at JoeBucsFan.com world headquarters.
Today, Joe asked Evans about how long it took him to build chemistry with Brady, and about Brady meshing with Gage in limited time.
“The first two offseasons I had with Tom was a lot of work, and we’d meet up and get work in the offseason,” Evans said, noting that their chemistry has grown consistently and they didn’t work much or at all this winter/spring before mandatory minicamp.
“I mean just be in your spots, Evans said of Gage working in. “Tom’s going to make sure that their connection is fine. So, he’s going to do his thing. Tom’s going to make sure.”
On one hand Evans noted him and Brady grinding in the offseason, but on the other hand he says Gage will be just fine with less time.
Joe supposes the big difference is Brady now has great mastery of the Bucs offense, which wasn’t the case in 2020. Still, Gage and Brady clicking quickly is key.
One miscommunication type of play could be the difference in games against Dallas, New Orleans, Green Bay and Kansas City, the Bucs’ first four opponents.
June 8th, 2022 at 5:52 pm
Go Bucs
June 8th, 2022 at 6:37 pm
I’m not going to lie. I’m a bit nervous about the WR core until Godwin is back and 100%…
I really hope one or more of these guys can make a huge step up this year: Perriman, Miller, Johnson, Darden, Grayson…
Reports are Godwin is ahead of schedule but I really hope he doesn’t rush it and can return when he is fully ready.
June 8th, 2022 at 7:07 pm
I suspect Gage will be fine. Didn’t Brady recruit him?
June 8th, 2022 at 7:10 pm
Gage need not be considered. This is the year of the Darden. He will transform into the next Tyreek Hill. Mark my words!
June 8th, 2022 at 7:16 pm
Off subject but what is holding up signing our remaining draftees???
June 8th, 2022 at 7:47 pm
I’m still waiting for Evans and Brady to get on the same page. I don’t know if it’s because Evans is selfless and didn’t complain when head case was around, but Evans and Brady just haven’t hit a spot like Brady and Gronk, Welker, Moss or others. With Godwin hurt, Gage new and who knows on Gronk, Evans has to be balling out the first 4 games for the Bucs to be winning. I just wish someone could really tell me why Brady and Evans are always so far off.
June 8th, 2022 at 7:58 pm
Gage will be fine. Just win your matchups, run the right routes, catch the ball when it comes your way.
June 8th, 2022 at 8:08 pm
Mike Evans, if he never catches another pass, is already HOF. Period. End of story. He’s now working on being the Greatest Buccaneer of All Time
June 8th, 2022 at 8:18 pm
ATLBuc: I hope that’s sarcasm because you are going to be disappointed.. lol. The Bucs need to consider signing Julio, TB12 wants him.
June 8th, 2022 at 8:30 pm
It’ll take some time for Gage and Brady to work things out. You can’t do it all in camp. Brady wants you at a certain spot, in a specific position to recieve the ball, in a particular coverage. It’s a lot of extra work for the reciever, compared to other offenses.
Anyone expecting Godwin to be 100% of the old Godwin, isn’t being realistic. His injury takes 16-18 months. Will he give you 85% sure, that’s still pretty good. They don’t have the options in the passing game they did last year. They’ll run more, and use more play action. Brady may need to rely on Evans more. Put him in motion, pick plays, set up routes. Stuff like that. They’ll need to be more creative to get guys open. Nothing Brady can’t handle. BTW those of you who are expecting a high flying offense, nope. Trade that in for greater efficiency, longer drives.
June 8th, 2022 at 8:30 pm
Darden? T. Hill LMAO! If Darden can just be a realible receiver I’d be happy. GOBUCS!
June 8th, 2022 at 8:42 pm
I think Gronk said it first but,
Gage catch ball, Gage run, Gage score TD
June 8th, 2022 at 8:59 pm
Kupp says Suh.
June 8th, 2022 at 10:15 pm
Mike Evans, the GOAT of Buccaneers? Brooks, Sapp, Barber and my brother Lee Roy. That is a good debate.
June 8th, 2022 at 11:42 pm
One more thing – in order for Dardung to even make the team, never mind play, never mind becoming Tyreek Hill (ROTFL) – there’s this dude named Brady who has to decide to throw him the ball. Good luck with that. Justin Watson > Dardung and he lost Brady’s trust. He went bye bye.
Adios, Dardung. Hope you can speak Canadian.
June 9th, 2022 at 5:13 am
Of coarse darden can speak Canadian!
“Hey, Terence, pull my finger.”
Sure Phillip.
June 9th, 2022 at 10:29 am
Man that is a brutal opening four games, especially without Godwin, AB, and Cappa on offense. They better hope Gronk comes back, is in shape, and avoids injury. The defense desperately needs to step things up until the offense gels, or they could easily be 1-3 to start the season.
June 9th, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Evans and Brady aren’t on the same page yet?
LOFL
I often genuinely question if some of you even watch the actual games or not.