The Looming Mike Evans-Marshon Lattimore Bout
September 29th, 2023
Ticking timebomb.
It’s just a matter of time before it blows up.
You know it. Joe knows it. Mike Evans and Marshon Lattimore, the mouthy corner for the slimy Saints, are going to get into a hassle.
It happens damn near every time the Bucs play the slimy Saints. Often in that darkened tomb known as the Superdome.
Last season the bitter rivalry between the two spilled over onto the Bucs sidelines when Lattimore nearly got into it with Bucs Super Bowl-winning coach Bucco Bruce Arians.
The two were barking at each other, which sparked a melee. Often, either Evans or Lattimore get launched from the game because they get into it.
How much so? Well, Bucs left tackle Tristan Wirfs was filled in by then-Bucs backup quarterback Ryan Griffin in 2020 when Tampa Bay opened the season in New Orleans.
Griffin told Wirfs he had to closely monitor Evans in an effort to keep him from getting tossed.
“‘Griff’ told me that my rookie year,” Wirfs said. “He said, ‘Go get Mike after every play.’ So, I will have my hands full.”
Wirfs said before he was drafted, it was Ryan Jensen’s responsibility to take care of Evans. That continued even with Wirfs assigned to be Evans’ big brother. “I have to make sure everyone’s alright.”
Joe spoke with right guard Cody Mauch about how much the team knows how quickly a throwdown can ignite between Evans and Lattimore. Mauch knew about the rivalry but was surprised to learn how intense it is.
Mauch said he’s ready to have Evans’ back and he’s sure the rest of his offensive teammates do too.
“You are going to protect your guys at any cost,” Mauch said. “I think all five of us on the offensive line would say that.”
In too many of the past Superdome games, it was such a blowout that it was a consolation to see Evans blast Lattimore.
As much as Joe would love to see someone get over on Lattimore, Joe would much rather see the entire slimy Saints team cry after a loss.
September 29th, 2023 at 10:24 am
Big Game Mike.
September 29th, 2023 at 10:24 am
I’m ready to see “Ol Slant Boy” match up with CD III if he plays
September 29th, 2023 at 10:30 am
Mike’s stat line on Sunday = 5 cathes 97 yds 1 TD and 1 Lattimore ejection.
September 29th, 2023 at 10:32 am
great…..not only will me drops balls, this guy has his number
and we are trying to avoid a fight/penalties because of me
just bench mike for the game already. he’s earned it.
September 29th, 2023 at 10:57 am
Lattimore had a big injury last year and is a year older. He might not be as good as he was in the past. I agree with LOL stat line of 97 yards and 1 TD,,.. hmm make that 2 TDs.
September 29th, 2023 at 11:04 am
Mike needs to be on his best behavior. He’s not going to get the calls in their house.
September 29th, 2023 at 11:05 am
Just squeeze the damn ball when it hits your hands and score touchdowns. That’s far more effective than the sht talk and jawing. He owns Evans to date so better off beating him between the whistles.
September 29th, 2023 at 11:07 am
Love this rivalry. I think in times past we never let Mike do what he does best plus Dennis Allen always plays 2 high.
September 29th, 2023 at 11:16 am
Don’t worry about targeting Evans….hit Godwin, Otton & White out of the backfield early & often.
September 29th, 2023 at 11:19 am
Saints have a better secondary than The Eagles….this game will be tough.
September 29th, 2023 at 11:39 am
I love this. It’s better than Warren Sapp and Brett Farve
September 29th, 2023 at 11:40 am
Love the matchup, love the rivalry, hate the results. Hoping we have some other guys step up. You cant continue to expect ME13 to score all your points when playing against his nemesis.
September 29th, 2023 at 11:40 am
Who’s kidding who about this matchup? I love Mike, best player offensive player in Bucs history. But Lattimore has bested Evans repeatedly in their careers.
Aside from the occasional surprise, Lattimore has lived rent free in Mike’s head. Here’s hoping that on Sunday Evans give him an eviction notice.
September 29th, 2023 at 11:42 am
funny thing is it doesn’t really matter who we play OR how good their defense is.
we could be play a high school team.
more importantly is WILL mike catch the ball?….especially TD’s that hit him in the hands.
it’s beginning to be like charlie brown and yanking the football
September 29th, 2023 at 11:43 am
People should be amped more about why the OTHER $20 million dollar WR doesn’t have a connection with Mayfield. If Baker wants a future in Tampa then Godwin is a guy he needs to be right with.
September 29th, 2023 at 12:23 pm
I sure hope Mike controls himself. The last thing we need from him again would be a 3 game suspension. Mike needs to eke out some pass interference calls from that guy. GO BUCS!
September 29th, 2023 at 1:29 pm
I agree with TBBF “Don’t worry about targeting Evans….hit Godwin, Otton & White out of the backfield early & often.”
In fact if ME13 gets into a hassle with Lattimore as long as he takes Lattimore out of the game with him I’m fine. I respect ME13 enormously but if Lattimore is gone the Saint DB’s are not nearly as menacing, meaning Godwin, Otton, and White can have a field day.
September 29th, 2023 at 2:08 pm
How many yards in pass interference calls has Evans down on Lattimore? Can we please, for the love of God, include that number in claims that he’s shut down Evans? It was like a couple of years ago when Evans had 1 catch for 1 yard, and a TD, and people acted like he had a terrible day – when in reality he literally drew 70 yards in PI calls. People need to do more than just look at box scores.
September 29th, 2023 at 4:14 pm
I agree with Rod. Where is the proof that latimoore “owns” Mike? I’m not sold on that! He maybe in his head. OK. But owns him on the field? Where’s the stats that back that up? One game, two games maybe he bested Mike? That means it perpetual? I DON’T THINK SO!
And btw, cherry picking a few stats in a couple of games out of DOZENS just DONT GET IT! Where’s the proof? I think we’ve got some parroting going on around here.
I guess I just need to see more actual PROOF than o sure Latimoore IS going to out perform the best Offensive player we’ve Ever Had no matter what… That tastes more like “KOOL~AID” than Mountain Dew, Coke, or even better a Nice “Big Storm Brew”!
GO MIKE! GO BUCS!
September 29th, 2023 at 5:24 pm
I’ve become accustomed to & hardened by Mike Evans big drops early in games. If he has trouble gaining votes for the Hall, it’ll be due to someone finally counting up all of his dropped passes. Big catches, big drops. I’d rather have consistent play from him.
September 29th, 2023 at 6:13 pm
Boss your not very educated are ya ?
September 30th, 2023 at 4:38 am
Go get em Cody!
Go Bucs!
September 30th, 2023 at 11:46 am
Dont worry Winston will throw it right to us!
GOOO BUCS!
October 1st, 2023 at 4:06 pm
Yep. Called it.
Gooo BUCS!!