Liam Coen Says Jalen McMillan Is Turning The Corner
December 13th, 2024
Peaking at right time?
No Bucs player seemed to be hyped more than Jalen McMillan in underwear football.
That’s always dangerous because receivers playing well in underwear football can be giant mirages. Just ask Kenny Bell and Tommy Streeter.
In the season-opener, McMillan caught one pass, a touchdown. Sweet play. Got wide ass open. Good job.
Since, McMillan has pretty much been a non-factor if not in the witness protection program. He never had more than 35 yards receiving in a game. Not good for an alleged No. 3 receiver, especially when both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin were out.
That changed last Sunday. McMillan had two touchdown catches and 59 yards on four catches. Pretty good.
Yesterday, Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen said there is a reason for that. Coen noted that McMillan was getting better, a little, weekly.
Now, Coen believes McMillan has reached a level that he can be banked on more.
“I think [two touchdowns against the Raiders] was big for his confidence,” Coen said. “You’ve just seen him each week play a little bit better and a little bit better. That’s the guy we’ve wanted to be out there, and he’s starting to prove it. He’s starting to show it.
“Sometimes it takes a little bit longer or a different timeline, but I’ve been really happy with his energy, his level of focus, and concentration throughout practices and walkthroughs.
“You can see that there’s always been a natural connection between [Baker Mayfield and McMillan]. Hopefully, we can continue to evolve that deal.”
Well, now is the time to evolve. When the Bucs play the Chargers on Sunday, it will be the middle of December. This is when teams need to be in overdrive, especially the Bucs.
While the Bucs are in first place, it’s not safe. One slip up and the Bucs are tied again with the Dixie Chicks and they own the tiebreaker.
If McMillan really is about to break out, the middle of December in the middle of a playoff race is the time to do it.
December 13th, 2024 at 12:02 am
ok so let’s see this corner turned in san diego…
we will certainly be needing it…
mike still looks a little tentative with the ole ham hock
December 13th, 2024 at 12:42 am
I don’t think hurdling a defender qualifies as “ Tentative “.
December 13th, 2024 at 1:43 am
We all want these rookies to be an all-pro week 1 but it just isn’t realistic. Sometimes it takes many weeks or even a couple of years to a player to find his footing in the league. It’s hard but we need to remember that.
December 13th, 2024 at 2:06 am
Make him our new slot. Resign Godwin as long as he passes protocol from injuries, but at a reasonable since he will be injury prone. Im pretty sure Evans will come back. So theres 3 WR’s we should be reasonably comfortable with going into next season. Spend a 4th rounder on another one. Hit that D and maybe Scattebo with the first 3 picks….Kyle Kennard and Debo Williams….i dont know…still a lot to look at.
December 13th, 2024 at 2:08 am
Skattebo, i meant…sorry for the spelling
December 13th, 2024 at 2:41 am
MadMax
Respect, Bredren.
#Repost
LUVMYBUCS Says:
December 8th, 2024 at 6:44 am
Bucky Irvin & Cam Skattebo 2025!!
December 13th, 2024 at 3:45 am
Yo Luv, you know us, we usually find beasts. Im still waiting on Hall,….and Braswell is a rook, but still needs to get it going. I knew Bucky would be great if we decided to go small and shifty, but man has he exceeded my expectations…loving it. But injuries will happen sometimes, thats why we need mini A train in Skattebo
December 13th, 2024 at 4:25 am
McMillan needs to finish routes. He pulls up, slows down, drifts at times instead of getting to his spot. First TD Sunday he did a good job finishing his route and got the ball at the end of his route. Hope he remembers to finish.
December 13th, 2024 at 4:29 am
Sup MadMax, you’re spot on—we’ve got a knack for finding beasts, no doubt about it. Hall’s still got time to pop, and Braswell? Rookies gotta find their footing, but the talent’s there. And Bucky? Man, dude’s playing like he’s got something to prove every down—small, shifty, and unstoppable. Injuries are part of the game, no question, which is why a bruiser like Skattebo would be a perfect fit. Mini A-Train vibes? I’m here for it. Let’s keep stacking talent and grinding. 🔥
December 13th, 2024 at 4:31 am
McMillan is another player that seemed to come out of nowhere on the field. Love those moments! He did well on Sunday and am thinking it’s his breakout time too.
December 13th, 2024 at 4:54 am
Yo MadMax —I see a lot of Chris Godwin’s game in Elic Ayomanor. The physicality, the ability to make those contested catches, and that knack for coming up clutch on third downs. Ayomanor’s got that same tough, do-it-all receiver vibe, and if he keeps developing, he could be a real problem for defenses📈