Bruce Arians Explains Jaydon Mickens Confidence
November 4th, 2020
To the surprise of nearly the entire NFL world, the Bucs rolled with a lot of playing time and targets for receiver Jaydon Mickens on Monday night.
The four-year veteran had eight career catches entering the game, one that saw him finish with five receptions for 36 yards plus he drew a pass interference flag near the end zone.
It was no coincidence or freakish happening.
Bucco Bruce Arians spoke on Bucs Total Access last night about how and why Mickens has the team’s trust.
“Well, he gets a ton of practice,” Arians said of Mickens. “I mean, he practices because those guys don’t practice very often. So he’s been in front of Tom [Brady] probably as much as Chris [Godwin] and Mike [Evans] have because of the practice time and their injuries. So we have a ton of confidence in Jaydon and he came through for us.
“He’s a shifty little slot receiver,” Arians added, noting using Mickens was a matchup decision.
Of course, with Antonio Brown eligible this week and Godwin on the mend, it might the last anyone sees of Mickens on offense for a long time.
Still, it’s great to know how deep the confidence pool goes for Bucs receivers. Joe’s comfortable saying Mickens doesn’t get that kind of action Monday if Brady doesn’t trust him.
November 4th, 2020 at 1:46 am
I’d like to see different receiver pairings more often. Keep the defense on their heels. Don’t let DB’s get comfortable learning tendencies. Each receiver is fundamentally different on their approach to get separation and how they get off the line in tight man to man. All of our receivers are capable of having great games independently depending on their matchups and it’s important for Byron to develop a game plan each week to exploit matchups. Also I don’t think they are using Cameron Brate enough while maybe focusing a little too much on the Gronk ..but understandably so. I totally love when you put in a bench receiver and the defense totally ignores him. You see this every weekend. We’ve got weapons so lets not go vanilla ..keep’em guessing. Go Bucs!
Evans
Brown
Godwin ..out
Watson
Johnson
Miller
Mickens
November 4th, 2020 at 1:56 am
Kinda liked what I saw our of him for like. #4/5 anyways. He’s a guy who is a decent returner and seems reliable as a #4 in a pinch.. nobody confusing him for anything more. Reminds me of the truth a bit in that regard I guess
November 4th, 2020 at 2:01 am
ALM you might as well scratch Watson off your list. Brady dont want him in the field after he threw 2 pick 6 to him. Whether it was his fault or not is irrelevant. He’s not getting the ball. Evans. Brown, godwin, Miller, Johnson, mickens. No other wrs need to even dress.
November 4th, 2020 at 2:02 am
Jaydon Mickens has been a reliable punt returner and a pleasant surprise as a WR. Great pickup.
November 4th, 2020 at 3:59 am
@ Coburn:
don’t go there…the truth was on a whole different level
November 4th, 2020 at 4:25 am
@Coburn
Thanks for mentioning Karl “The Truth” Williams.
He was/is a Bucs legend.
I was 12 in 1995. The true Bucs fans on here will all remember Karl “The Truth” Williams.
Retired. But still LOVED.
Like little Mickens. I love Jaydon Mickens too.
Hes a feisty little guy!
Go Bucs!
November 4th, 2020 at 4:27 am
Watson is God awful, caused 2 INTs returned for TDs, he’s the Ryan Smith of the offense – nothing good happens when the ball goes his way. I’d cut him in a heartbeat.
November 4th, 2020 at 5:10 am
How did he come through for us?
November 4th, 2020 at 6:48 am
A great QB makes lesser WRs look serviceable.
November 4th, 2020 at 8:13 am
TB keeps throwing the ball to ROjO and I do not think he will stop, is that trust or he is the open man on the final option (but we don’t run screens, why is that)
November 4th, 2020 at 8:27 am
Excellent quote Rod
“he’s the Ryan Smith of the offense – nothing good happens when the ball goes his way”
Honestly, I’m not really sure what Watson brings to the table anymore and he seems like the odd man out. You figure you have 1. Evans 2. Godwin 3. AB 4. Scotty Miller 5. Tyler Johnson
And since Mickens can return punts and kicks, that definitely gives him an edge over Watson to be the 6th WR. I just dont see Watson fitting in much longer.
November 4th, 2020 at 8:49 am
Watson plays scared. You can see it in his eyes.
Tom Brady plays with Fire in his eyes.
Like a true Celtic King.
Brady means “spirited” in Irish. (Gaelic).
November 4th, 2020 at 9:22 am
I think the reason Watson is still on the roster and active every week is he plays Special Teams. If it wasn’t for that I don’t think he is on the team right now.
November 4th, 2020 at 11:02 am
Mickens is a good player…i like what he brings to the table…
GO BUCS!!!!
November 4th, 2020 at 1:13 pm
He’s definitely underrated and proved he’s a solid #5 WR that can play in a pinch.
November 4th, 2020 at 2:46 pm
Watson has been battling a chest injury for whoever said he is scared
Sideline reporter
November 4th, 2020 at 4:25 pm
Karl The truth Williams never embarrassed himself or the team, off field, too.