“I Love Us Force Feeding The Ball To Mike”
December 20th, 2024
Is giving Mike Evans a hearty number of targets a winning formula for Tampa Bay?
This year it is. When Evans has 10 or more targets, the Bucs are 3-0. But they weren’t winners last year when Evans got double-digit throws his way.
Joe suspects that shift has something to do with the Bucs having a great rushing attack this year versus last year’s vomit-inducing operation.
Former Bucs tight end Cameron Brate liked seeing Evans get 11 targets against the Chargers on Sunday. So did Joe, if for no other reason than Evans getting only five targets versus the Raiders a week prior was a travesty.
“Obviously, I love us force feeding the ball to Mike,” Brate told the Buccaneers Radio Network. “Good things happen when we do that.”
Brate collects a check from Team Glazer for his weekly analysis, so the “force feed” term intrigued Joe. What is Brate seeing or knowing about the Bucs’ approach that may not be apparent to the amateur eye?
Joe hopes there’s another 10 targets for Evans on Sunday night in Dallas.
First, Evans is hot and healthy now. Second, with three regular-season games remaining, he needs 251 more yards to hit 1,000 yards or more receiving for the 11th consecutive season. That would tie Jerry Rice’s all-time record.
As for force feeding receivers, Joe looks for the Cowboys to do just that with Cee Dee Lamb.
Their Pro Bowl stud is 22 catches from breaking the all-time NFL record of most catches in a player’s first five seasons — 510 by Michael Thomas.
December 20th, 2024 at 11:17 am
Throw the ball to Mike MF’ing Evans. It’s not that hard. When Mike takes over a game it is a Bucs win every time.
GO BUCS
December 20th, 2024 at 11:22 am
Licht wants Mike to get 1000. Bowles wants Mike to get 1000. Coen wants Mike to get 1000. Mayfield wants Mike to get 1000. We’re better when Mike gets more targets. Anyone want to bet he doesn’t get there?
December 20th, 2024 at 11:26 am
Injury is the only thing that will prevent this
December 20th, 2024 at 11:39 am
The thing is, only a few of those throws were forced to ME, and those seem to be “forced” by down and distance considerations.
Feeding the ball to the backs in the run game and feeding the ball to White and Irwin and Otón and McMillan and Shepherd in the passing game created a lot of opportunities to just feed the ball to ME.
There was nothing forced about the ME TD with Mayfield scrambling to his left; that was just great work by ME, Mayfield, the OL and everyone as they all worked together to keep the play alive and create an opportunity.
They did dial ME’s number on the second TD. But that ball was forced. They got the coverage they wanted on the play they wanted and executed the play perfectly.
And, again, on the shirt-tacular play, that ball wasn’t forced; that was another great play made by taking what the defense gave them.
But, go ahead and hype the “force it to ME” script as long as the Bucs don’t get caught up in it. Let the other teams go nuts trying to stop ME. After the run game and screens have pounded the defense to paste in the first half, ME will still get his in the second half when the defense is too gassed to stay with him.
December 20th, 2024 at 11:42 am
Really want Evans to tie Rice then beat him next year!
December 20th, 2024 at 11:54 am
Mayfield’s early pick was a forced throw to Evans — he had four Chargers around him. But net-net, I support the strategy.
December 20th, 2024 at 12:30 pm
Being a new offense in the first year, I would be interested to know how much of it has been fully installed and how much has been regularly utilized. If Coens playbook is just getting past the middle pages the competition needs watch out. If only Godwin hadn’t gotten hurt. Oh wait, did the head coach leave the starters in when it wasn’t necessary? Was he having an identity crisis ? Could JMac and Palmer have benefitted from a few touches instead ? Was the head coach still confused about stepping on the gas or not ? That was a strategic error. Godwins knee may have healed but the ankle may never be the same. I recall Joe saying something about the term “foot injury” on a receiver making him nervous.
Shout out to Ira for picking up on “identity”.
December 20th, 2024 at 12:37 pm
It was interesting hearing the Three Amigos talk about Mike Tomlin’s identity. The Steelers just keep plodding along regardless of circumstances. Even in the down times they remain a “.500” team. No one will ever refer to them as losers. That is what I want for our Bucs.
December 20th, 2024 at 12:39 pm
Now that I think about it, if asked to choose a favorite team other than the Bucs it would be the Steelers.
December 20th, 2024 at 12:52 pm
Michael Thomas’ NFL record – but doubt that guy is HOF consideration. What has he ever really accomplished? Injured and malcontent come to mind.
December 20th, 2024 at 12:52 pm
without Otton will be interesting to see if the TE group still gets significant targets. might spell more Mike. hoping to see another WR step up to join the three who are trending up. wud love to see White at receiver sometimes too
December 20th, 2024 at 1:05 pm
Citrus Co.: I was born in DC so my 2nd fave team is Washington. The one hardcore NFL fan I have who is still alive bleeds Steeler black, gold and white. That is an interesting point you brought up about this being Coen’s first year OCing Tampa. We don’t know how big his bag of tricks is. I just wish he would call QB option variations cos Baker is short; but he’s smart, intelligent, and man, can he pinpoint a pass. Plus, Mikey’s hammy is healing at just the right time. You can bet he’s helping mentoring the younger receivers, TEs, and RBs. Wonder if CG14 has been spotted at One Buc? Go Bucs!! Beat Dirty Dallas!!
December 20th, 2024 at 1:13 pm
“That Joe” coined the term “Battered Bucs Fan Syndrome” and he was correct. I referenced the Steelers. When they are in down periods they are at least a mediocre team. For decades the Bucs struggled and failed to become mediocre at best. Todays Bucs fans have NO IDEA what that was like. I hope the Glazers search for and get an historical perspective. We are so VERY close !
December 20th, 2024 at 1:19 pm
NOT force feeding the ball to Mike allowed us to get J-Mac going.
Plenty of targets yes.
Force feed no.
Any news on Devin Culp? Wouldn’t be surprised if Coen tries to get him on the field before the season is over.
December 20th, 2024 at 1:24 pm
Some might argue that in the past (almost) 30 years the Bucs have been overall pretty decent (2SB’s). But us old fans were always waiting for the other shoe to drop. It has been an inconsistent period and a merry-go-round of coaches and GM’s. Through trials and tribulations the foundation has been built and it is now solid. Now is the time to place the ornament on top of the tree.
December 20th, 2024 at 1:40 pm
I didn’t know about the Bucs until 1979 cos my late, much loved, MIL was a HUGE Bucs fan. No lie. I remember all too well the 2-14, 3-13 seasons. Man, we thought 5-11 was a winning year. And, if they won all 4 preseason games, forget it. I did not hide behind a bag. I might have been shell-shocked plenty of times, but I was proud to be a Bucs fan. Like I would tell other NFL fans, I’m from Central Florida and the Bucs are my team. Of course, I was looked at like I was nuts, but I didn’t care. Now, that the Bucs are respectable, I still scratch my head. Bucs PTSD, I guess. Go Bucs!!
December 20th, 2024 at 2:00 pm
The Joes and others I’m sure thought I was off the rails when I tried to expose what I thought was obvious. I’m referring to the mutinous period just a few years ago. I will not expound on that topic any more (to Joes delight I’m sure). Those circumstances were the twist of fate, bizarre and inexplicable as they were, that put the team in the position it is in today. I have total confidence in the Glazers to make the right decision going ahead. It was my “Battered Bucs fan syndrome” that led to my affront at the opprobrium.
December 20th, 2024 at 2:03 pm
A great fantasy – Mikey gets 2 bills receiving while the sheep gets slaughtered. LFG.
December 20th, 2024 at 2:07 pm
ME13 will blow up on Sunday night and Baker needs him too as Bake is 0-8 in his last 8 prime time games.
December 20th, 2024 at 2:59 pm
Just for perspective…Malcolm Glazer and his family have not let the original and oldest Bucs fans down. For 20 years (long time) we looked for hope. When Malcom bought the team and changed the uniforms, we then had hope. I can’t believe that was just shy of 30 years (longer time) ago. The Glazers have been greatly rewarded with their investment, deservedly so. I always had the feeling that they were sincere in trying to build a “winner” for the fans. It hasn’t been easy for them, I’m sure. They have had their share of success but now they are on the cusp of truly turning a loser into a winner for the long term. Most Bucs fans on this site can’t begin to relate to my comment. I encourage them to study the history of this franchise and be thankful for what they have. Don’t just look at week to week performance or individuals. Look at the big picture.
December 20th, 2024 at 3:12 pm
Another 150+ and 2 TD game coming Sunday night – no Diggs means a lot of mis matches in the slot and in the single coverage routes
December 20th, 2024 at 3:49 pm
Citrus County:
Letting Mike Williams walk.
The Throwin’ Samoan.
Drafting Bo.
Ray Perkins.
Having Steve Young in the building.
No talent around Vinnie T. Poor Vinnie.
Greg Williams.
Monumental gaffs that occurred under a terrible owner that would trigger any older Buc fan.
December 20th, 2024 at 3:50 pm
Mike Williams = Doug Williams.
December 20th, 2024 at 4:17 pm
Curse of Gruden Says:
December 20th, 2024 at 3:49 pm
^^^^^
Please stop. It’s too early to start drinking.
December 20th, 2024 at 4:25 pm
For crying out loud, some of the dullards on here still can’t shut up about Kyle Trask. I know they have no idea what so ever about “drafting BO”.
December 20th, 2024 at 4:41 pm
I hadn’t thought of the Bo Jackson debacle in a long time. That event took place about 10 years into the Bucs nightmare and directly impacted the “Battered Bucs fan syndrome”. Of ALL the stupid things Bucs ownership did over the years that takes the cake.
If the Glazers ever feel down and out, just know you can’t possibly compete with that.
December 20th, 2024 at 4:42 pm
Moved to St. Pete in Oct, 1975, have been a Buccaneer fan ever since. Today’s fair weather fans, could not handle being a fan in the 76-78 seasons, would have been fans in 79, then would have not from 80-95. Then jumped back in after we signed Nickerson, and found success with our hiring of Dungy the Gruden and winningthe Super Bowl. They would have wanted Gruden to be fired in his non double digit wins seasons, and would have been fans only when we had winning seasons. We have been back to back to back NFC South Division Champions, after winning the Super Bowl, with the GOAT. (Thanks Tom) now we are again in the driver seat of making it back to back to back to back NFC South Division Champions. And we still have those who whine, and belly ache, and want the HC fired… My skin is tough and I enjoy watching our team and “all” the players on the Buccaneers play and support all of them as the play in the NFL…
GO!!!!!BUCS!!!!!
Beat those cowboys…
December 20th, 2024 at 4:47 pm
RamblingRhino Says:
December 20th, 2024 at 4:42
^^^^
Tip of the hat to you
December 20th, 2024 at 4:59 pm
Yes, Culp is an interesting case. So many great contributions coming from year 1 & 2 players ,wonder why he has been held back? Has speed and size so maybe not necessarily a tight end? Kind of late to get him going. Also, wonder about Braswell who has been invisible. Late round 2024 OG hasn’t played either. Kind of get that, since O line is still developing. Would like to hear Joe’s take on all three.
December 20th, 2024 at 6:58 pm
In LA, the OL did great, that buys ME13 time to run his routes! In Dallas, the Bucs need the same kind of effort from the OL, against a very good Dallas d-line! No letting up! Foot on the throttle baby!
December 20th, 2024 at 6:59 pm
For a diehard fan since 1979, could I tell some stories. POS Hugh Culverhouse spent more coin on prostitutes than he did the football team. Still, John McKay and players made it to the NFC Championship game in their 4th season, a NFL record. Not sure if it still stands. See, back then, new franchises scraped the bottom of the barrel in the draft and free agency. It’s much different and more fair now.
December 20th, 2024 at 7:02 pm
So everybody wants mike to get 1,000 but we weren’t targeting him we weren’t pushing the ball to him in the 1st 4-5-6 games.