Advantage: Jalen McMillan
January 12th, 2025
Overlooked?
Few receivers not named “Ja’Marr Chase” ended the season hotter than Bucs rookie wideout Jalen McMillan.
McMillan finished with touchdowns in five straight games. That’s rare, especially for rookies. In those games, McMillan racked up seven touchdowns.
With McMillan being hotter than a July Bucs training camp practice, and so many folks expecting Commandos cornerback Marshon Lattimore and Bucs receiver Mike Evans to spar throughout tonight’s game, that may take attention away from McMillan.
If that happens, X’s and O’s guy Matt Bowen of BSPN says McMillan will light up Washington.
Matchup X factor: Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan. He has seen a bump in target volume and more touchdown production down the stretch. McMillan has at least one touchdown reception in each of his past five games, and he brings a vertical stretch element to this offense. Working opposite Mike Evans, McMillan can win his matchups against Washington’s other options in the secondary.
So in Joe’s mind, Joe almost encourages Washington to try to blanket Evans with Lattimore. That way the Bucs can take advantage of lesser defensive backs.
And as Joe mentioned on the “Ira Kaufman Podcast,” are we really to believe that Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen can’t figure out a way to scheme up a play or two for Evans away from Lattimore?
January 12th, 2025 at 12:10 am
Lattimore is not the player he was. Also, not completely healthy.
January 12th, 2025 at 12:19 am
Nice.
January 12th, 2025 at 12:22 am
Algo Rhythm hilarious.
January 12th, 2025 at 12:26 am
Buddha I wouldn’t go there. He has shown he owns Evans. I worry Evans will be taken away. Remember JMac is still a rookie. We need the run game to be hitting on all cylinders and for Shep and our tight ends tomake plays all night long. I just don’t trust our defense.
January 12th, 2025 at 12:26 am
The Commanders should put Lattimore one on one with McMillan and then double Mike.
January 12th, 2025 at 1:00 am
Agree with Mac, but love coach . Alton says so.
January 12th, 2025 at 2:06 am
Mike has definitely toasted Lattimore as well don’t get it twisted
January 12th, 2025 at 2:25 am
I heard Jalen almost always throws to the left. If true it should give us an advantage.
January 12th, 2025 at 2:45 am
He almost always throws right.
According to Sullivan.
January 12th, 2025 at 7:07 am
Evans ain’t sweating Lattimore. Physical time consuming drives by our offense chewing up the clock and scoring points/touchdowns is the way to victory tonight. Keeping their offense off the field will put pressure on them when they do take the field. We need our defense to force Daniels to make mistakes and play from behind. We need points and lots of them. Go Bucs!!!!!
January 12th, 2025 at 7:50 am
No Billy, JD RUNS right according to Sullivan
January 12th, 2025 at 7:55 am
Daniel’s can abuse either side of the defense with his arm its no left or right if someone is open like Mooney in Atlanta he is hitting them on the mark..the sad pass defense has to end today or we don’t have a shot at this. Hoping Shaq haraasess him all game or at least showed Braswell and Yaya how to do it more easily. Kacey is my game wrecker this game we didn’t have him week 1
January 12th, 2025 at 8:23 am
Bucs have to play highly motivated football, whoever wants it more will WIN !!
January 12th, 2025 at 8:36 am
Mike always picks up at least one P.I. when he plays Lattimore, good for 30 yards or so. Hmm, is that a thing I can bet on?
January 12th, 2025 at 9:05 am
Beeej
Do not disagree but Lattimore draws his share of flags as well. Perhaps the best thing that could happen for the Bucs is if Lattimore and ME13 simply throw down at the start of the game and both get tossed.
Lattimore’s greatest strength in the rivalry is that he has been able to not only distract ME13 but the rest of the team as well as we fans!!!
The thing that scares me most about the matchup are the officials!! They will determine who wins it. Will Lattimore get away with the usual grabbing and interference, or will ME13? Officials scare me tonight on many fronts!!!
January 12th, 2025 at 9:17 am
Good Playoff Morning Joe and all Buc fans!! Yes I knew and hoped that the veterans on this team would be talking up the young guys. I hope for a faster start tonight and Mr Winfield get you some of that Daniels in the back field, it’s been a little while and we’re all glad you’re back. This has been a pretty emotional season y’all and here we are!!! Let’s Go Bucs!!!! Love you guys!!!
January 12th, 2025 at 9:27 am
It should be a fun game. If the Buc’s O comes out focused and PROTECT THE BALL, they will do fine. The Buc’s D needs to make plays and keep JD in a collapsing pocket! I can’t wait!!! LFG!!
January 12th, 2025 at 9:34 am
Just so beej understands, an offensive PI is max 15 yards-not 30
January 12th, 2025 at 10:21 am
The other corner–Jujuste?– impressed me in the first game of the season. Evans had a solid game but Jujuste seemed to battle. If Lattimore is healthy and they both get physical with Evans and MacMillan I could see them disrupting the Bucs offense.
January 12th, 2025 at 10:41 am
Poor phrasing on my part–the P.I. is on Lattimore, hence the 30 yards
January 12th, 2025 at 2:22 pm
Run the ball right at Lattimore so Mike can physically abuse him!!!
January 12th, 2025 at 2:26 pm
Our tight ends are coming on as well. Is Otten back? If offense gets in rythym early we win.