Mike Evans: Buccaneers WR for NFL Rookie of the Year?
By Joe Wedra
It’s beginning to look a lot like… Rookie of the Year season! The NFL has been greeted in a warm way by the 2014 NFL Draft class, proving that the young group of players look as impressive as advertised. It’s quite possible that nobody has had a bigger year than Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans. He’s been a bright spot on a pretty rough team, leaving many to wonder if he’s worthy for the NFL’s coveted award.
Evans went off yet again on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, picking up 125 yards and a touchdown over seven catches. He and Josh McCown hooked up early and often against an Atlanta defense that allowed 301 yards through the air.
Sunday was Evans’ second-straight 100+ yard receiving day with a touchdown – he had two against the Cleveland Browns last week.
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He’s now picked up 585 yards and five touchdowns on the year, hauling in 39 passes. He’s been Tampa’s biggest target on the season in a rather disappointing 2014 campaign. Many thought the team would break out immediately under McCown and new head coach Lovie Smith, but Atlanta was able to hand them their seventh loss of 2014.
Sammy Watkins (Buffalo Bills) and Brandin Cooks (New Orleans Saints) have to be looked at as well, as they’ve played much better than some expected heading into the year. Cooks had another big game on Sunday (5/90/1), while Watkins was only able to pick up 27 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Evans is poised to continue his 2013 Josh Gordon-like stretch as the Buccaneers should continue their “nothing to lose” approach to the year. Things are a mess under Smith, but there’s no doubt that the offense has a bright future with the former Texas A&M Aggie on the outside.
Weigh in below with your prediction for the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year. Is Mike Evans a worthy candidate?