Quick, with only your memory to guide you, did Mike Evans play better in Year 1 or Year 2?
Based solely on stats, Evans bumped his catches and yards, earning 74 receptions and 1,206 yards in 2015 (versus 68 and 1,051 as a rookie). However, his touchdowns plummeted from 12 as a rookie to three as a sophomore.
The main reason most suggest Evans performed better as a rookie was due to the receiver's lack of consistency. The 22-year-old wideout had some monster games, going over 100 yards in five, including contests of 164, 150 and 157 yards. Yet he mostly hovered in the 60-yard range, with three starts in which he earned fewer than 50 yards.
"People would say I had a sophomore slump last year,'' Evans said this week, via the Tampa Tribune. "I guess that's fair. People can say what they want. I increased in some of my numbers, but I wasn't as consistent.''
Many point to drops as the main cause for Evans' troubles. Pro Football Focus charted Evans with 15 drops and the second-highest drop-rate in the NFL. It's notable that several of those took place in one game, in the driving rain versus the Giants. Evans' drop problem last year was a focus issue, not a hands issue.
The expectations after a superb rookie season might have been outsized. Evans said he didn't play with the proper focus, fundamentals or attitude in 2015.
"I mean, I had some decent games (last year), but it was a disappointing season on my end, for sure," Evans said. "Even though I improved in some categories, it was a disappointment.''
Evans' sentiment and resolve to improve jives with new coach Dirk Koetter telling reporters Monday he wants better chemistry between Evans and quarterback Jameis Winston.
If the young receiver improves his consistency, the Bucs' offense has a chance to be a yard-churner behind Doug Martin, Winston and Evans.
