The NFC South playoff picture is heating up, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are right in the thick of it. Sitting at 7-6, tied with the Carolina Panthers atop the division, the Bucs are heading into a crucial Thursday night showdown against the Atlanta Falcons.
With just four games left-and two of those coming against Carolina-Tampa Bay controls its own destiny. And now, there’s a potential game-changer looming on the horizon: the return of Mike Evans.
According to one NFC South coach, Evans’ presence alone could swing the balance of the division. Speaking to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the coach didn’t mince words: “Mike Evans [is] coming back to change that,” referring to the Panthers’ shot at the division crown.
And honestly, it’s hard to argue.
Evans has missed most of the last seven weeks, including the team’s bye, but his impact doesn’t hinge solely on gaudy stat lines. This isn’t about expecting 10 catches for 150 yards right out of the gate.
It’s about what Evans does just by stepping between the lines. Defenses have to account for him-every snap, every route.
That changes how you call a game. That changes how you defend the rest of Tampa Bay’s offense.
Because when Evans is on the field, it opens things up for everyone else. Chris Godwin becomes even more dangerous.
Rookie standouts like Emeka Egbuka, Bucky Irving, and Tez Johnson get more room to operate. And Baker Mayfield?
He gets a legit No. 1 target back in the huddle-someone who can win one-on-one matchups, stretch the field, and bail him out on third down.
Evans’ return also forces opposing defensive coordinators-like Atlanta’s Jeff Ulbrich this week-to make tough decisions. Do you roll safety help over the top and risk giving up space underneath?
Do you try to press him and hope your corner can hold up physically? There aren’t many good answers, and that’s exactly why his return is so significant.
The NFC South race is still wide open, but with Evans potentially back in the mix, the Buccaneers just became a lot more dangerous. He might not be at full throttle right away, but even at 80%, Evans is the kind of player who can tilt a division.
Tampa Bay’s path to the playoffs is far from easy, but if No. 13 is back on the field Thursday night, the Bucs’ odds just got a serious boost.