Mike Evans Isn’t Overlooking The Panthers
Dec 31, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo (29) intercepted the ball for the 2-point conversion over Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
The NFC South crown is on the line in Week 18. Even though they face the 2-14 Carolina Panthers, Mike Evans doesn’t want to think of the upcoming matchup as an easy win.
“I know their record doesn’t show, but they’re really scrappy, so we’ve got to come with it next week,” the tenth year wide receiver said.
The Panthers and Bucs have already faced each other once this season. Tampa Bay squeaked out a 21-18 victory at Raymond James Stadium, thanks in large part to a late interception by Antoine Winfield.
Antoine Winfield crucial INT for the Bucs‼️ #CARvsTB
Bryce Young to throw an INT (-135) ✅pic.twitter.com/wTxlMH6eQ8
— Betplay.io – Bitcoin Lightning Casino⚡ (@betplayio) December 4, 2023
It was also a game that saw Mike Evans’ best statistical output of the season, where he caught seven passes for 162 yards and a touchdown. He did this against a Carolina pass defense that has allowed the fewest passing yards per game in the NFC, and third fewest passing yards per game in the NFL overall (175.1 YPG through Week 17).
Carolina’s two victories this year have both come at home against the Texans in Week 8 (15-13) and against Atlanta in Week 15 (9-7). They’ve also come within a field goal of defeating the Bears in Week 10, the Bucs in Week 13, and the Packers in Week 16. After getting shut out in Week 17 in Jacksonville and clinching the worst record in the NFL, Panthers interim coach Chris Tabor is setting out to end their 2023 season on a high note.
“We have another opportunity this weekend to right a wrong, and that’s what we’re working hard right now to do,” Tabor said in a Wednesday press conference. “I want to make sure I give those guys my very best one last time, and in return I’m asking for the same thing.”
This weekend, the Buccaneers control their own destiny, but they must win to take home the crown. If they win, they will clinch their third straight NFC South title, and their first division title without Tom Brady since 2007. If they lose, the winner of the Falcons-Saints matchup will march on to the playoffs, as Atlanta would take over the top spot due to their divisional record, and New Orleans would win the division based on their overall record.
Up Next