Tampa Bay’s plan to get Mike Evans more involved worked to an extent in London. But despite leading the team in targets he again got outproduced by teammate Chris Godwin, the Bucs newly-minted No. 1 receiver.
One week after he failed to record a catch for the first time in 65 games, Evans got peppered with 17 targets against the Panthers. That tied for the third-most targets of his career, a mark he reached three other times. Squeaky wheel Evans turned that into nine catches for 96 yards (10.7 YPR) and no touchdowns in the loss to Carolina. That translates into a 52.94 catch percentage, just shy of his career average of 54.7-percent according to Pro Football Reference. Meanwhile, teammate Chris Godwin hauled in 10-of-12 passes for 151 yards (15.1 YPR) and recorded an 83.3 catch percentage. His 78.6-percent catch rate through five weeks ranks No. 5. Sunday also marked the fourth time in six games that Godwin eclipsed 100 receiving yards. Evans topped that mark once in 2019 (190 yards in Week 3) but needed 15 targets to get there.
Quite simply, Evans proved repeatedly that he’s an upper-echelon receiver that thrives on volume. But Godwin displays an elite skill-set above that of Evans. Several eye-opening metrics from PlayerProfiler.com shine more light on Godwin’s breakout season and his incredible efficiency. His 156.9 QB rating when targeted leads all WRs. Conversely, Jameis Winston’s QBR when targeting Evans drops to 106.1 (No. 36). Godwin’s torrent pace this season marks the classic example of a third-year WR breakout, and his numbers versus Evans’ so far reflect that.
Chris Godwin Efficiency Metrics through Week 5. Source: PlayerProfiler.com
Mike Evans Efficiency Metrics through Week 5. Source PlayerProfiler.com
Run Down
WR Alex Erickson gained more yards (17) on one carry than Joe Mixon did on eight carries (10, 1.3 YPA). Per Football Outsiders, the Bengals offensive line ranks among the worst in the league for run-blocking.
Peyton Barber and Ronald Jones combined for 12 carries and 38 yards (3.1 YPC) while Jones punched in a TD. The Bucs season average of 3.8 YPC ranks No. 24.
Tampa Bay again stifled Christian McCaffrey on the ground. He carried 21 times for 31 yards with a long run of 10 yards. The Bucs lead the league in rush yards allowed per game (68.0) and hold opponents to a league-best mark of 2.9 YPC.
After a four-TD performance in Week 5, Aaron Jones lost a fumble, dropped a wide-open TD pass and ceded work to Jamaal Williams, who outperformed him. The latter racked up 104 scrimmage yards and scored once on the ground and once through the air.
The GOAT vulture Tom Brady scored two rush TDs against the Giants, and Brandon Bolden added another. Sony Michel carried 22 times for 86 yards and no TDs. Michel has three TDs this season.
Damien Williams received one carry and one target, yet managed to save his fantasy day by catching a TD. He’s hard to trust going forward after LeSean McCoy received the lion’s share of carries (eight).
Air Raid
According to Pro Football Reference, Jameis Winston leads the league in pick-sixes (three) and ranks second with 10 INTs. He threw a career-high five picks in the loss to the Panthers, which prompted coach Bruce Arians to say that Winston needs to “throw the damn ball away.”
Stefon Diggs exploded for 167 yards and three TDs on 11 targets to lead the Vikings past Philadelphia. His buy-low window just slammed closed.
RB Miles Sanders led the Eagles in receiving by catching all three of his targets for 86 yards and a TD. His receiving game usage makes him an intriguing add in PPR formats.
With Sterling Shephard and Evan Engram sidelined Golden Tate led the Giants in targets (nine), catches (six), and yards (102) while scoring his first TD of the season.
Baker Mayfield leads the NFL with 11 interceptions. He has less than half that many TD passes (five).
Seahawks TE Will Dissly exited the win over Cleveland early with an injury. Fan-favorite Luke Wilson subbed in and figures to work as Seattle’s receiving TE and makes for an intriguing waiver wire add.
Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 132 yards and one TD in the fourth quarter against Washington. In the previous three quarters, Josh Allen threw for 85 yards and zero TDs. The Redskins won the battle of dumpster-fire teams 17-16.
Marcus Mariota found himself on the bench where he belongs after throwing two picks and no TDs while completing less than half his passes. However, Ryan Tannehill (144-0-1) didn’t fare much better as the Titans downward spiral continues. Their talented receiving corps suffers at the hands of terrible QB play which also lets opponents key in on stopping Derrick Henry, who carried 15 times for 28 yards (1.9 YPC).
