Element To Watch In Denver

September 24th, 2020

Stamina may be an issue.

After being a shadow of himself to open the season, playing less than 100 percent with a bum hamstring, Bucs stud receiver Mike Evans showed the old Mike Evans is alive and well in the win over the Stinking Panthers.

Yesterday, however, Bucs coach Bucco Bruce Arians had an interesting tidbit about Evans.

“He’s still getting back in shape,” Arians said. “He missed a lot of work as far as conditioning, so it’s just a matter of getting back in game shape and being able to stay out there for a long period of time. We substituted him quite a bit last week and just getting him back healthy.”

And what is the biggest issue for visiting teams playing in Denver? Getting used to the altitude, because the lack of oxygen seems to zap people of stamina, especially those who rarely travel there.

So if Evans isn’t yet fully in shape to play a complete game in Tampa at 48 feet above sea level, can Evans be expected to fight through a full game in Denver at 5,280 above sea level?

With Scotty Miller and Justin Waston both on the injury list, can the Bucs afford to sub for Evans often?

Or will Arians have to break down and instruct park-violating, home-invading, NFLPA-ignoring Bucs quarterback Tom Brady to throw to tight ends?

36 Responses to “Element To Watch In Denver”

  1. TheBucsAnthem Says:

    As long as Chris Godwin plays…….I ain’t worried bout nutin yo!!!!!!!!!!!!

  2. Hawk Says:

    Are Buccaneer TEs eligible receivers?

  3. Coburn Says:

    Makes sense now why they didn’t seem to keep him involved in the second half. Was wondering what was going on after almost 100 in first half

  4. SC Bucs Fan Says:

    Put a ton of stickum on Grayson’s helmet and let him play

  5. Dewey Selmon Says:

    Maybe the team should arrive a day early to help better get acclimated? not sure it will help a hammy though.

  6. Destinjohnny Says:

    Coming from extreme humidity actually makes it easier to transition to the altitude funny enough

  7. Ftmyersbuc Says:

    Lol if you put stick um on that kids helmet the ball would hit him in the head still, and stick to his helmet, then while he is still looking around for the ball, the DB will run up and snatch it off and run it back for 6! 🤣

    now that’s a bucs life moment right there!!!

  8. tickrdr Says:

    @SC Bucs Fan:

    LMAO.

    tickrdr

  9. RioDeJaneiro Bucs Fan Says:

    Against the Saints, Evans had 77y negated due to two pass interference penalties, one of them on Marshon Lattimore (who, by the way, loves to preserve his stats with penalties).
    So, despite it was a far from stellar performance, in fact, ME13 produced 79y +1 TD in that game.

  10. Defense Rules Says:

    Titans & Steelers averaged 4.3 YPC against the Broncos defense. IOW they can be run against. I fully expect to see the Bucs run 30-32 times against them … with success … maybe even more. And with an effective running game going, also expect to see more use of a short passing game to move the chains & burn time … one that’ll keep not only our RBs but also our TEs involved. Denver’s Mile-High Stadium favors that approach IMO.

  11. 813bucboi Says:

    DR

    i think you’re right….

    BL is cooking up a game plan that’ll involve heavy run….12 personnel….

    GO BUCS!!!!!

  12. 813bucboi Says:

    if Mike still isnt in shape, i can only imagine GRONK….LOL…

    imo, he’ll look like himself around week11 or 12….

    GO BUCS!!!!

  13. Alanbucsfan Says:

    Bucs should win the game, but if you’re superstitious, both Brady and Arians have a losing record vs Broncos

  14. Defense Rules Says:

    813bucboi … You pick up too many penalties when you keep putting 12 men on the field.

  15. SB Says:

    SC Bucs Fan Says:
    September 24th, 2020 at 10:21 am
    Put a ton of stickum on Grayson’s helmet and let him play

    ……………….

    Noice one.

  16. TOM Says:

    And why is Grayson still on the team. It must be because Arian’s is such a great evaluater of talent. Along with loser Licht who gave lazy ass Smith 14 mil a year & a nice extension. I can’t believe BA with all his BS about those guys. The Bucs will never change.

  17. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    I learned a long time ago not to worry about Mike Evans’ health……he will have a monster of a game…..

  18. Billy-43 Says:

    I don’t think the 2 times Denver have played this year the run was successful against them.
    That long run from Conner skewed the numbers.

    We shall see, but Brady will more than likely need to beat this team.

  19. 813bucboi Says:

    DR

    ?????

    12 Personnel: 1 running back, 2 tight ends, 2 wide receivers.

    GO BUCS!!!!

  20. JimmyJack Says:

    I really liked that TD catch from Evans. It just looked so freaking easy. Great little bit of chemistry we seen from QB/WR on that play. Hope to see Evans and Brady show a little more on Sunday………And I hope they are dedicating time to beating New Orleans…….Sick of seeing Mike blanked every time vs the Saint. Time to end that drought next time we play them.

  21. JimmyJack Says:

    Tampabaybucs fan Great advice as I have learned the same. Some guys you just never gotta worry about with injury. Mike is one of em along with Jensen, Marpet and Smith. Them guys never get hurt. Brady neither.

  22. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    JimmyJack Says:
    September 24th, 2020 at 11:55 am
    Tampabaybucs fan Great advice as I have learned the same. Some guys you just never gotta worry about with injury. Mike is one of em along with Jensen, Marpet and Smith. Them guys never get hurt. Brady neither.

    Hope we aren’t jinxing them…..

  23. Cobraboy Says:

    He’s not in game shape?

    Would that not apply to the entire team?

    Or because of his tweaked hammy?

  24. SOEbuc Says:

    Put Brate in the slot for God’s sake. Been a ghost in TE town that for some reason doesn’t get used. Only reason for Gronk is either Brady said only if Gronk comes, the Glazers and Licht f#cked up bad for media and sales, or BA and BL are just idiots for not using these TEs more. Any which way, they should’ve come up with more TE plays when Gronk arrived.

  25. SOEbuc Says:

    And I haven’t heard anything about Tyler Johnson time frame if you can help get some info on that Joe.

  26. JimmyJack Says:

    Mike and Chris sounds great but whose the freaking 3 Reciever? Miller misses more plays then he makes and Watson has shown little in 4 years.

    One of them two guys better step up or its time to start looking for somebody who can catch the darn ball…..Maybe bring in a Radall Cobb or whatever. Figure it out.

    And keep Shady in for passing plays. He is a very useful weapon.

  27. AlteredEgo Say: Your comment is awaiting moderation. Says:

    No problem ME just pace yourself like Donovan Smith 😉

  28. Mitch Says:

    @SOE Tyler Johnson is finally healthy, but Bruce said Essentially that he is buried on the depth chart because he has missed so much time due to his injury. I think Scotty and Justin would have to miss games for him to possibly get on the field.

  29. JimmyJack Says:

    The real element to watch in Denver is the defense. The menu just arrived and Im ordering the feast.

    I have no doubts whatsoever about Bowles D. The Broncos got notining and they cant do nothing unless we let em. Im looking at the secondary. They have no chance to dent our DL. This aint Geralds line. This one is getting to you and they are giving you no run options!!! I expect destruction in Denver.

    GO BUCS!!!

  30. JustBucNwin Says:

    Sounds like a good time for BA to shift his mindset that TE’s ARE receivers too!

  31. bucnole Says:

    Go with the TE’s. . . a healthy dose of running and a strong defense

  32. Sorryjackchuckiesback Says:

    You get paid MILLIONS of dollars, still get to complain that you are held down in some way that nobody can actually identify they just yell really loud (not so much Mike but he did kneel once that he apologized for) and you’re not in good enough shape to play a whole game?? Why not?? Isn’t that on him??

  33. WillieG Says:

    I almost want to see the Bucs have limited wide receiver participation, just so they HAVE to throw to the tight ends. It would be really awesome if the 3 combined for about 15 catches and 150 yards of offense. I think it would make Arians realize using tight ends is a damn good idea. More importantly, opposing defenses would now have to have contingency plans for this “new” offense.

  34. Abcdgreg Says:

    Tight Ends Matter!

  35. Sport Says:

    Joe – more like 48 inches above sea level. The mile high will take its toll on Mt Vea too. I’m predicting 50% of the snaps for him. If we need a hurry up, we’re gonna be in trouble.

    One week at a time, kick Denver’s Tail!

    Go Bucs!

    In BA I Trust!

  36. Joe Says:

    Joe – more like 48 inches above sea level.

    Nope. It’s 48 feet. Feel free to Google.