Top Duo

November 24th, 2021

The Bucs have their David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen.

For Joe, there’s no topping a duo like David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen.

Roth was the man who made the most noise, the comedian/performer who may have been the best frontman in rock history. No one has his combination of showmanship, splash and over-the-top personality. Partially in his shadow was the engine of the band that bore his name, Eddie Van Halen. Together, the flashy, extrovert showman and the introvert master musician made magic.

The Bucs sort of have that same duo at receiver. Mike Evans makes the most noise because he sets records and is sometimes flashy. Partially in his shadow is Chris Godwin, who is just steady as can be and is a rock of stability. Together they make football music.

After speaking with NFL suits, Jeremy Fowler came up with a best-duos list in the NFL.

NFL evaluators seem to like Evans and Godwin just a little bit more than Amari Cooper and Cee Dee Lamb.

With nine touchdowns on 66 targets entering Week 11, Evans led NFL wideouts in scoring ratio (7.3) among players with more than 50 targets. He had three games with multiple end zone trips.

“Evans is still that guy,” an NFC exec said. “He’s still such a matchup problem with size and speed … [he] can overpower you. And Godwin is having a better year. They both play tough and physical, which helps in big games.”

Godwin was tied for seventh in receptions (57) and ranked 12th in receiving yards (717) before the Monday Night Football matchup with the New York Giants. After problems with drops in the playoffs last season, Godwin had a modest three drops through his first nine games in 2021. It’s worth pointing out that Tampa Bay also has Antonio Brown as its No. 3 option.

The Bucs damn near had two duos on this list. Finishing a razor-thin second at offensive tackle was Donovan Smith and Tristan Wirfs.

As for Evans and Godwin, Joe will repeat his favorite story on those two (a story that can never happen in these pandemic times because locker rooms are closed to media types).

Joe was speaking with Evans after the 2017 season finale in which Chris Godwin caught a bomb from Mr. Entertainment, America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, in the final seconds to defeat the slimy Saints. Evans told Joe there was no doubt that Godwin was a No. 1 receiver. This floored Joe as most top-shelf receivers would never suggest they are not No. 1. So Joe asked Evans, “Mike, I thought you were a No. 1 receiver?”

Evans responded, “I am.” And then Evans began to walk away from Joe but quickly turned around and said, “Now don’t you start nothing.”

Yeah, it sure is nice the Bucs have two No. 1 receivers.

8 Responses to “Top Duo”

  1. Medicated Pete Says:

    In order: Gronk, AB, Godwin, Runningbacks, Scooter, Evans

  2. Upstate NY BUC Says:

    Evans should go nuts on Xavier Rhodes this weekend, burnt toast. Go Bucs!!

  3. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Best Duo……Evans & Goodwin

  4. Iamabuc Says:

    We actually have 3 #1 WR, when you include Antonio Brown. No ther team have that luxury. God bless our Buccaneers!!…Will always Go Bucs!!

  5. PSL Bob Says:

    There was that time Pete was at the game and sat in the end zone. ME13 made a spectacular catch and then walked towards Pete, who was wearing an Evans jersey at the time. Mike extended the souvenir ball but gave to a young girl sitting behind Pete who was also wearing a ME13 jersey. Pete never got over that.

  6. gp Says:

    @PSL
    Maybe Mike passed him up because of the spoon in his nose?

  7. bucsince79 aka bumaneer Says:

    Joe Diamond Dave has not been able to carry a tune since the turn of the century. EVH is one of the greatest however hasn’t evolved with his guitar in decades…
    Chris Cornell & Tom Morello (plays a 8 string) are the best voice & guitar combo in ROCK!!!

  8. Joe Says:

    EVH is one of the greatest however hasn’t evolved with his guitar in decades…

    Evolved? He set the standard. EVH was the ultimate tinkerer. (Heard him say he has recordings of songs he wrote using piano wire for guitar strings.) Dudes are still trying to copy him (you should hear Morello talk about that on his SiriusXM shows).

    Would love to hear what EVH left in his studio vault — which has to be worth hundreds of millions. His son is such a sniveling Karen we may never hear any of it.

    Roth was never a great singer. As a frontman, there was no equal.