Coming into the 2023 season, there were some concerns about how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense would look. With Tom Brady heading into retirement, the team was turning things over to Baker Mayfield.
There were questions about what Mayfield would bring to the table, especially attempting to replace the greatest quarterback of all time. However, life is easier for a quarterback when you are surrounded by excellent weapons.
If there was one thing the Buccaneers could count on heading into the season, it was that Mayfield wasn’t lacking for options to throw the ball to. Leading the way were wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
NFL News & Rumors: Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Updates
One of the best wide receiver tandems in the NFL, Evans and Godwin have been producing at a high level for years. That success continued in 2023, as they kept their streak alive of 1,000-yad seasons.
Evans, who was selected No. 7 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft, extended his record setting streak of 1,000-yard seasons to begin a career to 10. He caught 79 passes for 1,255 yards and a league-high 13 touchdowns.
While Godwin didn’t find the endzone as often as his running mate, he had a strong season as well. He caught a team-high 83 passes for 1,024 yards and two touchdowns. That makes them the only duo in the NFL to surpass the 1,000-receiving yard plateau in each of the last three seasons.
That streak would be at five had Godwin not suffered an injury in 2020 that limited him to only 12 games. Despite playing in only 12 games, he finished that season with 65 receptions for 840 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
NFL News & Rumors: Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Updates
No matter who is under center for the Buccaneers, these two guys are going to produce. There is a chance this was the last season they will spend as a tandem as Evans is set to hit free agency. No long-term deal was reached before the season and he is likely going to test the market.
But, before that occurs, the Buccaneers have some business to attend to in the NFL postseason. They will be hosting the Philadelphia Eagles during Super Wild Card Weekend at Raymond James Stadium courtesy of their third straight NFC South title.
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