The Bucs’ most recent loss on Sunday against the Lions could be a game of “what ifs.” There were two overthrows by quarterback Baker Mayfield looking for Trey Palmer that would’ve given the Bucs two touchdowns, but the moments that involved wide receiver Mike Evans might have been just as back breaking.

Bucs WR Mike Evans – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

On Mayfield’s interception, Mike Evans was wide open down the middle of the field after getting behind the defense. Mayfield was looking for Evans, but the pass was tipped and ended up in the hands of the Lions.

Then, in the second quarter, Evans dropped a pass on a 3rd & 12 that would’ve kept the Bucs’ drive going and put them near midfield. At that point in the game, the Bucs hadn’t scored yet, so that was momentum that they needed.

Later on in the third quarter, Evans was penalized for offensive pass interference on third down with the Bucs on the Lions’ 8-yard line. The offense couldn’t convert the ensuing 3rd & 11 and had to settle for a field goal to make it 10-6 instead of tying the game up.

It’s those moments that all added up for Tampa Bay not being able to keep up with Detroit. They were in it, but they needed some breaks and didn’t get them.

“That’s what’s frustrating about it,” Mike Evans said on Wednesday. “But there [are] also some positives in there because – they’re a good team, they’re playing some really good ball this year – but when we watch the film, there [are] a lot of plays that we should have made.”

Mike Evans Discusses The Missed Chances From Last Game

Bucs WR Mike Evans – Photo By: USA Today

The drops by Mike Evans has become a slight concern. He has four on the season, which is tied for second-most in the league. They’ve come at a couple glaring times, with one in the end zone against the Eagles and the one on third down against the Lions.

Evans commented on both the drop and overall missed moments by Tampa Bay’s offense.

“That’s football,” Evans said. “There’s a lot of unfortunate plays that have happened throughout my career. I got a lot of lowlights as well. But it’s football, and those things happen. I had opportunities to get the ball last week but I missed the one. Other than that, teams do a good of game planning against me.”

Baker Mayfield Weighs In On Mike Evans

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: USA Today

As Mike Evans still works to build chemistry with Baker Mayfield as the season progresses, the Bucs’ quarterback isn’t the least bit concerned about his number one target and some of the drops.

Mayfield even pointed to his own miscues with overthrows to Trey Palmer and others, highlighting that everyone needs to correct mistakes and their offense is better when Evans is the one getting the football.

“First thing I’ll say – I’m not worried about Mike,” Mayfield said. “When it comes to certain drops, you can go the same way with my stuff, certain missed throws. I’m not worried about it. We’ll get it fixed. The physical stuff – we’ll get that corrected. It’s never about hitting the panic button. It’s still instilling confidence.

“The ball is always going to come his way. I’m still going to find ways to get him the ball. And especially Chris [Godwin] obviously – a tough guy for us – he took a few shots for us late in the game. Just continuing to give them chances to make plays on the ball. They’re great players for a reason.”