We’ve known that Bucs’ wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are one of best duos at wide receiver in the NFL. And while they normally work together to get open on the field, this time they teamed up to defend themselves against an unprovoked shot from another receiver in the league.
Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen was none too pleased that he was ranked 77th on the NFL’s top 100 players list. He then took to twitter and voiced his displeasure on the subject, taking shots at Evans, Godwin and Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
Ok I’m tired of biten my tongue…@cheetah @MikeEvans13_ @chrisgoodwin… ( and the list goes on) ARE NOT a better reciever than me! Faster than me…every day of the week but separation..CHILD PLEASE! https://t.co/rBQwJZWkE3
— Keenan Allen (@Keenan13Allen) July 27, 2020
Evans was the first to retort back early on Monday morning, picking apart Allen’s claims piece by piece with sentiments such as that they don’t make the rankings nor pay attention to them. The main takeaway from Evans’ statement, though, is that Allen isn’t on his level.
You tagged the wrong Chris Godwin lol and don’t be mad at us we ain’t make the rankings or care about em. I like the confidence but be realistic you not on my level bro https://t.co/AONodMpfkW
— Mike Evans (@MikeEvans13_) July 27, 2020
Godwin had a more passive approach to the matter with a comical post calling out Allen for tagging someone named Chris “Goodwin” and not the Bucs’ Pro Bowl receiver.
oh shit lol Don’t sweat it G, Chris Goodwin ain’t better than me either 😂😂 https://t.co/3kh18Puk54
— Chris Godwin (@CGtwelve_) July 27, 2020
It comes as a bit of surprising act by Allen to call out these three receivers specifically when there’s also wideouts such as DeAndre Hopkins and Julio Jones that didn’t end up in the cross hairs of Allen’s ire.
It’s even more unusual that Allen would call out a player such as Evans, because when it comes to the on field production, Evans has the bragging rights. Despite coming into the NFL a year after Allen did, Evans leads over Allen in receiving yards with 7,260 to Allen’s 6,405, and also has 48 touchdowns to Allen’s 34.
While Allen does have more receptions than Evans does, Evans’ average of 15.7 yards per catch is more than the 12.2 that Allen has averaged in his career, plus Evans produces a better amount of yards per game, averaging 80.7 to Allen’s 74.5. Allen did miss 21 games between the 2015 and 2016 seasons, but he’s only played in four less games then Evans. Simply put, Evans does more when he has the ball in his hands.
What should also be taken into account is that Evans has done all of this with a myriad of quarterbacks including Josh McCown, Mike Glennon, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jameis Winston. Allen has spent his entire career predominantly with one quarterback, probable Hall of Famer Philip Rivers. Let’s not forget the fact as well that Evans is in exclusive company with Randy Moss as the only players in NFL history to record over 1,000 yards in the first six seasons of their career.
For Godwin’s credit, he had a breakout year in his third season making the Pro Bowl and earning second team All-Pro honors with 86 receptions in 14 games for 1,333 yards and nine touchdowns. The receiving yards and touchdowns were both more than Allen and Evans.
And if you didn’t have your popcorn out already, you can save it for Sunday, October 4th, when the Bucs and Chargers play against each other at Raymond James Stadium in Week 4.