Can Mayfield Get 'Explosive' with Anticipated Evans Return?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense lost a load of firepower back in their Week 7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Unfortunately, they will not reclaim one of their departures as Chris Godwin remains out for the season with a dislocated ankle. 

However, Mike Evans, who left that game with a hamstring injury, could be returning the field as soon as this week. 

That means a depleted Bucs' receiving corps gets back arguably their most important piece. While Godwin had emerged as Mayfield's target of choice earlier this season, Evans' continued impact as a veteran will provide a stabilizing force this group has lacked in recent weeks. 

Amidst his 11th NFL season Evans offers more than just his intangibles. In fact, quarterback Baker Mayfield has his focus on the ways Evans will enhance Tampa Bay's ability to attack downfield. 

"We talk about getting explosive plays and somehow creating that and we've been trying to deal some things up within the scheme," Mayfield said Wednesday. "But it's huge to be able to have that threat in one-on-one coverage."

Certainly Evans and Godwin work even better in tandem. But the Bucs could not be getting Evans back at a more important time. 

Sitting at 4-6 and 1.5 games back of the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South race, the Bucs need to make their move now. That means stringing together wins down the stretch with one of the league's easiest remaining schedules. 

The schedule may help their cause, but having their future Hall of Fame receiver flanked outside strengthens this group each of these final seven weeks. 

And along this journey, look for Mayfield to target his No. 1 receiver to find more of the "explosive plays" this offense has missed.