As far as Joe knows, Mike Evans didn’t seem happy when he left the field in Tampa last Sunday and didn’t speak to reporters after the game.

Additionally, to the best of Joe’s knowledge, Evans has not chatted with the media in the past week.

Strange.

But Joe doesn’t make assumptions. There can be all sorts of reasons.

However, Joe wonders what Evans thinks about the fact that he only scored five goals against the Raiders on Sunday while the Bucs’ offense struggled for long stretches. Evans’ streak of 10 consecutive seasons with 1,000 receiving yards or more is at stake.

The future Hall of Fame receiver has 43 catches for 590 yards and 7 touchdowns this season. And there are only four games left on the program.

Extending Evans’ streak of 1,000-yard seasons to 11 years would equal Jerry Rice’s NFL record.

It’s important to Evans.

It’s important for Baker Mayfield.

It’s important for the fans.

And it’s important for the power hitters at One Buc Palace.

So what will the Bucs do about it? An underperforming game for Evans against the Chargers’ strong pass defense would hugely hurt his chances of extending the series.

Whatever happens against the Chargers, Evans’ target needs to be at 10, Joe believes. Evans’ five goals against the Raiders was a completely unacceptable total for any game in which Evans plays four quarters.

Put the ball in the hands of your best players. It’s hard to go wrong with this.

With Baker Mayfield at quarterback, the Bucs have a 6-4 record (including playoffs) when Evans scores 10 or more goals.

Joe really doesn’t feel like writing an obituary for the Evans series later this month. That would be a sad, sad day.

Ira Kaufman discusses Jason Licht commentary, Bucs-Chargers thoughts and predictions, overall ratings, behind-the-scenes Todd Bowles Retirement Chatter and more

Ira Kaufman discusses Jason Licht commentary, Bucs-Chargers thoughts and predictions, overall ratings, behind-the-scenes Todd Bowles Retirement Chatter and more