The Falcons didn’t have to face Lions star wide receiver Calvin Johnson because he was injured in Week 8 but will have to deal with a rookie receiver in the same mold on Sunday at Tampa Bay.
Mike Evans, the No. 7 overall draft pick out of Texas A&M, had his most productive game of the season on Sunday at Cleveland with seven receptions for 124 yards and two touchdowns. Like Johnson, Evans’ superlative size (6-5, 231 pounds), leaping ability and sure hands make him tough to cover.
“He’s a threat,” Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant said. “He’s been a threat. Big target, can jump, can run. He’s picking it up. We’ve just got to prepare this week and go out here and make plays.”
The Falcons held Evans to four receptions for 52 yards in their 56-14 victory in Week 3 at the Georgia Dome. Bucs quarterback Mike Glennon replaced Josh McCown early in that game and started the next five but coach Lovie Smith decided to switch back to McCown this week.
All four of Evans’ touchdown passes this season were from Glennon.
“I have a good relationship with both of those guys,” Evans said. “I’ve played with both of them. I have chemistry with both of them. It’s a coach’s decision on whoever the quarterback is. My job is to just catch the ball.”
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