NFC South coach may have just fired up a Saints star player

There is a rivalry in the NFC South that always catches headlines. It isn't between two teams, in general, either. It's between Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans and New Orleans Saints CB Marshon Lattimore.  They've had many feuds – both vocally and physically. Lattimore has won a major portion of their matchups on the […]

Adam Holt NFL News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Oct 9, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56) and cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) react after a play against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

There is a rivalry in the NFC South that always catches headlines. It isn't between two teams, in general, either. It's between Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans and New Orleans Saints CB Marshon Lattimore. 

They've had many feuds – both vocally and physically. Lattimore has won a major portion of their matchups on the field. It sounds like the Bucs head coach may test Lattimore even more often when the two teams matchup. 

Todd Bowles reportedly wants to get Evans more involved when it comes to touchdowns. That probably means more targets toward Lattimore when the two teams play each other. Lattimore will be ready, though. 

“We’ve got to make that a priority, obviously… I think we made it a priority last year. Sometimes it was shut down; sometimes we just misread it here and there, whether it was on the receiver, the [quarterback] or offensive linemen. We’ve got to get better in that area in getting him the football.” — Bowles

Evans caught just six touchdown receptions last year, his lowest total since the 2017 season. The Bucs will need him to have a massive season, but their QB situation may hinder that potential. 

As for Lattimore and the Saints, they need to keep doing what they have done against Evans. His biggest struggles of his career have been against the Saints. 

Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports