Slant King. Slant Merchant. Slant Man. Michael Thomas heard it all during his days with the New Orleans Saints.
Many NFL fans and even parts of NFL media began to critique Thomas' game with the Saints because they felt that he lacked a downfield presence. Instead, they saw him as a player who was fed the ball in Sean Payton's passing offense and blossomed due to Drew Brees.
In reality, Thomas did find success down the sidelines and over the middle of the field on intermediate to deep plays. Now, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans may garner comical nicknames due to the slant route.
Mike Evans and Michael Thomas' route selection
According to Pro Football Focus, Mike Evans was the highest-graded (95.4) wide receiver on slant routes.
Clearly, the Bucs also understood how valuable a slant route from the outside or the slot can be when utilized correctly. Evans is a machine when it comes to catching a slant and turning it into a fifteen-plus yard gain for Tampa.
When Thomas did it, it was unimpressive. Now, it may be celebrated a bit more since it is Evans. I do not foresee many folks turning to a slant "nickname" for Evans in the near future as his career unfolds in its later stages.
That being said, he does hold the title from PFF for now. Let's see if Evans holds onto that this season. He will get two more chances to prove he can dominate on that route against the Saints.
Mike Evans has history with New Orleans
Evans' past with the Saints is well-documented. He has been a part (and instigator) in multiple scuffles, some of which have been spurred by his struggles against former Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Evans doesn't hold a fond place in the minds of Saints fans, whatsoever.
Lattimore is no longer in New Orleans, so we may see a bit calmer version of Evans against the Saints for the remainder of his pro career with Tampa Bay. No matter what - he is now tied to Michael Thomas in a unique way as well.
