Entering his ninth season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, wide receiver Chris Godwin recalls the unique partnership he shared with fellow receiver Mike Evans. Drafted in the third round in 2017, Godwin rose to prominence as a full-time starter by 2019, posting 19 more receptions and 176 additional receiving yards compared to Evans that year. Reflecting on that season, Godwin noted the surprising lack of tension despite his higher target share.

“Not a single time throughout that year did Mike mention anything to me or anybody about the targets I was getting and the success that I was having, even though he had been the franchise receiver, the No. 1 receiver,”

Godwin said, via Dan Pompei of The Athletic.

“You would expect some kind of animosity, like, ‘Hey, if I’m your guy, why is he getting all of that?’”

The Uncommon Chemistry Between Godwin and Evans

Godwin emphasized the rarity of the combination he and Evans formed on the Buccaneers’ offense. Though both receivers frequently shared the spotlight, their collaboration remained harmonious and productive over several seasons. Godwin expressed confidence that, long after their departures, their partnership would be remembered as exceptional by those reflecting on Tampa Bay’s history.

“When me and Mike are done, long gone from this organization, I think we’re going to look back on this time and say it was rare to have what we had,”

Godwin said. He also praised Evans’ character and team-first mentality.

“It’s not always the case that you are surrounded by a ton of good people who care about the right things, who have similar goals and treat people with respect,”

Godwin added.

“The first thing for me is I want to work with people that I enjoy it with.”

Falcons Running Back Bijan Robinson Strives for Big-Play Growth

Meanwhile, Atlanta Falcons’ running back Bijan Robinson is focused on improving his ability to make explosive plays in the upcoming 2025 season. Drawing inspiration from players like Saquon Barkley, Robinson shared his offseason dedication to enhancing his big-play impact and offensive contributions.

“We all want it. We’re all waiting for that Saquon-type of season when it comes to explosives,”

Robinson said, via Will McFadden of the team’s website.

“But I’ve been working on it a lot this offseason. And, obviously, when it gets to the season, it’s time to go show it and go do the work the right way.”

Robinson explained his daily focus on creating separation and taking advantage of defensive gaps to generate big gains.

“I work on it every single day,”

Robinson said.

“Obviously, the explosives, we always want them. We’ve added so many things to this offense so we can create more explosives. And, for me, sometimes it’s that one defender, but now that’s all. That’s what I’ve been working on all offseason, just seeing that free hitter and making moves off him.”

Atlanta Falcons Coach Praises Robinson’s Field Vision

Falcons Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson applauded Bijan Robinson’s impressive vision and instinctive feel for reading plays, particularly in congested situations. He expressed optimism that Robinson’s explosive capabilities will increase as the season approaches.

“He is so talented,” Zac Robinson remarked.

“His vision, the way he can see and feel in tight quarters is unlike anything I have ever seen. We just hope for that uptick with the explosives.”

Carolina Panthers Tight End Tommy Tremble’s Recovery from Back Surgery

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble will miss part of the training camp this year after undergoing back surgery during the offseason. Head coach Dave Canales explained the decision as a precaution to ensure Tremble’s long-term health and effectiveness, highlighting the value of addressing the injury early, given Tremble’s age and potential for future contributions.

“We were kinda thinking about it, talking about it, looking at timelines and all that and just felt like for him… he’s 25 years old,”

Canales said, via Anthony Rizzuti of the Panthers Wire.

“Let’s get this thing while he’s young and strong and be able to get him back on the right track. So we just decided to do that now, looking forward.”

Looking Ahead: The Legacy of Godwin and Evans and Emerging NFL Talents

As Chris Godwin prepares for his ninth season with the Buccaneers, his reflections on the partnership with Mike Evans underline a rare professional chemistry in the NFL’s wide receiver landscape. Their ability to collaborate without rivalry has left a lasting impression on the franchise and its supporters. Meanwhile, rising stars like Bijan Robinson in Atlanta and injury management cases like Tommy Tremble in Carolina showcase the continued evolution and challenges NFL players face each season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these stories unfold throughout the upcoming campaigns.