Mike Evans, Vincent Jackson's Instant Fantasy Reaction After Week 1

Fantasy expectations for a pair of high-profile wideouts took a hit Sunday as Tampa Bay Buccaneers stars Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson floundered against the Carolina Panthers.

As expected, the veteran Jackson was one of the most-targeted players over the course of the 20-14 loss, but it translated to just four receptions for 36 yards. Evans, a rookie, was targeted the same amount of times and led the team in receiving with five catches for 37 yards before being surpassed by tight end Brandon Myers in garbage time.    

Name	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	TGTS	Fantasy Points
Mike Evans	5	37	7.4	0	9	3
Vincent Jackson	4	36	9.0	0	9	3

The main issue on the day, outside of playing a top-tier defense, came from under center. Josh McCown, fresh off what has the looks of a one-hit-wonder performance last year in Chicago under coach Marc Trestman, struggled all day with his reads and threw a pair of touchdowns and interceptions.

The scores went to Chris Owusu and running back Bobby Rainey.

For Jackson, the performance was a major letdown after owners hit him with an average draft position of 40.0, making him the No. 13 player off the board at his position.

Evans was No. 45, and to be fair, he would have been accredited with a touchdown reception late in the game if he had not stepped out of bounds before reeling in the pass. Justin Rogers of MLive Media Group puts it best:

Watching the game, Trey Wingo noted that the Buccaneers will continue to rely on the big frames of both receivers the rest of the season:

Right now, those jump balls are not going either wideout's way. Against lesser defenses, though, that may change. Remember that it is also McCown's first batch of "real" work with both.

Despite the poor showing, Jackson remains a must-start player regardless of matchup. The volume of his targets is not going anywhere and the timing will get there sooner or later.

Evans is a matchup-based play, and even his veteran mentor believes in him, as he told ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas: "He’s going to continue to learn. It’s always going to be a learning process. But he’s up to speed. He’s doing great things in our offense right now, everything that we’re asking of him."

Feel safe with Jackson each week, and arguably even better with Evans, who will see less attention each time out, depending on the matchup. The two stumbled out of the gate, but Week 1 is certainly not the time to hit the panic button.

All average draft positions courtesy of ESPN.  All scoring info courtesy of ESPN standard leagues, as is points-against info. Statistics courtesy of ESPN.