Preview and Prediction: Oakland Raiders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
By Austin Gayle
Adam Humphries Could Expose D.J. Hayden in the Slot
Buccaneers slot receiver Adam Humphries isn’t on Evans’ level in terms of production, but he has made a significant impact within Evans’ shadow.
The former undrafted free agent out of Clemson has brought in 22 receptions for 233 yards as Winston’s No. 2 target, just five receptions away from matching his total in his rookie season in 2015.
At 5’11”, 195 pounds, Humphries isn’t going to impress anyone in jump-ball situations or against press coverage, but his elite route-running ability and short-area quickness will test Raiders fourth-year cornerback D.J. Hayden.
Hayden, a former first-round pick that has failed to meet expectations since entering the league in 2013, has finally pushed himself into a positive light because of his seemingly above average play from within the slot.
Just as quickly as the light came on, it can turn off.
Prior to this season, Hayden has noticeably struggled in coverage, often drawing pass interference penalties because of his inability to turn his head around late in the route.
If Amerson finds a way to limit Evans on the outside, Winston will look to Humphries to provide a spark for Tampa Bay’s offense, and if Hayden isn’t prepared for the test, that spark will turn into a dumpster fire, quickly.