Dirk Koetter on Mike Evans: 'We just have to get him started'

Sep 27, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) runs with the ball as Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) defends during the game at NRG Stadium. Houston won 19-9. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

While fans have anxiously awaited a breakout from Mike Evans, heading into Week 7 we haven't seen it happen yet. Evans originally dealt with an injured hamstring which resulted in him missing multiple practices and the first game, but since then he's totaled just 13 receptions for 174 yards and no touchdowns.

Obviously it's far too early to call this a "sophomore slump," but the explosion has to be coming soon, right? Well, if you ask the coaches for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there's a positive tone in their responses, as Zach Shapiro of Pewter Report explained.

"We just need to get Mike started," offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter told Pewter Report Wednesday. "He's fine, we just need to get him started. We threw him a bunch of balls in Houston (17 targets) and we were inconsistent throwing and catching in that game. He missed some practice time and the first game (with an injured hamstring). We just have to get him started."

As for head coach Lovie Smith, he spoke about the excitement of adding Mike Evans' "best ball" to the direction the team is heading.

"We need Mike to come," Smith said. "For our football team, we like what we're seeing as far as the direction we're going offensively. But to be able to add Mike Evans best ball to that -- that's exciting."

Evans could have a monster game at anytime, so it'll be interesting to see when the next breakout performance comes for the second-year star.

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