Who’s Better: Mike Evans or Keenan Allen?

With NFL Network starting to release its annual top 100 players, arguments have begun around the internet. You’d expect those arguments to be between @couchpotato75 and @JoeShmo11. But today, the bickering belonged to two NFL wide receivers: Mike Evans and Keenan Allen.

It all started with Los Angeles Chargers pass catcher Keenan Allen having issue with his top 100 ranking at number 77.

Starting to think I did something to somebody ! https://t.co/gk0XNCd82e

— Keenan Allen (@Keenan13Allen) July 27, 2020

From there, Allen went directly at three other receivers in the league: the aforementioned Mike Evans, his Tampa Bay Buccaneer teammate Chris Godwin, and Kansas City Chiefs speedster Tyreek Hill.

Ok I’m tired of biten my tongue…@cheetah @MikeEvans13_ @chrisgoodwin… ( and the list goes on) ARE NOT a better reciever than me! Faster than me…every day of the week but separation..CHILD PLEASE! https://t.co/rBQwJZWkE3

— Keenan Allen (@Keenan13Allen) July 27, 2020

Evans was having none of that, as he responded to Allen with his tweet below.

You tagged the wrong Chris Godwin lol and don’t be mad at us we ain’t make the rankings or care about em. I like the confidence but be realistic you not on my level bro https://t.co/AONodMpfkW

— Mike Evans (@MikeEvans13_) July 27, 2020

First of all, I love it. All the bickering shows how competitive these guys really are. Whether it be by going at each other on twitter or the field, it shows their desire to be great.

I also love this because it is a conversation starter: who is better between Mike Evans and Keenan Allen? Let’s take a look.

So when it comes to stats, Evans edges Allen. In four more career games than Allen, Evans has 12 more touchdowns and 745 more yards. Still, Allen beats Evans in the reception category by 62.

But at the same time, these stats don’t tell the whole story. Allen and Evans both play for different teams with different schemes. And until this offseason both guys have had the same quarterback throwing to them their entire career. The Bucs had Jameis Winston, while the Chargers had ol’ Phillip Rivers slinging the rock. So, it is hard to say which player is *actually* better than the other just based on how each other plays.

For instance, when Evans was catching passes from Winston, his 6’5″ frame came down with a lot of deep jump balls. Evans has had nine touchdowns in his career that were 40+ yard plays. Allen on the other hand has only had two touchdowns of 40+ yards.

But at the same time, you can compare their reception numbers, making Allen look like the superior player.

I guess the point I am trying to make is, is that these two really aren’t super comparable. Evans is a big body receiver who can go up and get anything while Allen is more of a finesse route runner that can be relied on to catch those quick slants.

Keenan Allen with the filthiest route and catch I’ve seen all preseason. (🎥 : @Chargers). pic.twitter.com/bzEOQv6pU5

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 4, 2019

At the end of the day, both of these guys are awesome. Personally, I am a big fan of both receivers. But if I were starting a team and had to choose between the two, I’d go with Evans. Having a threat to take the top off of a defense is invaluable in todays NFL and the former Texas A&M Aggie does it better than anyone.

So that’s my answer. What do you think? Leave a comment below!

– Jarrod Ribaudo (@Jribs53)

Featured image courtesy of Twitter / @sagastiker