The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints to seal their victory in Week 18 that gave them the NFC South title and the final NFC playoff spot.
With just seconds left to start Sunday’s fourth quarter, you would think quarterback Baker Mayfield would assume the victory formation and take a knee to win. But I had something else on my mind.
He wanted his favorite target to make NFL history and earn $3 million in incentives in the process.
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Mike Evans, left, celebrates with fellow receiver Jalen McMillan after a reception that took him over 1,000 yards for the season in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. (Images by Jonathan Dyer-Imagn)
Every Tampa Bay fan knew that Mike Evans came into this game needing five catches and 85 yards to earn a $3 million bonus.
Yardage specifically would also make NFL history, as Evans would become the first player to begin his career with 11 1,000-yard seasons. He would also tie the great Jerry Rice’s all-time record with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
BAKER MAYFIELD LEADS BUCS TO FOURTH-QUARTER COME BACK OVER SAINTS TO WIN NFC SOUTH TITLE
When the Bucs took the ball late in the game, Evans had eight receptions but only 80 yards. He needed five more to set a new NFL record and also earn a pretty penny on top of his regular game check.
So instead of simply taking a knee, Mayfield dropped back, threw quickly to his left, and Evans gained nine yards to finish with nine catches for 89 yards to hit the target.
Evans threw the ball into the sky and fellow rookie Jalen McMillan immediately ran toward him to celebrate as the entire Raymond James Stadium crowd freaked out, knowing that Evans got what everyone wanted to see. The rest of Evans’ Bucs teammates ran to congratulate him as he walked off the field.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans celebrates after a reception that put him over 1,000 yards for the season in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. (Images by Jonathan Dyer-Imagn)
“I was hoping we would stop because I can’t let the story go,” Evans said after the game, according to Yahoo Sports. “Coach Bowles didn’t want to let it go or [offensive coordinator Liam Coen]. I’m happy they made me go out and get that, because it’s been hard to do it for 11 years in a row and be tied with one of [the greatest, if not the greatest, receiver] of all time means a lot to me.”
Mayfield added: “That’s what we came up with and Mike did the rest. He deserves it. This guy means a lot to the community, this team, this organization for years. For him to be able to accomplish that feat 11 years ago.” in a row and tie Jerry Rice, it’s incredible.
So, Evans finishes his 11th NFL season, all with the Bucs, with 1,004 receiving yards. And his efforts helped his team reach the playoffs, where they will be the fourth seed in the NFC.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans runs a route against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. (Images by Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn)
It’s also worth noting that Evans will receive a $666,666 incentive for finishing in the top 10 in wide receiver touchdowns in the entire NFL.
The Bucs, now winners of the NFC South for the fourth consecutive season, await the loser of the Detroit Lions-Minnesota Vikings matchup later Sunday as they would assume the fifth seed.
