There are two big storylines for the Bucs heading into the season finale and depending on which Bucs fan you ask, one might take precedent over the other. If Tampa Bay, who is a heavy favorite, defeats the Saints on Sunday they will win the NFC South division. Also, if Mike Evans were to get at least 85 yards in the game, he will reach 1,000 yards receiving for the 11th season in a row, extending his record of most consecutive seasons to begin a career with 1,000 yards while also tying Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for the most consecutive years of recording 1,000 yards receiving.
Bucs WR Mike Evans Photo by: USA Today
And, if Mike Evans were to add five catches amongst the 85 yards, he’ll receive a very nice bonus based on the incentives in his contract. Needless to say, there’s a lot on the line for this game.
Mike Evans has always been a team first guy who would happily take a win and a postseason birth over personal accomplishment. But at the same time the record is important and does mean something to him. However, it’s not just important to Evans, it’s important to every single member of the Bucs, whether it’s his teammates, coaches or front office.
Baker Mayfield Highlights Mike Evans’ Place In NFL History
Because Evans means to much to the players and Tampa community, it almost feels as much of a win for everybody else as it does for Mike Evans. Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield greatly put into perspective why it’s just as important for those that have celebrated Evans over the years.
“Let’s put things in perspective,” Mayfield began. “You’re talking about tying somebody [Jerry Rice] that has all receiving records across the NFL throughout history. You’re talking about somebody that’s consistently been somebody in this community that has raised people up, continued to be the face of this franchise and be there for people, so that record is important for us. To get him to that – obviously, winning is the most important part but those two things go hand in hand.
Bucs WR Mike Evans, RB Bucky Irving and QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: USA Today
“Mike is a huge part of this offense and a huge part of this passing game and so getting him involved early and often is a lot of the reason we’ve had success. Those things go hand in hand. There’s balance and the most important thing is winning but I see it playing out – if we win, Mike is getting the record.
“We have to focus on winning and getting him the ball, but [our] guys are playing for each other. Mike won’t say anything about it, and that’s just who he is. That’s why we love him, that’s why everybody loves him, that’s why he’s been so consistent for so long. It’s never been about just himself; it’s been about winning and trying to find ways to win.”
Mayfield went on to explain the leadership qualities that Mike Evans has brought to a team that he’s been with for over a decade.
“[He’s] not the most vocal guy, but when he speaks, people listen,” Mayfield said. “I think just the way he carried himself last week, he started the sense of urgency on the offensive side of the ball which is great to see. Today at walk-through he had his black Air Force ones on, so he set that mentality again [laughs].
This also puts some responsibility on Liam Coen to get him the ball. And he very much wants to do so.
“I’m pretty aware. Yeah, I’m pretty aware. I was trying a little bit more at the end there, but yeah…Pretty aware,” Coen said. “He knows. Obviously, we’re all aware. The team wants it just because of the human being. He just asked me that question for a reason, because everybody thinks that way about him back here. You want what’s best for him, obviously, with the team-first mentality – which, that’s who he is, so it doesn’t matter. The guys all want it for him anyway.”
Bucs HC Todd Bowles – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
How Will Bucs Balance Winning With Getting Evans’ The Record?
As excited as everyone is for Mike Evans, they can’t let it consume the overall goal of beating the Saints and punching their ticket into the playoffs. Todd Bowles, who always has an even-keeled demeanor, seemed to have the proper temperament when it came the importance of accomplishing task number one while keep an eye on the second task at hand.
“Winning is the most important thing, so there’s no balance there,” Bowles said. “We’re going to win any way we can try to win. We’d like to get him that in the process, but we’re trying to win the game. It’s a division game. They’ve got a lot of smart players over there – a lot of vets, a lot of guys who’ve seen a lot of ball. A lot of ex-Pro Bowlers and current Pro Bowlers. They always play us tough. We understand that going in. We’ve just got to make more plays.”
