Mike Evans continues to make history, further making his case as one of the NFL’s all-time great wide receivers. In the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ dominant 48-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers, Evans delivered another outstanding performance, hauling in eight receptions for 97 yards and two touchdowns.
Mike Florio Sees Bucs WR Mike Evans as a Future Hall of Famer
Evans is now just 85 yards shy of hitting 1,000 receiving yards for the 11th consecutive season — a feat that would tie him with Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in NFL history.
NFL analyst Mike Florio didn’t hold back on his praise for the Bucs star, declaring on Pro Football Talk, “This guy has quietly put together a Hall of Fame career.”
Florio hailed Evans’ consistency, pointing out that he already owns the record for the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start a career.
Evans has recorded 11 touchdowns this season, making him more than just reliable — he’s an elite red-zone threat. Evans’ two-score game against Carolina was his 24th multi-touchdown performance of his career, tying him with Davante Adams for the most since 2014.
The Buccaneers’ offense was firing on all cylinders against the Panthers: Todd Bowles’ team racked up 551 total yards. Rookie running back Bucky Irving was the other star of the evening. His 42-yard catch and run to the Panthers’ 1-yard line was a thing to watch. He’s leading the league with 1,430 scrimmage yards among rookies.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield also shined, throwing for five touchdowns in a statement performance (much to the dismay of the Cleveland Browns, who are struggling to solve their QB problem).
Tampa Bay’s 48-point game is a franchise record for the most points scored in a home game. With the win against the Panthers, the Bucs kept their playoff hopes alive, improving to 9-7 on the season.
Evans’ career continues to climb into historic territory. His second touchdown against Carolina pushed him past Hall of Famers Tim Brown and Don Hutson for 21st on the all-time touchdowns list. He’s definitely making a move to be counted among the NFL’s greats.
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Evans’ career accomplishments are impressive, and his ability to deliver under pressure this late in the season shows exactly why Bowles trusts the 31-year-old Texas native as the Bucs keep their eye on securing the NFC South title.
The Buccaneers now control their destiny for a playoff spot — a win and they’re in.
