When his playing career is over, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans must get serious consideration for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. After all, he won Super Bowl LV, became an All-Pro in 2016, and was a Pro Bowler four times.
But what’s most impressive is his NFL record of nine consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start his career. While the Buccaneers have struggled in the middle of their 2023 campaign, he has an excellent opportunity to make it ten straight games, given that he already has 737 receiving yards with eight games to go.
Doing the math, Evans needs at least 33 yards per game to reach 1,000. That’s easily attainable for him, especially after a six-catch, 143-yard performance against the Tennessee Titans. His other 100-yard game came in Week 2 versus the Chicago Bears (six catches, 171 yards). He has scored a touchdown in all but three games this season.
43 catches. 737 yards.
— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2023
Mike Evans is on pace for his 10th straight season of 1000+ receiving yards to begin his career
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It’s commendable that he keeps putting up solid numbers, even if the defense knows he will be the primary option in the passing game. Maintaining excellence and durability for a decade pads his legendary feats.
While Evans’ achievements have been low-key, it should be pointed out that he constantly puts up 1,000-yard seasons despite the quarterback carousel in Tampa Bay. He started his career with Josh McCown and Mike Glennon as his play-callers.
Jameis Winston took the reins a year later after getting drafted first overall. Ryan Fitzpatrick also started ten games in two seasons. Then, Tom Brady was in charge from 2020 to 2022, leading the Buccaneers to three consecutive playoff appearances. Mike Evans has been working with Baker Mayfield this season, his sixth starter in a decade.
While another 1,000-yard season is within reach, the former Texas A&M standout will face a tough challenge in Week 11 against the San Francisco 49ers, a team tied for fewest points allowed per game (15.9). After which is their game versus the Indianapolis Colts, a team surrendering an average of nearly 230 passing yards per game.
But as he has proven in his first ten NFL seasons, Mike Evans will find a way to collect his yards, regardless of the opposition.
-Lance Fernandez