Buccaneers WR Mike Evans can leapfrog multiple Hall of Famers on Sunday
There is little doubt among those who've paid attention that Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans has built a Hall of Fame resume. On Sunday, he can continue that quest by jumping some of its current members in more than one major statistical category. With 32 receiving yards, Evans will pass former Detroit Lions WR […]
There is little doubt among those who've paid attention that Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans has built a Hall of Fame resume. On Sunday, he can continue that quest by jumping some of its current members in more than one major statistical category.
With 32 receiving yards, Evans will pass former Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson for 33rd on the all-time NFL receiving yards list.
Johnson was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 8, 2021 as a first ballot inductee. He played for the Lions from 2007 through the 2015 season before announcing his retirement on January 6, 2016. In nine seasons, he totaled 731 catches for 11,619 yards and 83 receiving touchdowns.
Johnson and Evans shared the field during the latter's rookie season back on December 7, 2014. Johnson shined in the Lions' 34-17 win over the Buccaneers, pulling down 8 catches for 158 yards and a touchdown. However, the rookie Evans made a statement as well. He caught 4 passes for 45 yards with 2 touchdowns.
Now, Evans will add another notch in the belt of his Hall of Fame resume by passing the former Lions great. And from what Evans is doing this season, it won't be the last Hall of Famer on the list that he passes soon in this category. Michael Irvin sits just 285 receiving yards ahead of Johnson.
Evans is also pushing two other Hall of Famers in another category: receptions. With 9 and 12 catches, Evans will pass James Lofton and Marshall Faulk, respectively, on the all-time receptions list.
Evans will end up with another multi-year deal after this season is over, be it with the Buccaneers or someone willing to break the bank for the veteran wideout. His play this year – 73 catches for 1163 yards and 13 touchdowns – has warranted a hefty new deal. Accordingly, he'll continue to shoot further up the statistical ladders in the coming years.
Buccaneer fans just hope that he does that wearing pewter and red.
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