Mike Evans punctuates Bucs' comeback win with record-breaking catch in incredible fashion
Sunday looked like it was going to be a day to forget for fans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Instead, Bucs players and fans jumped in exultation on the sideline and in the stands as the final seconds ticked off the scoreboard that read Bucs 27, Falcons 19. While the win was gratifying and worth […]
Sunday looked like it was going to be a day to forget for fans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Instead, Bucs players and fans jumped in exultation on the sideline and in the stands as the final seconds ticked off the scoreboard that read Bucs 27, Falcons 19.
While the win was gratifying and worth celebrating, as the Bucs clinched their fourth straight NFC South title and fifth straight playoff appearance, the elated individuals inside Raymond James Stadium were in jubilation over another milestone.
With 36 seconds left and the Bucs having just gotten the ball back after forcing a turnover on downs to clinch the game, Todd Bowles had a huge decision to make. Mike Evans sat at 995 receiving yards for the season. The Bucs had the game won. What would they do?
Bowles didn't hesitate. He sent his offense on the field, and they lined up in shotgun formation. After a quick timeout, they snapped the ball, and everyone in the stadium knew where it was going. Evans ran a simple out, caught the ball, turned upfield, and got perhaps the most important 9-yard gain of his life.
And in case you were wondering how much the players and coaches wanted it for him, the reaction tells you everything you need to know.
It was a slow start for the Bucs and for Evans against the pesky Saints, who dominated the first half on both sides of the ball. Tampa Bay trailed 13-3 after 30 minutes, with Evans posting only 31 receiving yards for the half.
Things finally picked up late in the second half. On the Bucs' final scoring drive, Evans had 3 catches for 30 yards that put him at 80 for the game and 995 for the season. With the Bucs up 1 and the ball at the New Orleans' 11-yard line with under 2 minutes to play, Liam Coen called a pass play, but double coverage went Evans' way. Baker Mayfield had no choice but to flip it to a wide-open Bucky Irving, who ran for the touchdown and an 8-point cushion.
The dream seemed dead. But then, it wasn't.
The Bucs defense came up with a stop inside the final minute, and Tampa Bay could run out the clock with 36 seconds left.
But there was no way they were going to do that. Not with how important Evans is to this team and this entire region and how important that record is to his legacy.
Bowles gave the ok, Coen gave the call, Mayfield delivered the pass, and his teammates and Bucs fans showered him with the celebration he deserved.
It's been a tough season for Evans. A nagging hamstring injury he aggravated against Baltimore in October cost him three and a half games. The loss of Chris Godwin in the same game for the season certainly made it easier for teams to focus more on him.
But at the end of the day and the regular season, Evans stands beside Jerry Rice in one of the most impressive statistical records in NFL history. Just as it should be.
Baker Mayfield puts the Bucs on his back and wins Tampa Bay its fourth straight division title
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had an up-and-down year, but nonetheless, the 2024 season has ended in a fourth-straight NFC South title and a fifth-straight playoff berth. And it's largely in part of the heroics of Baker Mayfield. I'd be remiss to leave out Jalen McMillan off the bat. The Bucs rookie made two spectacular […]
