Going into a Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans is just 251 yards away from his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season. And, oh by the way, this is his 11th season as a pro.
Evans already owns the record for most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start a career with his current 10, but getting to no. 11 would tie him for the most consecutive seasons all-time with none other than the great Jerry Rice.
Every game, down the stretch, is an important one for the Bucs. They're currently sitting one game ahead of the Atlanta Falcons for the NFC South lead and an automatic playoff berth. But, keeping Evans' streak alive also seems to be of vast importance, but not necessarily for the man himself.
When speaking to the media this week, quarterback Baker Mayfield was asked about the possibility of getting Evans his 11th-straight 1,000-yard season and tying the all-time record.
"I'm thinking about it more than Mike is," Mayfield responded.
That shouldn't surprise anybody, as Evans would tell you, himself, he cares more about winning at this point in his career. Of course, the record would be cool, but what's also cool is the fact that his teammates care so much about it as well. Mayfield is the ultimate competitor and the type of quarterback to have his receivers' backs.
Baker Mayfield wants to get Mike Evans his record while continuing to focus on winning games
"All in all winning's the most important part, but he's a huge part of this offense," Mayfield continued.
Baker admitted he wasn't going to "force it" but he did talk up his top wide receiver as the offense's "number one guy."
Again, the remaining three games are crucial to the Bucs staying atop the division and earning the right to a postseason spot once more. But, the record isn't all that far away and, to be frank, the Bucs could use Evans getting the record in their quest for the playoffs.
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If Evans has a big game, chances are, the Bucs are going to have a good shot at winning. Just take last week's epic performance as an example.
Evans needs to average 83.7 receiving yards per game the rest of the way in order to hit 1,000 on the dot, and that seems more than doable. After all, Evans almost doubled that number last week against the Chargers.
For those wondering, Evans has topped 83 receiving yards in three games this year, which doesn't seem like a lot. He's averaging just 68.1 per game in 2024, which again, doesn't seem like that impressive a number, but it should also be mentioned that Evans has struggled with a couple of injuries this year, particularly a nagging hamstring.
We do know what he's capable of, though, and if Baker wants him to get the record, I don't see any reason we should doubt that duo.