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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers turned the New Orleans Saints into a rout to seal their Week 18 victory that gave them the NFC South title and a berth in the final NFC playoffs.
You’d think there were seconds left in the fourth quarter on Sunday Baker Mayfield would accept the order of victory and refuse to win. But he meant something else.
He wanted his favorite target to make NFL history and earn $3 million in incentives in the process.
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Mike Evans, left, celebrates with sophomore receiver Jalen McMillan after a reception to put him over 1,000 yards on the season in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. (Images by Jonathan Dyer-Iman)
Every Tampa Bay fan knew Mike Evans entered this game needing five catches and 85 yards to earn a $3 million bonus.
The yards would also make NFL history as Evans would become the first player ever to start his career with 11 1,000-yard seasons. It would also tie the great Jerry Rice’s all-time record of 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
BAKER MAYFIELD LEADS BUCKS TO COMEBACK OVER SAINTS IN 4 QUARTER TO WIN NFC SOUTH TITLE
When the Bucs took the ball away late in the game, Evans caught eight times, but only for 80 yards. He needed five more to set a new NFL record and earn himself a pretty penny on top of his regular game check.
So instead of just dropping to his knees, Mayfield dropped back, threw quickly to the left, and Evans gained nine yards to finish with nine carries for 89 yards to hit the target.
Evans launched the ball into the sky and rookie teammate Jalen McMillan immediately ran up to him to celebrate as the entire Raymond James Stadium crowd went wild knowing Evans got what everyone wanted to see. The rest of Evans’ Bucks teammates ran over to congratulate him as he walked off the field.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans celebrates after catching a touchdown to put him over 1,000 yards on the season in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. (Images by Jonathan Dyer-Iman)
“I was hoping we would stop because I can’t miss history,” Evans said after the game, per Yahoo Sports. “Coach Bowles didn’t want to let (offensive coordinator Liam Cohen) miss that. I’m happy they made me go out there and get it because it was hard to do 11 straight years and to be associated with one of the (greatest, if not the greatest) receivers of all time means a lot to me.”
Mayfield added: “It was something we came up with and Mike did the rest. He deserves it. This guy has meant so much to the community, this team, this organization over the years. For him to be able to accomplish that feat 11 years in a row and tie Jerry Rice is incredible.”
As a result, Evans finishes his 11th NFL season, all with the Bucs, with 1,004 receiving yards. And his efforts have helped his team reach the playoffs, where they will be the No. 4 seed in the NFC.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans runs a route against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. (Images by Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn)
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It’s also worth noting that Evans will receive a bonus of $666,666 for finishing in the top 10 in wide receiver touchdowns in the entire NFL.
The Bucs, now winners of the NFC South for the fourth straight season, face the underdog in the Detroit Lions – Minnesota Vikings matchup later Sunday as they take over the No. 5 seed.
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