It is so easy to normalize greatness like Mike Evans’ streak of 10 straight seasons with 1,000 receiving yards. You can count on Evans quietly putting up 1,000 yards every year. It’s not the sexiest thing in the world. He’s not going to lead the NFL in receiving yards or challenge Calvin Johnson’s record (1,964). He’s not going to make a lot of headlines for sideline outbursts, crazy celebrations or bold predictions. He’s just a model of consistency who produces year after year.
This is the time to appreciate Evans, though. There were murmurs his streak of 1,000 receiving yards would be in jeopardy this year because Tom Brady retired, leaving Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask to battle for the Buccaneers’ QB job. Instead, he extended it to 10 straight seasons, the second-longest streak of all time behind Jerry Rice’s 11 straight. It doesn’t matter who his quarterback is. Josh McCown, Jameis Winston, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brady or Mayfield … he will get 1,000 yards.
I’ll admit, I took the streak for granted. I half expected it to end and for the downside of Evans’ Hall of Fame career to begin. Now I’m back on the Evans bandwagon in a big way after he answered any concerns about his prime being over.
He ranked top 10 in the NFL in receiving yards, receptions and touchdown catches at age 30. He averaged 2.3 yards per route, his best since 2018. He had 10 catches of 30+ yards, the second most of his career. He showed no signs of slowing down, was Mayfield’s go-to guy in his resurgent season and Tampa Bay would miss him tremendously if he left in free agency this spring.
Mike Evans receiving this season
Receiving yards
1,255
9th
3rd
Receiving touchdowns
13
T-1st
T-2nd
Yards per reception
15.9
8th
4th
Evans has the sixth-most receiving yards (11,680) through 10 seasons in NFL history. He trails only Rice, Julio Jones, Torry Holt, Marvin Harrison and Randy Moss.
He has the sixth-most receiving touchdowns…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/mike-evans-free-agency-why-star-wideouts-departure-would-be-a-blow-for-buccaneers-and-nfl-fans-alike/
Author : Douglas Clawson
Publish date : 2024-01-25 14:27:41
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