For more than 59 minutes, it appeared that Mike Evans would fall short of one of the biggest milestones in NFL history. However, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a concerted effort to help the future Hall of Famer tie Jerry Rice's record.
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Rice, the greatest receiver in NFL history, holds the all-time record with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. No other player had tied him entering Sunday, but Evans had an opportunity. He just needed 85 receiving yards to reach 1,000 for the 11th consecutive time.
Evans hit this milestone on the final play of the game. The Buccaneers took over with under 40 seconds remaining in the game. They could have simply taken a knee and sealed the playoff-clinching win. Instead, Baker Mayfield dropped back and tossed a short pass to Evans, who gained nine yards.
Once a Saints defender tackled Evans, the Buccaneers receiver jumped up and spiked the ball into the turf. The home crowd erupted in cheers while the players mobbed Evans.
11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons for Mike Evans. pic.twitter.com/faFJ8B2D1y
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 5, 2025
Judging by the reactions from the players, the fact that the Buccaneers clinched a spot in the playoffs was actually less meaningful at the moment. What mattered was the fact that Evans now has a chance to break a record during the 2025 season.
It also didn't hurt that Evans locked up a $3 million bonus by ending the regular season with more than 70 receptions and more than 1,000 yards.
While Evans tied Rice's record, he didn't have an easy afternoon against the Saints. The Buccaneers' offense was out of sync for the entire first half. The result was a 16-6 deficit entering halftime.
The offensive play improved as the game progressed, but Mayfield still had trouble connecting with his favorite target. One play, in particular, saw the veteran quarterback overthrow Evans on a deep route when the receiver was wide open. This play could have taken him to 1,000 yards on the season and likely even more.
Despite the early issues, Evans still put up 80 yards. This left him only five yards below 1,000 with just over two minutes remaining. The Buccaneers had the ball, and all they needed to do was get Evans one more catch for five yards so he could tie Rice's record.
What did Mayfield do? He took advantage of the Saints' defensive lineup and hit running back Bucky Irving for a game-winning touchdown.
With this play taking place with under two minutes left in the game, it appeared that Evans would end the season short of 1,000 yards. The expectation was that the Saints would either use up the remaining time trying to drive for a game-tying score or the Buccaneers would stop the drive and simply end the game.
The defense did its job and stopped the Saints on fourth down, but they didn't take a knee. They made sure that Evans got his five yards.
