gave Tampa Bay Buccaneers Turned around the New Orleans Saints on downs to seal their Week 18 win that gave them the NFC South title and the final playoff berth in the NFC.
With only seconds left in the fourth quarter Sunday, one would think the quarterback Baker Mayfield The formation of victory will take over and kneel the victory. But he had something else in mind.
He wanted his favorite target to make NFL history and a $3 million bonus in the process.
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Every Tampa Bay fan knew. Mike Evans Entered the game needing five catches and 85 yards to earn a $3 million bonus.
The yards would also notably make NFL history, as Evans would become the first player to begin a career with 11 1,000-yard seasons. It would also tie the great Jerry Rice’s all-time record with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
BAKER MAYFIELD LEADS BUCS TO FOURTH-QUARTER COMEBACK OVER SAINTS TO WIN NFC SOUTH TITLE
When the Bucs took the ball over at the end of the game, Evans had eight catches but only 80 yards. He needed five more to set a new NFL record and earn a pretty penny on top of his regular game check.
So, instead of just kneeling, Mayfield dropped back, quickly threw to his left and Evans picked up nine yards to hit the mark with nine catches for 89 yards.
Evans released the ball into the air and teammate Jaylen McMillan immediately ran to him to cheer as the entire crowd at Raymond James Stadium went into awe, knowing that Evans got what everyone wanted to see. was The rest of Evans’ Bucks teammates rushed to congratulate him as he walked off the field.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans celebrates after a reception to put him over 1,000 yards for the season in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. (Jonathan Dyer-Images)
“I was hoping we’d stop because I can’t miss history,” Evans said after the game. Yahoo Sports. “Coach Bowles didn’t want to let him pass or [offensive coordinator Liam Coen]. I’m glad they made me go out there and get it, because it’s been hard to do that for 11 straight years, and bond with one of them. [the greatest, if not the greatest, receiver] Every moment means a lot to me.”
Mayfield added, “That’s what we came up with, and Mike did the rest. He deserves it. This guy has meant so much to the community, to this team, to this organization over the years. A row. Put me and Jerry Rice together, it’s incredible.”
Therefore, Evans finished his 11th NFL season, all with the Bucks, with 1,004 receiving yards. And his efforts helped his squad reach the playoffs, where they would 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. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Amigan Images)
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It’s also worth noting that Evans will receive a $666,666 incentive for finishing in the top 10 in wide receiver touchdowns in the entire NFL.
The Bucs, now the NFC South champions for the fourth straight season, await the loser of the Detroit Lions-Minnesota Vikings matchup later Sunday, as they will take over the No. 5 seed.
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