The Tampa Bay Buccaneers turned the New Orleans Saints over on downs to seal their Week 18 win that gave them the NFC South title and the ultimate playoff berth within the NFC.
With simply seconds left to tick off within the fourth quarter Sunday, one would suppose quarterback Baker Mayfield would assume victory formation and kneel out the win. However he had one other factor in thoughts.
He needed his favourite goal to make NFL historical past and make $3 million in incentives within the course of.
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Mike Evans, left, celebrates with fellow extensive receiver Jalen McMillan after a reception to place him over 1,000 yards for the season within the second half towards the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. (Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Pictures)
Each Tampa Bay fan knew Mike Evans entered this recreation needing 5 catches and 85 yards to earn a $3 million bonus.
The yards particularly would make NFL historical past, too, as Evans would grow to be the primary participant to ever begin their profession with 11 1,000-yard seasons. It will additionally tie the nice Jerry Rice’s all-time report with 11 consecutive seasons of 1,000 yards.
BAKER MAYFIELD LEADS BUCS TO 4TH QUARTER COMEBACK OVER SAINTS TO WIN NFC SOUTH TITLE
When the Bucs took the ball over on the finish of the sport, Evans had eight catches however solely 80 yards. He wanted 5 extra to set a brand new NFL report and likewise earn himself a fairly penny on prime of his common recreation test.
So, as a substitute of simply kneeling it out, Mayfield dropped again, threw rapidly to his left and Evans picked up 9 yards to complete with 9 catches for 89 yards to hit the mark.
Evans launched the ball into the sky and rookie teammate Jalen McMillan instantly ran over to him to rejoice as the whole Raymond James Stadium crowd freaked out, realizing Evans obtained what everybody needed to see. The remainder of Evans’ Bucs teammates ran over to congratulate him as he walked off the sphere.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers extensive receiver Mike Evans celebrates after a reception to place him over 1,000 yards for the season within the second half towards the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. (Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Pictures)
“I hoped we’d get a cease as a result of I can’t move up historical past,” Evans stated after the sport, per Yahoo Sports. “Coach Bowles didn’t need to let it move up or [offensive coordinator Liam Coen]. I’m completely happy that that they had me go on the market and get that, as a result of this has been laborious to do for 11 straight years, and to be tied with one in all [the greatest, if not the greatest, receiver] of all time means so much to me.”
Mayfield added, “That was what we got here up with, and Mike did the remainder. He deserves that. This man means a lot to the neighborhood, this group, this group for years. For him to have the ability to attain that feat 11 years in a row and tie Jerry Rice, it’s unbelievable.”
So, Evans finishes his eleventh NFL season, all with the Bucs, with 1,004 receiving yards. And his efforts helped his squad attain the playoffs, the place they would be the No. 4 seed within the NFC.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers extensive receiver Mike Evans runs a route towards the New Orleans Saints within the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Pictures)
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It’s additionally price noting that Evans can be seeing a $666,666 incentive for ending within the prime 10 in extensive receiver touchdowns throughout the NFL.
The Bucs, now winners of the NFC South for a fourth consecutive season, await the loser of the Detroit Lions-Minnesota Vikings matchup in a while Sunday, as they’d assume the No. 5 seed.
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