Mike Evans has already made a strong Hall of Fame case through nearly 11 years in the NFL. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' all-time leading receiver has a chance to add to his illustrious resumé in Week 18.
Evans needs 85 yards to match Jerry Rice as the only receivers in NFL history to reach 1,000 yards in 11 straight seasons. He put himself in good position with eight catches and 97 yards against the Carolina Panthers last week.
However, the Bucs focus will be set on more than just individual accolades. As a result of their win in Week 17 and the Atlanta Falcons' overtime loss, they control their destiny to a fourth straight NFC South title.
A win over the New Orleans Saints Sunday afternoon cements that achievement, meaning they will not be picky about how they secure this victory.
But Evans' teammates feel a little extra motivation to make sure their No. 1 receiver gets that coveted record. Quarterback Baker Mayfield had a brutally frank response as to how he feels about his teammate making history.
"We're talking about somebody who has all the receiving records across the NFL throughout history, you are talking about someone who has been a member of this community and raised people up..
"So that record is important for us to get him to that."
"That record is important'' ... four words that resonate around here.
Evans' climb back into contention for the record has been nothing short of remarkable given his absence in three games and having the first half of his season hindered with injury. His efforts have also been a necessary boost for the Bucs.
Tampa Bay has won five of their last six games, getting several strong performances from Evans along the way. Another big showing would likely end with the Bucs carrying on into the postseason.
Whether they come out with a game plan directed to feeding him the ball is to be determined, but the Bucs' legend clearly has the support of his teammates as he sits on the verge of history.
