So Baker Mayfield had an interesting twist today on the balancing act the Bucs will perform on Sunday.
A win is necessary to secure a playoff spot, and Mike Evans getting 85 yards receiving is required for him to tie Jerry Rice’s all-time record of 11 consecutive seasons of 1,000 or more yards receiving.
It’s a record that’s stood since 1996.
Mayfield said getting Evans involved in the offense early and effectively is always key to the Bucs’ winning, so it’s no balancing act.
“If we win, Mike’s getting the record,” Mayfield said.
Sorry, Baker, the math is not on your side. The Bucs have won five games this season when Evans played and did not get 85 or more yards receiving.
The Bucs probably will need to make an extra effort to get Evans the ball in this game. Joe just hopes Evans clears the record early and avoids cheap hits from the slimy and dirty Saints.
Fair warning: If Todd Bowles giving away Evans’ six-yard catch last game by needlessly accepting a fourth-quarter penalty ends up being a factor in Evans missing the record, or him potentially getting injured in garbage time on Sunday, Joe will be going wild in this space.
