Mike Evans exploded with his best game of the season in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, and the star wide receiver said some words of encouragement from Tom Brady helped keep him on track amid an uncharacteristic drought.
Evans caught 10 passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns in Tampa Bay’s NFC South-clinching victory. His last touchdown prior to Sunday was in Week 4. Evans also had not eclipsed the 100-receiving yard mark since Week 8.
After the game, Evans told reporters that Brady assured him, “I’m gonna keep coming to you no matter what.”
What I found most interesting talking to Bucs WR Mike Evans today: He said Brady kept telling him, “I’m gonna keep coming to you no matter what.” Evans hadn’t scored a TD since Week 4, but Brady was ready to ride or die with him in this pivotal game. 10 catches, 207 yds, 3 TDs. pic.twitter.com/7U2MndfGrO
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) January 2, 2023
Finding ways to get the ball to your best playmaker is always a good strategy.
With his big performance, Evans also went over 1,000 receiving yards for the ninth time in his nine NFL seasons. The fact that he has never had a season with fewer than 1,000 yards in nearly a decade is incredible.
Brady and the Bucs have struggled throughout much of the season, but the NFC South is so bad that they were able to win the division with an 8-8 record. They will now host a playoff game in the first round. No team will be anxious to face Tampa Bay, especially now that Brady and Evans seem to be heating up.
