The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had an up-and-down time in the last decade, but the lone constant has been wide receiver Mike Evans and his exceptional performances. The veteran, who is in his 11th season with the team, has been a stellar servant of the franchise and has posted otherworldly numbers regardless of who played under center.
In the Buccaneers' Thursday Night Football clash against the Atlanta Falcons, Evans created history as he became the first player in franchise history to register 100 touchdown catches. Coming into the game, he needed two to find the endzone twice to hit triple-digits and it didn't take him too long to do it.
On a 1st-and-goal play midway through the first quarter, a play-action call from the Buccaneers led to a defensive breakdown for the Falcons, as they left Evans wide open in the middle of the endzone, and quarterback Baker Mayfield made no mistake in finding his superstar teammate.
His second touchdown catch of the night was a vintage Mike Evans play. He started in the slot receiver position, breezed past his defender, created massive separation, gave Mayfield a huge window to throw the ball into, and found the endzone to complete his century.
Buccaneers fans heaped praise on their superstar wide receiver on social media for his exceptional first-half display:
"He's really gonna end up a top 10 wr ever," one fan said.
"That such a sick stat congratulations man," one fan applauded.
"100 touchdowns is crazy," another added.
Several fans claimed that it was a foregone conclusion that he'd get inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility:
"First ballot Hall of Famer without a doubt."
"First ballot hall of famer. Still in his prime. Enjoy it." - Remarked @TexFanInAUAP
"Just put him in the HOF now" - Opined @EVs_Football
Mike Evans' career touchdowns: WR on track to be first-ballot Hall of Famer
Mike Evans became only the ninth wide receiver and 11th player in NFL history to catch 100 touchdown passes. He also usurped Dallas Cowboys icon Michael Irvin on the all-time receiving yards list and is set to become only the 30th player in NFL history to record 12,000 yards.
He already owns the record for most seasons with 1,000 receiving yards to start a career with 10. If he extends it to 11, he'll equal San Francisco 49ers legend Jerry Rice's NFL record for most consecutive seasons with 1,000 receiving yards.
Mike Evans has already cemented his legacy as one of the most consistent and prolific wide receivers in league history. He still has years left in the tank and if he continues on his current trajectory, he'll likely become a Hall of Famer in his first year of eligibility.
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