TAMPA, Fla. — As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers found themselves just 36 seconds short of securing the NFC South title, they had a unique opportunity at stake. Instead of simply taking a knee to run out the game clock from their 32-yard line, Mike Evans was close to reaching a significant milestone—one that required him to gain just a few more yards.
In an exhilarating finish on Sunday, Evans caught a 9-yard pass on the last play of the game, pushing him past the 1,000-yard mark for the 11th consecutive season. This achievement ties him with the legendary Jerry Rice for the record for the most seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards in NFL history. The accomplishment ignited a joyous celebration following the Buccaneers’ 27-19 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
“His dedication to the team is unparalleled,” remarked Baker Mayfield regarding Evans. “That’s precisely why he is so beloved here. We are fortunate to have him. Unfortunately, he doesn’t always receive the recognition he deserves from the media and the league. He is truly one of a kind and has earned this honor. The excitement from the crowd and along the sidelines made it clear how much his accomplishment means to everyone.”
Mayfield demonstrated his versatility during the game, leading the Buccaneers back from a 16-6 deficit to secure the team’s fourth straight division title. It was notable as this marked his first career win when trailing by ten points or more, having been 0-43 in similar circumstances previously.
With a record of 10-7, the Buccaneers are set to host the Washington Commanders (12-5) in a wild-card playoff matchup next Sunday night. This game will also revisit their earlier meeting in Week 1, where Tampa Bay secured a 37-20 victory, featuring rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Mayfield had an impressive outing, throwing for 212 yards and two touchdowns, while also showcasing his agility with a career-high rushing performance of 68 yards. His 32-yard touchdown pass to Jalen McMillan marked a pivotal moment in the game, shifting momentum in favor of the Buccaneers. Later, during another drive, Mayfield scrambled for a crucial 28-yard first down, ultimately leading to a touchdown by Bucky Irving, who took the ball in after a backward flip from Mayfield.
The Saints turned the ball over on downs, providing the Buccaneers one last chance to help Evans etch his name in the record books. In that final moment, Mayfield delivered a short pass to Evans, who then rushed upfield for the vital 9-yard gain. Upon getting up, he spiked the ball in celebration, surrounded by teammates who joined in his triumph.
“What a moment. I was just hoping for a stop, as I couldn’t let history pass us by,” Evans expressed, having dealt with hamstring injuries earlier in the season. “It’s a true honor to tie with one of the greatest receivers ever. This means everything to me and my family.”
Throughout the competition, the Buccaneers remained behind for most of the game and faced a 16-6 score by halftime. The turning point arrived in the fourth quarter when Mayfield’s connection with McMillan yielded the go-ahead score. Although McMillan received a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for a gesture interpreted as a gun point after a catch, he reinvigorated his impact with a toe-tapping endzone catch for his touchdown.
The Saints had a strong start, scoring on their first four possessions, with Spencer Rattler throwing a 5-yard touchdown pass to Dante Pettis. Exploiting Tampa’s injury-stricken secondary, Rattler completed 21 of 28 passes for 151 yards during the first half, establishing a 10-point advantage.
With Tom Brady observing from a booth, the Buccaneers clinched their fifth consecutive playoff berth, finishing as the No. 3 seed. This postseason run, which commenced in 2020 with Brady’s arrival, saw the Buccaneers ascend to their second Super Bowl title.
Mayfield, who took the reins after Brady’s retirement last season, has had a sensational year, logging 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Saints concluded a disappointing campaign, which initially had promising moments, with coach Dennis Allen being let go and special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi stepping in on an interim basis.
“For our players to put forth such effort despite having nothing to play for, it speaks volumes,” said Rizzi, praising his team’s relentless spirit in the season’s final moments. “Right until the end, our guys fought hard, giving their all.”
The Buccaneers had struggled this season when they were unable to score first, and the game began with a 35-yard field goal by Blake Grupe for the Saints.
Injury updates: The Saints’ safety Tyrann Mathieu was taken out of the game due to a concussion in the fourth quarter. The Buccaneers were missing players such as Antoine Winfield Jr. (knee), Cade Otton (knee) and Jamel Dean (knee) with Jordan Whitehead also absent due to injuries from a car accident.
As the season closes for the Saints, their focus turns to searching for a new head coach, while the Buccaneers prepare to host a wild-card playoff contest against Washington next Sunday night.
