TAMPA — Even as he was achieving a bit of Tampa Bay immortality Monday night, Mike Evans was extending a streak of prime-time proficiency overlooked by many.
The eighth-year receiver now has at least one touchdown catch in each of his six career Monday Night Football appearances.
The latest, of course, had an historic element. Evans’ 5-yard touchdown catch from Tom Brady in the third quarter of the Bucs’ 30-10 romp of the Giants gave him sole possession of the franchise’s career record for total touchdowns (72).
“I treat every game the same,” said Evans, who also has at least five receptions in each of his half-dozen Monday night contests. “I always have. Whenever the opportunity comes I just try to make the most of it.”
Evans, who had 73 yards on six catches Monday, now has 10 touchdown receptions, tied with the Rams’ Cooper Kupp for the NFL lead. His 71 career touchdown catches are tied with Bob Hayes and Wesley Walker for the 48th-most in NFL history.
“He’s probably in the best shape I’ve ever seen him and just continues to grow and grow and compete to be elite,” coach Bruce Arians said. “Right now, I don’t know if anybody is playing any better than him.”
Mike on Mondays
Bucs receiver Mike Evans has at least one touchdown catch in each of his six career Monday Night Football appearances:
at Panthers (Oct. 10, 2016): 26-yard pass from Jameis Winston (six catches, 89 yards)
vs. Falcons (Dec. 18, 2017): 42-yard pass from Jameis Winston (five catches, 79 yards)
vs. Steelers (Sept. 24, 2018): 24-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (six catches, 137 yards)
vs. Giants (Nov. 2, 2020): 8-yard pass from Tom Brady (five catches, 55 yards)
vs. Rams (Nov. 23, 2020): 9-yard pass from Tom Brady (five catches, 49 yards)
vs. Giants (Nov. 22, 2021): 5-yard pass from Tom Brady (six catches, 73 yards)
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