Richard Sherman: Mike Evans “Far And Away” Underrated
December 18th, 2021
Mad props from a teammate.
Bucs veteran cornerback Richard Sherman, now moonlighting at safety, has played 11 NFL seasons and has faced dynamite receivers in his time.
Sherman now faces guys like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin and Rob Gronkowski daily in practice. So if he didn’t have full respect for Evans before joining the Bucs (it sounds like he did), he has full-blown love now.
On his “Richard Sherman Podcast” this week, Sherman’s co-host and marketing agent Mitchell Eisenstein, pointed out how Evans is 115 receiving yards away from his eighth-consecutive 1,000-yard season. That means he should extend his NFL record for starting a career with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to eight.
Eisenstein asked Sherman if Evans is underrated. Sherman said there is no doubt about it.
“I think it is far and away,” Sherman said, referring to Evans being both underrated and underappreciated from those outside the league. “I think if you are talking about any other receiver going for eight straight 1,000-yard seasons, it would be headlines, it would be all over, everywhere.”
So why are TV sports networks and talking heads all but ignoring Evans? Sherman suggested it’s because the Bucs were not a high-profile team until recently, and Sherman hinted if Evans produced like this for a team in a larger media city, his feats would be blown up more.
“I think it is just the market he has been in,” Sherman said. “He’s been a great player since he has come in this league. … He’s one of the all-time greats. He will get a gold jacket at the end of his career.”
Then Sherman introduced fellow Bucs receiver Chris Godwin into the conversation. Sherman said the lunchpail, humble ways and blue collar work ethic of Evans and Godwin are reasons the Bucs are champions and they make football fun for Sherman.
“Godwin is having a phenomenal season as well,” Sherman said. “It’s really cool to be part of this team with these guys. They are really humble, hard-working. They are selfless. They don’t beg for the ball. They don’t ask for the ball.
“They do all the dirty work. You see them blocking on run plays. You see them blocking on screens. You see them running clear-outs for each other. [Those] guys want to do whatever they can to get a win. And that’s what’s cool about this team and about those receivers.”
Sherman then turned his attention back to Evans and sort of explained why he is the Bucs’ representative for “Man of the Year.”
“Mike, as humble as he seems, he’s a better teammate,” Sherman said. “He’s a great father, husband. He’s just a great guy.”
Joe thinks that is way cool what Sherman said about Evans and Godwin, but the Bucs are loaded with studs who are really humble.
Tristan Wirfs, you ever see him not smiling? And the rest of the offensive linemen are down to earth. Same with Playoff Lenny. Even Tom Brady doesn’t exactly carry himself as the best who ever snapped on a chin strap.
Lavonte David? Quiet as a mouse. Antoine Winfield? Good dude. Jason Pierre-Paul? No one has a bigger heart. Ndamukong Suh isn’t near the monster some made him out to be earlier in his career. Vita Vea is a quiet guy. Joe could go on and on with other examples.
And Sherman is right. The Bucs are loaded with excellent players who put aside their egos so the Bucs can do one thing: Win.
Playoff Lenny has said it often: The Bucs are a special group. Guys like Evans and Godwin are perfect examples.
December 18th, 2021 at 9:19 am
“He’s one of the all-time greats. He will get a gold jacket at the end of his career.”
Sherman and I agree.
December 18th, 2021 at 9:29 am
If DeAndre Hopkins had identical stats (he’s great, but he doesn’t), or Michael “slantking “Thomas, or certainly Odell Beckham Jr, they’d be venerated as the best receiver of their generation no doubt. The fact that Evan’s generally isn’t in the conversation of the top two or three clearly has something to do with where he plays and his own demeanor.
December 18th, 2021 at 9:31 am
What a great time to be a Buccaneer fan!
December 18th, 2021 at 9:34 am
I would like to see Evans Yac yards from earlier in his career to now. I remember him falling after catch alot earlier in his career. It seems he is more determined to get those Yac yards now. Maybe im just looking thru rose colored glasses now.
December 18th, 2021 at 9:42 am
This team is easy to root for for being champs but also for being full of so many guys that are selfless and genuinely good dudes. I am beginning to think things really are setting up for us to be full strength and plow through the road to the SB against the Patriots for the most epic and anticipated Superbowl or better said, the most anticipated championship game in sports history. It is just too perfect not to happen.
December 18th, 2021 at 9:47 am
Since76, better accuracy from his QB.
December 18th, 2021 at 10:30 am
What about Sherman himself?
December 18th, 2021 at 10:44 am
Aside from beating the snot out of the hated Saints, I would like to see Mike hang that final 115 yards on them as well. Mike ups his record, Bucs win Division at home in front of their fans.
December 18th, 2021 at 11:16 am
Love me some ME13… I think he has evolved his game since BA and Brady came to town. He was such a raw product coming out of A&M and has been an absolute pro. He catches some flack on this site sometimes but the dude is the greatest WR in Bucs history, no doubt. Crazy that he has been as great as he’s been and still have room and willingness to improve.
December 18th, 2021 at 11:26 am
He isnt underrated, he is underappreciated because he was on bad teams. He gets the double team every week since early on in his career. Defenses are not sleeping on him. He is 28, and his salary has never broken the bank for this team. I also think he is the best red zone threat in the league. May his hammies and quads remain plyable for the next few months.
December 18th, 2021 at 11:45 am
Mike is a great player, hoping he gets his 8th 1k yard season in the next couple of weeks. His presence created opportunities for everyone, and his size/speed/range/competitive toughness make him legit.
December 18th, 2021 at 11:46 am
One of my all time favorite Bucs!!
December 18th, 2021 at 11:53 am
Evans has been top notch from day one, on and off the field. I even had mad respect when he went after Lattimore. The guy is all heart.
On a side note, how is it possible for some fans to exclaim their pride and ease in cheering for this team of high character and then turn cheek and when it comes to the lying rage machine AB? AB is a great baller, but a pos human and IMHO not worthy to even sit on the bench with a ME, CG, Gronk, Wirfs, etc, etc.
December 18th, 2021 at 11:53 am
Got both of their jerseys. Always a challenge to decide which one to wear on game day. Love those guys, and hope both retire as Bucs.
December 18th, 2021 at 12:01 pm
remember how evans and sherman would go at it on the field before sherm became a buc…
they’ve had some heated match ups over the years
December 18th, 2021 at 12:03 pm
Mike Evans is very under-rated says Medicated Pete.
December 18th, 2021 at 12:21 pm
Seriously good points by Richard Sherman: Two All Pro WRs on the same team and zero drama. They are both humble, hardworking, willing to take a hit to make the catch, block, and are loyal.
I don’t recall any two WRs in NFL history who meet all of these characteristics.
December 18th, 2021 at 12:25 pm
Call me crazy, but somehow I’m taking Sherman’s word over that of Constipated Pete.
December 18th, 2021 at 12:33 pm
As a former receiver coach I can attest to Divas gravitating to the receiver position. Evans and Godwin are truly rare! I truly hope we can find a way to keep them together.
December 18th, 2021 at 1:12 pm
Agree with Sherman. Mike Evans is better than any of us thinks he is. He’s that damn good. We are very lucky to have him.
Unrelated: I just want to say that I think Troy Aikman and Joe Buck are POS. On that Parham play, the poor guy landed where his neck snapped viciously in a serious whiplash type of way. Dude is motionless and clearly unconscious and these toolbags are yapping about inconsequential crap while this poor dude is knocked out. Something like this happens, you STFU until he is off the field and then you softly wish the absolute best. I know Buck is going to go to the Hall just like his pops but he still sucks at life.
December 18th, 2021 at 1:48 pm
Vita has got a great sense of humor too. He and Todd Bowles are funny dudes.
December 18th, 2021 at 2:05 pm
If I’m not mistaken, isn’t ME13 the original Dunkaneer?
December 18th, 2021 at 2:17 pm
Its really nice going from chumps to champs.
December 18th, 2021 at 2:35 pm
DoooshLaRue Says:
December 18th, 2021 at 2:05 pm
If I’m not mistaken, isn’t ME13 the original Dunkaneer?
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I think Vincent Jackson and Austin Seferian-Jackwagon were already here when he was drafted, and the 3 of them were christened with that title. I could be off, though.
December 18th, 2021 at 2:39 pm
ME13 is the Greatest WR ever!! ME13 will be a hall of famer for sure!!!! NO DOUBT!!! FIRST THINGS FIRST,. Kick the crap out of the Saints!!! SCORE EARLY and SCORE OFTEN!! GO BUCS!!!!
December 18th, 2021 at 2:48 pm
That catch he made in the corner of the end zone against the Bills last week was a piece of art that could rival Hunter Biden’s…
Seriously folks – can you believe the President of the United States currently has a crack addicted whore mongering son that sells “pieces of art” for up to $500,000?
Clown World?
December 18th, 2021 at 2:49 pm
LMAO @ Marine. Brandon’s son? Noooo
December 18th, 2021 at 2:59 pm
Thanks great article. And another reason to bench AB for the season.
He doesn’t fit into any category that is team oriented. Too bad he has football talent but no human qualities. He needs help.
December 18th, 2021 at 3:07 pm
@ cmurda
LOL!!!
December 18th, 2021 at 3:21 pm
Daniel DA man is a GB fan, that would be the only reason one would post that. Bucs are 5-0 with him, he is a 7 time pro bowler and SB MVP. The best receiver Bucs have.
December 18th, 2021 at 3:32 pm
Not that we needed more proof that Mike is a first ballot hall of famer, but here is about as good an endorsement as you can get. Nevertheless, Mike’s buffoonish detractors on this site are sure to start coming out again to nitpick him once he has a less than stellar game.
The (mostly) horrible northeast sports media has always looked down on our players and they have to go above and beyond lesser players in order to get the recognition that they deserve.
December 18th, 2021 at 3:54 pm
Love the Bucs. According to his teammates, AB has been great on the field and off. Their opinion is the one I care about. This vax stuff is a frigging mess for many, including athletes who have had bad reactions including death. Look up Jeremy Chardy for one. I think AB will play out this season.
December 18th, 2021 at 4:02 pm
@DoooshLaRue
My response belatedly posted above, re: Dunkaneers.
December 18th, 2021 at 4:04 pm
Love that TB and Mike are understanding each other. Keep throwing to Mike deep and down the sidelines, he is a master of making contested catches. Just throw it high and let him sky.
Let Godwin and Gronk roam the middle of the field, they know where to be for Brady’s quick passing. That’s not Mike’s game.
In basketball world Mike is a post up power forward, Godwin is the cutter/slasher that uses quickness and strength.
Mike is pure power and leader who cannot be stopped 20-25 yards downfield.
I hope he goes off vs Latimore and beats him downfield and in the sideline area.
December 18th, 2021 at 4:07 pm
No doubt he is a good receiver, I just wish he wouldn’t turtle every time a safety is beating down on him.
December 18th, 2021 at 4:26 pm
He is not only a great receiver but also a wonderful guy. On top of that, he also draws more PI’s from opps than almost any other. He is really tricky. 🙂
December 18th, 2021 at 5:23 pm
There goes Listn again proving his stupidity for the world to see.
AB has 6 1000 yard seasons in 11 years on FAR better teams with superior QB talent. (sans the last two years)
ME has 7 1000 yard seasons in 7 years with the likes of Josh McCown, Mike Glennon, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jameis Winston throwing to him.
Dude can you even SPELL football?
7 probowls………..LOL Yup fans used to love him.
Like I said before. Stick to being a synchronized swimming expert
December 18th, 2021 at 5:28 pm
Who has more 1,000 yard seasons?
Who has more TDs than Mike since he entered the league?
Cat got your tongue?
December 18th, 2021 at 5:30 pm
Mike is a terrific player. He’s almost a certain HOF. He just doesn’t blow his own horn and call attention to himself like most receivers. If I had a criticism, it would be that he always seems to be looking for a flag, but he’s doing that less with Brady.
December 18th, 2021 at 5:49 pm
Crickett Baker Says:
“… he also draws more PI’s from opps than almost any other.”
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Good comment. I’m ready to see this as a statistical category. I bet not many receivers draw as many as Mike does.
Hidden value.
December 18th, 2021 at 6:03 pm
I didn’t realize how great of a guy Sherman is and how smart he is until he came here .. I always thought he was an azz , but I guess that’s what the media wants us to see , and not see on Evans matter
December 18th, 2021 at 6:43 pm
SB, if you believe Mike Evans is a better receiver than AB you know absolutely nothing about football. Just want the two play AB’s skill set is more advanced. Yes Mike has more 1000 seasons because Bucs are always behind in the score so they have to throw. AB played in Pttsburg with Bell so they ran the ball as much as they threw. They also had Hines Ward, Wallace to spread the wealth. Oh let’s not forget inclement weather. I guess AB MVP means nothing to. Oh his last 1000 was from TB12, a little better than Ben Rothsberger
December 18th, 2021 at 6:54 pm
Oh SB, you are right about one thing, he got Pro Bowl votes because the fans realized how GREAT he is. I know you don’t want to believe your hero doesn’t turtle but unfortunately he dies, go back and watch this seasons games again there are 4 or 5 times he gets alligator arms when he a safety is lining him up. He is definitely in the top 15 receivers in the league and I’m glad Bucs have him and I hope he makes it in the HOF. So go back and celebrate your high school field hockey championships and leave the football for the men.
December 18th, 2021 at 6:59 pm
Your argument holds no water Listn. ME has played with CG who is a Hines Ward clone for the last 4 and a half years. ME has 72 TDs in 7 years whereas AB has 83 in 11 years. When ME is done with his career he will surpass EVERYTHING AB ever did except being a human cancer off the field. Keep hanging on AB’s nutsack and proving your ignorance. It is fun to watch for all of us
December 18th, 2021 at 7:02 pm
LOL @ you insinuating that an ex-Ranger with an Iron Cross and two Purple Hearts isn’t a man.
Just keep stepping in your own sh!t man.
December 18th, 2021 at 7:46 pm
If I fought in WW1 it wouldn’t be called a Bronze star
December 18th, 2021 at 7:47 pm
Thank you for your service. I happen to know quite a bit about football, I played linebacker for a prominent D1 program. So I can recognize when a wr is protecting himself. You can call me what you want but Evan’s cannot match AB’s skills.
December 18th, 2021 at 7:54 pm
AB at his best was a better receiver than Mike at his best, but it’s silly to say that he is a better player now. Mike is hands down the best receiver in the game today and the best since Moss and Brown were in their primes. There is a very short list of receivers in the history of the game that could have made that spectacular catch that Mike did against the Bills. Questioning Mike’s manhood saying that he is scared to make catches is patently absurd. I usually ignore these kind of comments for the nonsense that they are, but I was bored enough to speak on them tonight. 😜
Everyone is entitled to their opinions no matter how ill informed they may be, but I’d suggest typing in Mike Evans into the search option on pro football reference.com. His numbers speak for themselves and the truth may set some of you doubters free from the negativity that you have towards the best home grown offensive talent in the history of our team.
December 18th, 2021 at 7:59 pm
I give you credit Listn for getting under my skin and making me misstype at times.
Question……..When ME hangs up his cleats do you think he will have surpassed Every number AB ever had?
December 18th, 2021 at 8:00 pm
Well said Buczilla
December 18th, 2021 at 8:03 pm
@SB Thanks dude and thanks for protecting our butts as well.
December 18th, 2021 at 8:21 pm
Most likely but to be honest it’s only because AB is a dip shat. He has only played what 15 total games with the Bucs and 1 game with the Pat’s in the last 4 or 5 seasons? If he consistently played I think AB would have it hands down. I guess we’ll see.
December 18th, 2021 at 8:36 pm
Agreed, if AB had had his head on straight for the last few years and stayed healthy, he’d be an all time great. I love Mike and I’m obviously biased, but he’s a notch below the legends like Rice, Moss, Owens, and AB if he had kept his nose clean.
December 18th, 2021 at 8:46 pm
SB Says:
“If I fought in WW1 it wouldn’t be called a Bronze star.”
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LOL
I was about to ask: Isn’t the Iron Cross a German military award?
Hooah!
December 18th, 2021 at 9:02 pm
AB and ME are totally different receivers. It’s not even fair to compare them. Nobody Mike’s size has the quickness and cuts of Brown, and nobody Brown’s size can box out DBs and high-point the ball the way Mike does.
The whole argument is pretty silly. IMO
December 18th, 2021 at 9:22 pm
One of my points Listn.
What is your best ability?
Thinking and reacting is definitely not one of his. GREAT skills and a weak mind.
Not necessarily a good combo
December 18th, 2021 at 9:26 pm
Great point on the argument Bush’s.
Apples and Oranges……..Yes they are both fruit but completely different.
And yes my sense of humor and challenge are a bit quirky. I was trying to lure Listn into another argument with that statement. My bad.
It IS just a football comment section after all. I think I need some r&r.
No worries Listn. My bad for coming at you so hard and provoking you. I will refrain from now on
December 18th, 2021 at 9:35 pm
SB Says:
“And yes my sense of humor and challenge are a bit quirky. I was trying to lure Listn into another argument with that statement. My bad.”
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No apologies! I actually enjoy you two going back and forth. LOL. It’s just as entertaining as the original post.
December 18th, 2021 at 10:28 pm
Marinebuc you bring your right leaning political talk up here talking about Bidens son but say nothing about the Russian mole that tried to usurp our laws to remain president and caused the death of law enforcement officers on January 6. Don’t you have some Articles of the UCMC to go break?
December 18th, 2021 at 10:35 pm
Hey Joe, since the link was a no go, sorry I didn’t know links are a no go, can you drop one that’s good for that Evans catch? I just think it shows that Evans isn’t scared of taking hits when it comes to actually catching a pass. Plus, that catch and the Bills catch have to go down as his best catches! Dudes getting his Gold Jacket and he’s going down as one of the Bucs all time greats, if not the greatest Buc! If last week is any indication of Evans and Brady finally getting on the same page….. LOOK OUT!!
December 18th, 2021 at 10:55 pm
Isn’t it great to be able to cheer for not just great football players but great human beings as well?
December 19th, 2021 at 7:36 am
SB, you’re probably done with this thread and that’s OK because I was getting bored anyway. In one way you are similar to AB, no matter how much you try to teach him, he just doesn’t comprehend. So in somes scenarios like this one the ignorant stay ignorant because they refuse to let their pea brain absorb the truth. Hang on to your man crush because the fact is Evan’s is great but not top 10 in the NFL. Oh and every time he pulls the alligator arm trick, that makes Bucs super star QB look bad.
December 19th, 2021 at 7:39 am
Love this team
December 19th, 2021 at 9:06 am
What an entertaining joke. ME13 vs. Brown. Brown had the good fortune to play on a highly respected and winning football franchise, the Pittsburgh Steelers. ME13? The lousy Tampa Bay Yucks, his first few years here. ME13 never complained, never bellyached, NEVER embarrassed the Yucks on or OFF the field. Now, he has the SB ring he so richly deserves. He will get his 8th 1000 yard season, and I hope it’s against the Aints tonight. ME13 will also be the first Bucs offensive player to make the HOF. Brown? That clown needs to be in a psych ward. Richard Sherman knows football better than anyone commenting here. THAT is for sure!
December 19th, 2021 at 10:29 am
Orl, someone needs to ask him how much fun it was to cover Brown when Sherman was in his prime. Obviously the majority of Bucs fans never watched Brown play at Pittsburg. Being in NE I’ve had the pleasure of watching him torch Patriots DB’s. He also never shys away from a hit. Short memories, reach back and remember what AB was doing for this team prior to his injury. Evan’s was kind if the invisible man.