More Hall Of Fame Ammo For Mike Evans

September 21st, 2023

ESPN jumped on the Mike Evans hype train in a big way, devoting an entire TV segment to Evans and his skillful route running. It opened with the eye-popping graphic above.

That huge day by Evans on Sunday? It was the eighth time he’s busted out 170 yards or more and a touchdown in the same game. Only four receivers in history have done it more often, and all are in the Hall of Fame.

Jerry Rice played 20 years and only accomplished the feat nine times. Isaac Bruce and Terrell Owens got there, too; Bruce played 16 years and Owens logged 15.

Joe is sure JoeBucsFan.com columnist Ira Kaufman, the only Pro Football Hall of Fame selector representing the Tampa Bay area, is filing this nugget away, among many others to support Evans’ eventual candidacy.

Many national NFL analysts have noted they underestimated the Bucs this season. But Joe found it especially interesting how ESPN receiver-film guru Andrew “Hawk” Hawkins was so open about short-changing Evans specifically.

“First off, let’s start by apologizing to Mike Evans for disrepect by myself and other media members,” Hawkins said. “I’ve done top-5 lists, top-3 lists of best receivers. And over the last two years, I don’t mention Mike Evans and that’s disrespectful. … He’s one of the best if not the best receiver in the league.”

The former Bengals and Browns receiver did a great job on the film breakdown of Evans against the Bears. Joe rarely will link to a YouTube video, but it’s all right here.

29 Responses to “More Hall Of Fame Ammo For Mike Evans”

  1. WVBucsFan Says:

    Looks like Evan’s agent is making sure he’s getting some publicity in a contract year. He’s been balling out for years and never respect, what’s changed?

  2. D-Rok Says:

    Great link, thanks Joe.

    Mike smoked that rookie corner, but mostly with his brains at first. Great job, Mike!

    I like how Hawk, when discussing Mike against the Eagles, said Slay better not get in Mike’s face in press-man – – Mike is too big and too physical for Slay.

    We’ll see how it plays out on MNF!

  3. Stanglassman Says:

    All Bucs fans yell into the void WE Told You So!

    Thanks joes for bringing this to our attention.

  4. BA’s Red Pen Says:

    Pay Mike

  5. Bojim Says:

    He’s already put up enough to get into the HOF.

  6. Iamabuc Says:

    Remember Megatron?…well , he’s our Optimus Prime.
    I said this about 6 six years ago, and I stand my ground on that one. A true receiver monster. Hands down.

  7. Craig Says:

    What is still amazing is the general lack of respect for Mike.

    I checked some fantasy football sites and they all have both he and Godwin in 25th or 25 place in the league.

    In some ways I am glad I don’t play it and it some ways I wish I did. I could make a ton backing him.

  8. JimBobBuc Says:

    Pay the man! Keep him cool and hydrated Monday Night as we will need him.

  9. Austin Says:

    Pay the man out of sheer respect for what he means to team, its history, and tampa the city

  10. Crickett Baker Says:

    Great video and I’m so glad you linked to it, Joe. PLEASE stay healthy, Mike. We love you.

  11. gp Says:

    If M1K3 can keep this pace up, he could conceivably break the single season records for receiving yardage, receptions, AND TD’s.
    That would get his gloves enshrined, holding a spot for his first year of eligibility.

  12. Richard Dickson Says:

    He gets overlooked because he’s not a blazer and he’s not a diva. He’s a WR with a OL mentality: let the job do the talking.

  13. 1#bucsfan Says:

    Finally. Us Bucs fans have bin saying it since the year he was drafted. He’s a top 3 WR. He’s done it consistently now for 9 years with diff QBs throwing him the ball. Not just the goat. Let the disrespect not just fuel ME13 fire but the whole dam team. This team has bin overlooked and shat on since Brady left. Beat the eagles or give them hell with a close game and let’s make all these people even the negative Nancy’s that comment on this site eat not just crow but their own 💩. so hyped for this Monday game let’s go Bucs

  14. Dave Pear Says:

    Eat that, ME haters.

  15. Oddball Says:

    Dang, good on Hawkins for manning up.

    But, lose badly on Monday and everyone is back to “I told you the Bucs stink.”

  16. stpetebucfan Says:

    And do think one “conspiratorialist” here actually posted that the real reason ME was upset was not really his contract but the fact that with Baker Mayfield
    ME felt his shot at continuing his 1000 yard/seasons was not going to happen.

    Wonder how that poster feels now? ME has exploded with Mayfield. Something could happen to one or both of them to stop the great ride but for two weeks it’s been fun to watch.

  17. LOL Says:

    Maybe IRA will take the hint now huh?

  18. Fansince76 Says:

    Yea, they got to pay em!
    HOF no doubt!
    looks like he’s got a few more good years remaining.

  19. Infomeplease Says:

    i loved the play breakdown video!!!!!! I flash back to Dave Canales talking about running plays to set up other plays!! What a difference a good OC and good game plan makes!! ME13 will get a new contract from the Bucs, although it may not come until next year.

  20. SlyPirate Says:

    If Mike can top +100 over the next two games, we need to start discussing 2K.

    If Evans hits 2K, that’s two things on Evans’ resume no NFL WR has ever done before. The HOF discussion is OVER. He’s a lock.

    Plus, Baker wants Mike to hit 2K.

  21. Voice of Truth Says:

    Slap em to sleep!!!!!

  22. Duane in Sanford Says:

    Mike should get the sceptre for angry catch of the week.

  23. Buddha Says:

    Forget the negative-nancy posters. They have an agenda. Ignore them and they will disappear

  24. garro Says:

    There ya go Ira.

    Get that one in front of the HOF voters. Maybe he can tie Rice for the number three spot this year. More amazing when you consider he has done it way fewer seasons. I remember Alworth being so clutch back in the day.

    Our other guys need to watch how Mike runs his routes. Precision, smart and physical. He wins the fifty fifty balls. He screens guys like a power forward in basketball. Makes it easy for his QB to get him the ball with his wing span. That is why he has been successful with all his QBs.

    Go Bucs!

  25. Esteban85 Says:

    A couple years back my non sports wife kept asking me who is Davante Adams?
    All I hear about is Davante freaking Adams, I told her; forget what you hear about freaking Davante and listen to this: Mike Evans, Mike Evans, Mike Evans.

    Consistent, character and high quality. Hall of Fame is in this young man’s future and I hope we can keep him. I leave that tough call up to Licht, who has earned our faith and respect as a GM.

  26. orlbucfan Says:

    1#bucsfan Says:
    September 21st, 2023 at 1:48 pm
    This team has bin overlooked and shat on since Brady left.
    ——————————-
    True dat! However, the Bucs have been shat on long before they were a mote in TB’s eye. They beat the Iggles MN, there will be the usual howls that it was a fluke, refs favored them (always a good one), etc., etc. Count on it.

  27. BucsBeBack (Artist formally known as: BringBucsBack) Says:

    Watch those hands, Mike.

  28. RustyRhinos Says:

    When Mike Evans decides to hang up his cleats, he will be a first-ballot HOF gold jacket owner. My hope is it is always in a Buc uniform. Let’s Go 13!!!!! Show us what scheming you open or 1 on 1 will do for your stats…

  29. David Says:

    Awesome break down on ESPN… Who knew?