Last-minute heroics vs. Saints lift Mike Evans, Bucs to record and playoff berth

John Romano, Tampa Bay Times on Jan 5, 2025

Published in Football

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TAMPA, Fla. — The Bucs are in the playoffs.

We say that simply for those of you who A) turned off the TV, B) destroyed the TV or C) hid under the covers.

Playing one of the ugliest games of the year, the Bucs overcame injuries, penalties, a turnover and a botched punt to come from behind to beat the New Orleans Saints 27-19 and clinch their fourth consecutive NFC South title and fifth consecutive trip to the postseason.

As an added bonus, Mike Evans caught a 9-yard pass on the final play finish the regular season with 1,004 yards. Evans ties Jerry Rice as the only players in NFL history with 11 consecutive seasons of 1,000 yards receiving.

It appeared Evans might fall just short of the record after Baker Mayfield got pressured in the pocket and tossed the ball to Bucky Irving, who ran it in for an 11-yard touchdown with 1:51 left. But the Bucs defense forced the Saints to turn the ball over on downs, returning the ball to the offense with 36 seconds remaining.

Tampa Bay’s opponent in next week’s first round will be determined later today. If the Rams beat the Seahawks, the Bucs will be the No. 4 seed and face the Commanders. If Seattle beats Los Angeles, the Bucs will be the No. 3 seed and face the loser of the Vikings-Lions game. Either way, the game will be at Raymond James Stadium.

Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler directed a game-opening drive for a field goal, and the Bucs were chasing the 5-12 Saints for most of the afternoon.

It took an epic 127-yard drive — including overcoming 45 yards in penalties — for the Bucs to take their first lead with 10:09 remaining on a 32-yard pass from Baker Mayfield to rookie Jalen McMillan. Just seconds earlier, the Bucs took a huge gamble on fourth-and-8 at the New Orleans 42, and Mayfield hit McMillan on a 33-yard pass to keep the drive alive, although the rookie was called for unsportsmanlike conduct after the play.

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