Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield wants Mike Evans to extend 1,000-yard season streak

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans is within reach of history. His quarterback, Baker Mayfield, is all too aware of that fact.

With 251 more receiving yards, Evans will reach the 1,000-yard mark for the 11th straight season since he entered the NFL. That accomplishment would not only further extend Evans' record for most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to begin a career, it would also match NFL legend Jerry Rice's record for most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons at any point.

One reporter asked Mayfield about whether Evans' streak was on the quarterback's mind entering the final three games of the season at a Wednesday press conference.

"I'm thinking about it more than Mike is," Mayfield responded.

Mayfield continued by emphasizing Evans' "explosive" role in the passing offense as a reason for him to continue getting the ball. But the quarterback also stated that he doesn't want to force it.

"That's not what this offense is all about," he said. "Still need to let the defense dictate where the ball is gonna go based on coverage and what they're doing. Still moving Mike around, he's still our number one guy. If it happens, it happens."

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Mike Evans stats

Evans missed three and a half games this season with a hamstring injury he suffered in Week 7. Even so, he's still within striking distance of reaching 1,000 yards for an 11th straight season.

Here are Evans' stats going into Week 16's "Sunday Night Football" clash with the Cowboys:

• Targets: 79

• Receptions: 52

• Receiving yards: 749

• Yards per catch: 14.4

• Receiving touchdowns: 9

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mike Evans stats: 1,000-yard season is top-of-mind for Baker Mayfield