Mike Evans caught seven passes for 113 yards and a touchdown as the San Francisco 49ers edged the Seattle Seahawks 32-29 at Lumen Field on Sunday. Evans, playing through broken ribs, was instrumental in the 49ers’ late surge against the defending Super Bowl champions, sparking a crucial fourth-quarter comeback.
Trailing 26-21 early in the third quarter, the 49ers faced a daunting 74-yard drive against Seattle’s top-ranked defense. With tight end George Kittle sidelined by the flu and only three healthy receivers available, quarterback Brock Purdy looked to Evans repeatedly. On first-and-20, Purdy found Evans for 15 yards. Later, on 3rd-and-10, Evans made a 23-yard catch over Pro Bowl safety Julian Love, who fell at his feet. Then on 2nd-and-21, Evans twisted away from cornerback Josh Jobe to haul in a 28-yard reception along the right sideline.
Those three completions accounted for 66 yards in quick succession and set up a touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks, who was recently promoted from the practice squad. Purdy then connected with Evans on the two-point conversion to take a 29-26 lead with 11 minutes remaining.
Evans, 33, who signed with the 49ers in March, is tied for ninth in NFL history with 111 receiving touchdowns and ranks 18th in career receiving yards with 13,378. He’s one of only two players to record 11 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Despite his decorated career, Evans remains measured off the field. “He doesn’t really say anything,” said linebacker Fred Warner. “He just shows up every week, works and goes out there on Sunday and just dominates you.”
Evans’ teammates showed their respect by referring to him exclusively by his full name. Guard Dominick Puni and tackle Colton McKivitz explained this was a sign of reverence for his career and continued dominance. “Because he’s a grown man,” McKivitz said. “He deserves respect. He’s Mike Evans.” Puni added, “We all know how long he’s dominated the NFL. And he’s still doing it.”
Earlier in the game, Evans responded calmly to trash talk from Seahawks cornerback Trevon Diggs in the second quarter. After a running play, Diggs, who had recently been promoted from Seattle’s practice squad, followed Evans to the huddle and began barking at him. Evans, unfazed, grabbed Diggs by the shoulder pads and turned him around to look at the name on his jersey. “Who are you?” Evans asked. He admitted he initially did not recognize Diggs in the helmet. “And then I’m like, ‘Oh that’s f-ing Diggs.’”
Purdy credited coach Kyle Shanahan’s play-calling for focusing the offense on Evans during that key drive. “I think the way Kyle called the drive there would sort of answer your question,” Purdy said when asked if he had any doubt about targeting Evans.
The 49ers’ offensive line, especially the right side with Puni and McKivitz, played a role in freeing up Evans. McKivitz downplayed the effort. “Just three quick beats for 66 yards. No big deal.”
Despite his injury, Evans expressed confidence in his ability to make contested catches. “I do feel like I’m one of the best receivers in the game, hurt or not,” he said. “I’ve got a big frame. So if you throw it around me, I’m going to do my best to try to make those contested grabs.”
After the game, Evans left the media room quietly, exchanging a fist bump with running back Christian McCaffrey as McCaffrey entered to speak with reporters.
According to Yahoo Sports.
