Can Mike Evans Match Jerry Rice?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' playoff hopes took a considerable dip Sunday night following a 26-24 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The defeat snapped a four-game winning streak and their momentum for another NFC South crown. 

The Bucs still have two games to go and remain firmly in the hunt to make the NFC Playoffs, but will need some help along the way as they no longer control their own destiny. 

But they will need to help themselves with their own play and will need their stars to shine these final two weeks. That means players like Mike Evans will need to bring big contributions to the table. 

For Evans specifically, his best efforts are not only needed for the Bucs' postseason hopes, but also for his individual aspirations of reaching 1,000 yards for an 11th straight season. That is a notable feat that only Hall of Famer Jerry Rice has accomplished. 

Against the Cowboys, Evans finished the game with six catches for 61 yards, bringing his season total to 818 yards. Evans had a promising first half with a couple chunk gains that bolstered the Bucs' offense, but had a relatively quiet close to the game.  

Nonetheless, he needs 182 yards in his final two games to meet the 1,000-yard benchmark. He will have to earn those gains in matchups against the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints. 

Next week could be an opportunity to cut into the remaining margin in a big way. Evans had 118 yards in his first matchup with Carolina, whose defense has allowed 30 or more points in three of their last five games. 

He will likely not get all of the 182 he needs, but this is undoubtedly his best chance. The Bucs close against the Saints who Evans struggled against earlier this season with only two catches for 34 yards. 

For Evans and the Bucs, the playoff dreams are first priority. If Evans needs to play a different role to ensure his team plays into January, he would surely do it. More likely than not though, Tampa Bay's season will depend on him showing out and turning in big performances the next two weeks.