Mike Evans: Brady the greatest 'to ever play the game'

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Bucs' Mike Evans: Tom Brady 'the greatest player to ever play the game'

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 1/20/21

Neither the Tampa Bay Buccaneers nor wide receiver Mike Evans has been this close to a Super Bowl berth since the club drafted the dynamic wideout in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

Both entities can thank six-time champion quarterback Tom Brady for the team's successful run through the middle of January, and that fact wasn't lost on Evans when he spoke with reporters on Wednesday.

"At this point in his career, he's just playing chess."

️: @MikeEvans13_ on @TomBrady pic.twitter.com/jEv2adf4fb
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) January 20, 2021

“He’s the greatest player to ever play the game,” Evans said of Brady. “You add him on any roster, and I’m sure the outcome would be somewhat like this. He always gets his team to the playoffs. He’s a winner. He’s a natural-born winner, leader, all that. At this point in his career, he’s just playing chess, and we’re definitely very happy he’s on our side.”

Evans suffered a hyperextended left knee in the Week 17 win over the Atlanta Falcons but then recorded six receptions for 119 yards in the 31-23 wild-card victory at the Washington Football Team. The 27-year-old only caught one pass for three yards and a score in last Sunday's 30-20 win at the New Orleans Saints.

Both Brady and Evans are hoping receiver Antonio Brown will be able to play through his knee discomfort in this Sunday's NFC Championship Game at the Green Bay Packers. Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians said on Wednesday that "it's too early to tell" if Brown will be available on Sunday.

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