Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Camera Catches Mike Evans Venting Frustration After Buccaneers’ Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Arnab Mondal | Last updated Dec 12, 2025 7:00 AM ET

The Buccaneers fell to the Falcons 29-28 in a wild finish. Atlanta drove 45 yards and Zane Gonzalez hit a game-winning field goal as time expired. The Falcons erased a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Tampa Bay looked in control until late mistakes and a fourth-quarter interception doomed them.

Mike Evans was visibly furious after the loss. He was returning to the locker room when cameras caught him slamming his helmet against a wall. “Third-and-28,” Evans said in the video as he hit the helmet. “It’s third-and-28.” The clip showed raw, public frustration, a clear meltdown after a game Tampa thought it had won.

Evans still had a big night on the field. He caught six passes for 132 yards. He was targeted 12 times, his season high in targets, receptions and yards. It was his first game back since Week 7. He made several big plays, including a 45-yard catch in the third quarter that helped set up a touchdown.

A frustrated Mike Evans after the Bucs lose 29-28 to the Falcons.

Evans finished with six catches for 132 yards. pic.twitter.com/p8XVQ5zmQs
— Kyle Burger (@kyle_burger) December 12, 2025

Baker Mayfield also had a rough night. He threw a key interception in the fourth quarter that swung momentum. Mayfield was under heavy pressure all game. The Bucs allowed five sacks. The interior offensive line struggled to protect him, and timing in the offense suffered as a result.

Baker Mayfield (6) looks on against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

This loss leaves Tampa Bay 7-7. The Buccaneers trail the Carolina Panthers for the NFC South lead. Tampa still controls its path to the playoffs, but the margin for error is thin. With two meetings left against Carolina, the Bucs must clean up protection and limit turnovers.

Evans’ reaction captured the pain in the locker room. The moment summed up the team’s frustration. Tampa Bay played well in parts. But late mistakes and that final drive cost them dearly.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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