Mike Evans becomes first Bucs receiver to surpass 11,000 career yards Mike Evans grew up in Galveston, Texas, about 50 miles from NRG Stadium, so Sunday's game against the Texans was a homecoming of sorts. Who knew that drive on Interstate 45 N also would include Evans' journey to 11,000 receiving yards. The Texas A&M star had four catches for 87 yards in Sunday's 39-37 loss to the Texans. That gave him 11,019 yards for his career, becoming the first player in franchise history to reach that milestone. He now leads the Bucs with 594 receiving yards this season and is well on his way to a 10th consecutive 1,000-yard year, adding to his NFL record. Evans moved past former Bucs receiver Joey Golloway (10,950) for the 39th-most receiving yards in NFL history. "That's special," Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield said. "Mike is the best that I've ever been around. He's such a stud. Obviously, he's done it so long, it's the only way you get to that landmark. That's awesome. He means everything to this team. Just his consistent work ethic. How he shows up every day ready to work. "He's about his business. He knows how to lead and how to teach and lead young guys, and that's important. It's a franchise staple that I for sure am not going to take for granted. He's a special guy, and I'm happy to have him around." David leads Bucs defense again Not every player had a bad day on defense against Houston rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. Veteran inside linebacker Lavonte David led the Bucs in tackles (11) for the fourth consecutive game and fifth time this season. He has now recorded 10-plus tackles in four consecutive games, the longest streak for a Tampa Bay player since 2000. He leads the Bucs with 78 tackles, including nine for loss, this season. David also forced a fumble, the 28th of his career, surpassing Khalil Mack and Von MIller for most among active players. Both have 27. Bucs bits Outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett had a forced fumble and a sack, giving him 57.5 for his career and 43.5 with Tampa Bay. Place-kicker Chase McLaughlin made field goals of 35, 49 and 55 yards. He is now 21 of 26 (80.8%) in his career on field-goal tries of at least 50 yards. Rookie defensive tackle Calijah Kancey had a sack and three tackles for loss, the most since Vita Vea vs. the 49ers in 2018. Rick Stroud, The Tampa Bay Times, published 6 November 2023