Tom Brady Praises Mike Evans After Bucs' Win over Eagles: 'Always Can Count on Him'

Joseph Zucker @@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVJanuary 16, 2022

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 16: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates with Tom Brady #12 after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 16, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Tom Brady and Mike Evans had high praise for one another following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 31-15 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Round on Sunday.

The pair hooked up nine times for 117 yards and one touchdown.

Brady told reporters he "always can count on [Evans]."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @Buccaneers
You can always count on <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeEvans13_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MikeEvans13_</a> 👏 <a href="https://t.co/Epa4keMQw8">pic.twitter.com/Epa4keMQw8</a>

The three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver went on to discuss how Brady's arrival altered the Buccaneers' trajectory as an organization:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @Buccaneers
"When he came to this team, I knew he was going to change the franchise. He's done that and then some."<br><br>🗣: <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeEvans13_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MikeEvans13_</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/TomBrady?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TomBrady</a> <a href="https://t.co/bACrsIWjHg">pic.twitter.com/bACrsIWjHg</a>

The final score doesn't do justice to how much Tampa Bay dominated Philadelphia. The Bucs built a 31-point lead heading into the fourth quarter before the Eagles got a pair of consolation touchdowns.

It was yet another blowout in a largely underwhelming opening round of the playoffs.

Kevin Clark @bykevinclark
Are we *sure* we needed a seventh playoff team from each conference?

The game was a demonstration of why Tampa Bay could be standing tall when all is said and done for the second straight season. The oddsmakers appear to be a little less convinced since the Buccaneers are the fourth favorite to win the Super Bowl (+550; bet $100 to win $550) at DraftKings Sportsbook.

✨ Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content

Fans have become accustomed to seeing Brady thumb his nose at conventional wisdom regarding the aging curve. The 44-year-old threw for 5,316 yards and 43 touchdowns in the regular season, averaging his second-most passing yards (312.7) ever.

Against the Eagles, he went 29-of-37 for 243 yards and two touchdowns.

Since the Green Bay Packers occupy the top seed in the NFC, the Bucs might have to go through Lambeau Field en route to Super Bowl LVI. Frigid conditions in Green Bay could be a great equalizer against Brady.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL).

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or call or text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789 (TN).

21+. NJ/PA/WV/IN/IA/CO/IL/TN only. In partnership with Meadows Racetrack & Casino. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.