Mike Evans Was Him Today
August 14th, 2025
He’s #AtlantaReady.
So Steelers media relations made it abundantly clear with some not-so-clear directives about reporting on practice today between the Bucs and the Steelers from the Crib that Antonio Brown built.
(That place used to be called Heinz Field. Cool name. Joe has no clue, without looking it up, what the hell that place is called now. Even worse, when Joe looks up at the stadium name, Joe doesn’t know what the hell it represents. Sort of like the Outback Bowl changed to something weird Joe never heard and has no idea what it is. So, therefore, it will always be the Outback Bowl to Joe.)
The only time plays at Steelers practice can be described in specifics, Joe was told by the Steelers, is if Joe or other media members got quotes from a player or coach to reinforce or qualify the play.
So on this particular play, Joe decided to quote the noted passing specialist Luke Goedeke. But first, the play.
Simply put, Mike Evans put on a show today. He wasn’t the only one. Either Bucs receivers are that good or Steelers defensive backs had a really bad afternoon. Joe pities the poor fools who tried to cover Evans.
Today, Evans put on a highlight reel for his Hall of Fame credentials. He was just spectacular. You would have thought Benjamin Morrison was guarding him all day.
But the one (of several) wild catches Evans made that sticks out was a one-handed touchdown.
Evans was sort of running a slant inside from near the left sideline and he had crossed the goal line around the hashmarks. Baker Mayfield threw the ball a little behind Evans.
No matter. Evans reached behind him with his right hand, almost looked like he caught the ball near his right hip, one-handed, and pulled the ball in all in one smooth motion without breaking stride.
Joe was near a Steelers staffer when the play happened. And Joe and the Steelers staffer both just busted out laughing out loud at the play because it was so wild. Human beings aren’t supposed to make catches like that look easy. Evans did.
“I mean [Evans making crazy catches], it gives us all the confidence in the world,” Goedeke said. “I mean, Mike will be in the Hall of Fame one day. So I mean, things like that [catch] he does every day.
“It’s really kind of super natural, the kind of things [Evans] can do, and the way he can manipulate his body to make catches. He’s just an all-around phenomenal player.”
Evans may have had his best training camp. Certainly top-two. And his excellent camp has at least carried over into a joint practice with a team thought to have one of the top defenses in the league.
Evans is #AtlantaReady.
#BeatAtlanta
August 14th, 2025 at 5:56 pm
First ballot Mike doing what first ballot players do. And by all accounts is a hall of famer of the field. Absolute home run first draft pick from Jason. At least he gets his recognition in recent years. Poor Lavonte has been damn near as consistent and seems like a good dude as well. Not sure why he is so constantly overlooked it is truly bizarre.
August 14th, 2025 at 5:58 pm
Getting REALLY good vibes from what I’m hearing of this 2025 Bucs team.
Getting really excited for a great year.
Go Bucs ! ! !
August 14th, 2025 at 5:58 pm
Curious Joe…if media is at the practice, how can it be considered closed or not able to report? Thanks for everything Joe!
August 14th, 2025 at 6:00 pm
Is it just me or do the Steelers brass seem a little paranoid.
ONLY APPROVED MESSAGES ALLOWED!!
August 14th, 2025 at 6:06 pm
Yes, media was there so it was open. And some VIP Steelers fans were there. Maybe 50-100 or so.
“Closed” usually means no one is allowed to watch.
“Open” means media and/or fans are there.
Today’s practice, given how limited one is from reporting anything, Joe would call this a “restrictive” practice.
August 14th, 2025 at 6:07 pm
You can thank Tomlin. Media rules are often signed off on by the coach.
August 14th, 2025 at 6:09 pm
When a first rounder is picked at your position, you perk up no matter who or how good you are.
August 14th, 2025 at 6:09 pm
Because of the rules laid out here on Joe Bucs Fan. Com… I can only report to the Atlanta Falcons fans that… I sure hope you enjoyed last year’s Buc’s wins, because this year will be different!!!!
August 14th, 2025 at 6:18 pm
I remember when Mike Evans was drafted
They were comparing him to the Late Great Vincent Jackson
Mike said he was more like Brandon Marshall
And it shows, no one could guard Marshall either
But Mike is having longer, more productive career
August 14th, 2025 at 6:31 pm
Teams shouldn’t even screw around with the Stealers if they have all these nonsense rules. Just let them continue dying on the vine as they spiral down the drain to replace Cleveland as the worst franchise in the NFL.
The reporting by Joe has really limited his usual great takes to be lame at best. Sorry Joe not your fault unless you just say the hell with it and stick it to Tomlin.
August 14th, 2025 at 7:23 pm
Time to put Evans on cruise control. He’s ready. Know your history. Don’t risk a hammy.
August 14th, 2025 at 7:46 pm
Baker fan, maybe you ought to reread the article. Your post was lame. Not lame at best. Just plain, old, lame.
August 14th, 2025 at 8:11 pm
What a dream roster, stay healthy. Go Bucs!
August 14th, 2025 at 8:16 pm
lol Bakerfan,that is a bit of an overreaction and no one will ever be more pathetic than the Browns.
August 14th, 2025 at 8:42 pm
^^^
Jets
August 14th, 2025 at 11:00 pm
Stud.
August 15th, 2025 at 6:38 am
I think Tomlin should be paranoid. I know he has a ring, but I don’t get the hype.
“Congrats on another year of not sucking. What a great coach”.