If you’re a fan of American Football, you’re likely familiar with the names Mike Evans and Larry Fitzgerald. Both are highly regarded wide receivers who have made their mark on the game. While they may have different playing styles, both players have made significant contributions to their respective teams. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both players, comparing their career achievements, statistics, playing styles, and impact on their teams.
Career Achievements
Mike Evans was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Since then, he has become one of the league’s top wide receivers. Evans has been selected to the Pro Bowl three times, in 2016, 2018, and 2019. He was also named a Second-Team All-Pro in 2016.
On the other hand, Larry Fitzgerald has had a long and illustrious career with the Arizona Cardinals. Fitzgerald was drafted by the Cardinals in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. Since then, he has been selected to the Pro Bowl 11 times and has been named a First-Team All-Pro once. Fitzgerald is also the Cardinals’ all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
While both Evans and Fitzgerald have had successful careers, it’s important to note that Evans is still in the prime of his career, while Fitzgerald is nearing the end of his. Nonetheless, both players have made significant contributions to their teams and to the game of football.
Statistics
When it comes to statistics, both Evans and Fitzgerald have impressive numbers. Since entering the league in 2014, Evans has racked up over 8,000 receiving yards and 61 touchdowns. He has also averaged 15.7 yards per catch over his career.
Fitzgerald’s numbers are equally impressive. He currently has over 17,000 receiving yards and 120 touchdowns to his name. Fitzgerald has also averaged 11.4 yards per catch over his career.
While Evans has had a shorter career thus far, his statistics are on par with Fitzgerald’s. It will be interesting to see how Evans’ career develops over the coming years and if he can continue to put up numbers that rival Fitzgerald’s.
Statistics
When it comes to comparing the career statistics of Mike Evans and Larry Fitzgerald, it’s important to note that both players have had impressive careers. However, there are some notable differences between the two.
One of the most significant differences is in their catch percentage. Evans has a career catch percentage of 56.9%, while Fitzgerald has a catch percentage of 67.4%. This means that Fitzgerald is more efficient in catching the ball than Evans.
In terms of yards per game, Fitzgerald has the edge, averaging 65.5 yards per game compared to Evans’ 70.3 yards per game. However, Evans has a higher average yards per catch, with 15.7 compared to Fitzgerald’s 11.4.
When it comes to touchdowns, Evans has been more productive, with 61 touchdowns compared to Fitzgerald’s 120. This is likely due in part to the fact that Evans has played in fewer games than Fitzgerald, as he is still early in his career.
Playing Style
Mike Evans and Larry Fitzgerald have different playing styles, which is part of what makes them both great players.
Evans is known for his size and physicality. At 6’5″ and 231 pounds, he is one of the biggest wide receivers in the league. He uses his size to his advantage, often overpowering defenders and making contested catches. Evans is also known for his ability to stretch the field and make big plays downfield.
Fitzgerald, on the other hand, is known for his route-running and hands. He is one of the most technically sound receivers in the league, with a knack for getting open and making tough catches. Fitzgerald is also a reliable target in the red zone, where his size and hands make him a difficult player to defend.
Both players have had successful careers by playing to their strengths. While Evans’ physicality and big-play ability make him a dangerous weapon, Fitzgerald’s precision and consistency make him a reliable target for his quarterback.
Impact on their Teams
Mike Evans has been a critical player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since he joined the team in 2014. He has consistently been one of the team’s top performers, helping them to make the playoffs twice in his career. Evans has been a favorite target of quarterback Tom Brady, and his ability to make clutch plays has been instrumental in the Buccaneers’ recent success. His size, speed, and athleticism have made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, and he has been a key factor in the Buccaneers’ high-powered offense.
Similarly, Larry Fitzgerald has been a cornerstone of the Arizona Cardinals franchise for over a decade. His leadership, work ethic, and dedication to the game have made him a role model for younger players on the team. Fitzgerald has been a consistent performer throughout his career, and his ability to make tough catches in critical situations has helped the Cardinals win many games. He has been a favorite target of Cardinals quarterbacks, and his presence on the field has made him a key part of the team’s offense.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mike Evans and Larry Fitzgerald are two of the most talented wide receivers in the NFL. While they may have different playing styles, both players have made significant contributions to their teams and to the game of football. Evans is still in the prime of his career, while Fitzgerald is nearing the end of his. Nonetheless, both players have had successful careers and have left their mark on the game.
When it comes to comparing Evans and Fitzgerald, it’s difficult to say who is the better player. Both have impressive statistics and have impacted their teams in significant ways. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Regardless of who you think is better, it’s clear that both players are among the best wide receivers to ever play the game.