TAMPA, Fla. -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans became the Bucs' all-time leading scorer with an opening drive touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday -- the first opening drive touchdown for the Bucs since Week 18 of the 2022 season.
The Bucs were the only NFL team to not have an opening drive touchdown during the 2023 season through Week 3 of the 2024 season, according to ESPN Research.
With three wide receivers -- Evans, Chris Godwin and rookie Kameron Johnson -- quarterback Baker Mayfield connected with Evans in the corner of the end zone on an out route for a 2-yard score while Godwin ran a slant and Johnson a hitch. It left Evans one-on-one with C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
The previous record holder for most points scored was kicker Martin Gramatica, who had 592 career points. He joins Pro Football Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith as the only non-kickers in NFL history to lead a franchise in points score.
On the Bucs' very next possession, after a 28-yard reception from Godwin and a 17-yard pickup from Evans, Mayfield connected with second-year receiver Trey Palmer on a 15-yard touchdown to make it 14-0. it marked the first time the Bucs scored on their first two possessions since Dec. 5, 2021.