Mike Evans is one of the most consistent receivers in NFL history. The Texas A&M product is tied with Jerry Rice for the most 1,000-yard seasons in a career, setting an NFL record by hitting that mark in 11 straight seasons to begin his career.

Going into Week 3 of the 2025 season, he is set to be the New York Jets’ biggest problem, and his 0-2 opponents are well prepared.

When Gang Green travels to Tampa Bay to take on the Buccaneers, the organization knows it will have to contend with one of the most high-powered offenses in the league. With Baker Mayfield leading the way and Evans as the group’s heartbeat, few offenses have been as successful as Tampa Bay’s since the start of last season.

It’s why the Jets are focused on shutting Evans down as they seek their first win of the season.

Jets prepared for the Mike Evans challenge

Even at 32 years old, Evans remains a formidable No. 1 receiver. He caught for 1,004 yards and 11 touchdowns in just 14 games last year, and he leads the Bucs in receptions (10) and receiving yards (107) through the first two games of 2025 despite competition from rookie Emeka Egbuka.

Evans, though, is still looking for his first touchdown of 2025. He could have a good chance to do it against the Jets, who have allowed the third-most points per game (32.0) so far this season.

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The Jets and All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner are doing everything in their power to prevent that from happening. Gardner, in particular, is more than excited for the matchup.

“He’s been in the league for a minute. I used to watch him back then,” Gardner said of Evans on Thursday. “It’s a great opportunity for me to be able to go against somebody like him.”

Gardner has traveled against top receivers this season more than he did in his first three years with the Jets. In Week 1, he shadowed Pittsburgh’s DK Metcalf for most of the afternoon. Going against a top receiving threat in Evans may prompt the Jets to use that strategy again.

At the very least, defensive coordinator Steve Wilks knows what a matchup like this can do for his own All-Pro player.

“It’s going to be a tough task (covering Evans). I know our guys are going to be up for it. I know Sauce is super excited about playing in this game, as well as B-Stephens.” Wilks said.

Evans’ impact goes far beyond what defensive players are expecting. Now in his 12th NFL season, other receivers around the league have looked up to the veteran for his professionalism and consistency.

Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson is no different.

“As someone that’s loved ball for a long time and watched him since he was at A&M with Johnny [Manziel], I love Mike Evans,” Wilson said. “He’s a baller. Seeing what he’s done in the NFL, and being in the NFL now, I have an idea of what it took for him to get to that point. I have the utmost respect for him and how he goes about his business.”

The top focus for the Jets’ defense on Sunday, outside of improving their run defense, is to limit Evans’ impact on the game. They have the perfect remedy with Gardner. If there’s anyone who can limit a future Hall-of-Famer like Evans, it’s him.

The Jets will Gardner to provide another erasure of a big-bodied No. 1 weapon if they are to pull off an upset on Sunday.

Reporting from the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, NJ.