From California Post · · 2m
Mike Evans gives Brock Purdy a weapon he's never had before
The 49ers' new Hall of Fame-bound receiver is already proving essential with his unique red zone dominance.
In brief
The 49ers' new Hall of Fame-bound receiver is already proving essential with his unique red zone dominance. Mike Evans leads the NFL in fade route touchdowns and gives the 49ers a jump ball threat they've never had in Kyle Shanahan's system. Originally reported by California Post.
A physical specimen with Potter tattoos
Mike Evans stands 6'5" and 231 pounds of muscle, some covered in Harry Potter tattoos from his well-known obsession with the series. Opposing cornerbacks don't get to see that side.
The fade route that sealed it
On third down at the 2-yard line, Evans beat Jaylen Watson on a fade route with just 0.8 yards of separation. The 49ers got seven points instead of three in their 27-7 win.
“We've watched Mike do that for his whole career. Just never been on the team with him.”
A 22.5% completion probability
Purdy's touchdown pass had less than a 1-in-4 chance of completion according to Next Gen Stats. But he threw it with 100% confidence Evans would come down with it.
Nobody does fades like Evans
Since 2018, Evans has 34 touchdown receptions on fade routes, seven more than the next-closest receiver. Shanahan never had the personnel to run this play before.
“Those 50-50 balls are not really 50-50.”
Dominant in tight windows
Evans is tied for the NFL lead with 10 touchdowns caught in tight windows since 2022. Even with less than a yard of separation, he's a dependable target.
Purdy loves throwing to size
Of Purdy's top five targets from 2023-25, George Kittle and Jauan Jennings are the biggest bodies. Now Evans gives him a 6'5" weapon he's never had before.
Instant chemistry on opening night
Purdy posted a 135.4 passer rating when targeting Evans, connecting on all six catches for 49 yards and first downs. He called Evans' number three times on third down on the opening drive.
Health was the only question
Evans missed nine games last season with hamstring and collarbone injuries, ending his 11-year streak of 1,000-yard seasons. He sat out most of training camp nursing ailments.
Purdy was a big recruiting factor
While Kittle laid it on hardest in free agency, Evans said Purdy was a big reason he signed a three-year, $42 million deal. They built rapport throughout camp and OTAs.
He demands the ball when it matters
NFL cameras caught Evans telling a staff member on the bench during the opening drive: "Third down in the red area, I need a shot." Shanahan didn't regret heeding the advice.
“Third down in the red area, I need a shot.”
What to remember
Mike Evans leads the NFL in fade route touchdowns and gives the 49ers a jump ball threat they've never had in Kyle Shanahan's system.
