Inside the Huddle: Did Shanahan find his Julio Jones with 49ers?
Sky Sports NFL's Neil Reynolds and Jeff Reinebold discuss a dramatic Week Five in the 2026 NFL season, including the San Francisco 49ers' thrilling win over the Seattle Seahawks; listen to Neil, Jeff and Phoebe Schecter on the Inside the Huddle podcast through the campaign
If there was any doubt as to whether Mike Evans could still dominate at the highest level in the NFL, he has quickly shut down such narratives in his first month with the San Francisco 49ers.
The veteran wide receiver starred on Sunday as he made seven catches for 113 yards and a touchdown in his side's 32-29 win over the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
Evans signed a three-year $42.4m deal with the 49ers this offseason following 12 years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with whom he recorded 11 straight 1,000-yard campaigns.
"Kyle Shanahan hasn't had that since he was offensive coordinator in Atlanta with Julio Jones," said Sky Sports NFL's Neil Reynolds.
"Hostile environment. 50-50 balls, going up and making amazing catches. Also, just as we were talking about Mike Evans making amazing catch after amazing catch, I dropped my pen, so not all of us can make amazing catches."
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The win lifted Kyle Shanahan's side to a perfect 5-0 on the year at the top of the NFC West, while also marking Evans' first 100-yard game for the 49ers.
"I don't know if Kyle Shanahan gets enough credit," said Sky Sports' Jeff Reinebold. "Everybody talks about all the superstars he's got. We talk about great coaches always go to players, not plays.
"I want to spread the joy in if you're a Niner fan. What did you bring Mike Evans to San Francisco for? Performances like that.
"They have not had that kind of guy in that offense. That big, physical, contested catch, red zone target guy that you can't win it, whether it's a first down or a touchdown in the red zone, you know he's gonna be the guy if you just give him a chance.
"And I thought Brock Purdy gave him a chance and that's what you get."
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