Rookie WR Evans helping to ignite surging Bills

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Now that he's playing a big role in the Buffalo Bills' resurgence, rookie receiver Lee Evans has an easier time forgetting his tough start.

It wasn't easy back in October when the Bills opened with a four-game losing streak and Evans was feeling sorry for himself, searching to find a niche in what was a sputtering offense.

"At certain times you just feel like it's just you, and everything's against you," Evans said. "It's certainly been a 180-degree turn."

It's been a turn for the better for the Bills and Evans, their first-round draft pick.

Buffalo (9-6) has won six straight and nine of 11 to stay in playoff contention heading into its season finale, hosting Pittsburgh on Sunday.

And Evans -- though overshadowed by the spark running back Willis McGahee has provided -- has been a major contributor.

Evans has seven touchdowns in the last five games, including two in a 41-7 win at San Francisco on Sunday. His nine touchdowns lead all rookies this year and are a franchise best among receivers, two more than Elbert Dubenion had in 1960.

He is also only the third Bill to catch a touchdown pass in five consecutive games, joining Dubenion and current teammate Eric Moulds.

That's a significant jump in production for Evans, who has 35 catches for 577 yards and eight scores in his last eight games compared to 11 catches for 203 yards and a TD in his first seven.

"I can't necessarily say I could foresee this run," Evans said. "But it's been great. ... We've had times where I wasn't really sure. And then you make some plays and you gain confidence. And the more confidence you have the better."

Coach Mike Mularkey sees a significant change in Evans.

"Nothing intimidates Lee anymore. It's a credit to him," Mularkey said. "He's come, I think, faster than we expected."

Selected 13th overall out of Wisconsin, Evans was noted for possessing great speed and hands. He led the Big Ten with 1,213 yards receiving last season, and finished with 3,468 career yards, the most in Badgers history and second most in the conference.