The Buccaneers squeezed out a 16-15 victory over the Chiefs, and unlike last week, the special teams unit held its own.
Here are my special teams’ grades:
🏴☠️ Kickoff Coverage — B+
The Buccaneers kicked off four times and only one kickoff went through the end zone. The other three were covered well, with the Chiefs starting, on average, at the 27-yard line.
Ideally, you’d like to see that number below the 25, but this was still a solid performance.
🏴☠️ Punt Coverage — B-
Riley Dixon punted five times, thanks to an anemic Bucs offense for most of the game.
The Chiefs’ longest return was 15 yards. On the other four punts, they gained a total of just three yards.
Dixon had punts of 53 and 51 yards, while his other three averaged just under 44 yards.
Sometimes it’s not about how far the punter can kick it. It’s more important to prevent explosive returns. Mission accomplished.
🏴☠️ Kickoff Returns — C+
The Bucs had an opportunity to return three of the four kickoffs and averaged just under 27 yards per return.
The goal should be to reach the 35-yard line.
If a return team proves dangerous, opponents are more likely to kick the ball through the end zone rather than give them an opportunity to return it.
The Bucs still have a long way to go in this area, but they are showing signs of life.
🏴☠️ Punt Returns — B
Punters have become very good at limiting long returns, and that was the case here.
Two of the four Chiefs punts were not returned. One went for just one yard, while the other went for 23.
That 23-yard return provided a nice boost, while the other returns were limited.
🏴☠️ Overall — B
Overall, this was a good bounce-back performance from the special teams unit.
Not great. Not bad. Just solid.
I’m sure Danny Smith will be going over the game tape and deciding which players he needs to build a truly dynamic special teams unit in 2026.
For now, the Buccaneers can put this one in the Treasure Chest.
Greg has been nominated for “Best Columnist” in Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay. If you would like to vote for me here is the link.
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