Through two weeks, one of the few bright spots for the Buccaneers had been their special teams. Well, that all came crashing down Sunday when they allowed Mico Price to score on an 86-yard punt return.
Suddenly Losing
Those sudden scores are backbreakers, and just like that, the Bucs were down 10 points.
It really didn’t matter what else happened on the day. That return alone was enough to give the special teams unit a failing grade.
Kickoff Coverage Grade: D
The Bucs had four kickoffs, and the Vikings never reached the 35-yard line. Chase McLaughlin has clearly been working on kicking the ball inside the 5-yard line to minimize the opponent’s field position.
However, the coverage team needs to finish the job and stop the returner at or before the 25-yard line.
The final kickoff was especially costly. After the Bucs had cut the lead to 17-16, they were penalized 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct, setting Minnesota up at its own 45-yard line. The Vikings eventually kicked another field goal to extend their lead to four and essentially ice the game.
Kickoff Returns Grade: C+
Nothing spectacular this week. Only one return reached the 40-yard line, while the others failed to get past the 30. There was also a penalty that put the offense in an even worse position.
Punt Returns Grade: D
Tez Johnson fielded one punt inside his own 5-yard line, which is never a good idea.
Minnesota punted eight times, and the Bucs had plenty of opportunities to swing momentum with a big return. Unfortunately, they couldn’t generate one.
Punt Coverage Grade: F
It goes without saying that when you allow a special teams touchdown, you’re putting your team in a massive hole.
That’s exactly what happened Sunday.
On a day when special teams needed to be the clear winner, they weren’t. In fact, they were a major reason the Bucs lost.
Back to the drawing board for Danny Smith and company.
Special Teams Player of the Week: Chase McLaughlin
McLaughlin was 3-for-3 on field goals, and his kickoffs have been excellent all season.
He really is automatic, and right now, he’s the team MVP.
Not exactly who most of us thought would be leading the clubhouse for that honor, but it is what it is.
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