Buccaneers' free agent pickup making big impression during OTAs
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't just moving on from the most successful quarterback in franchise history, they're moving on from the most successful kicker in franchise history, as well. Ryan Succop's 84.8% hit rate leads every single Bucs kicker that ever lined up to attempt a field goal and his 384 points are the most […]
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't just moving on from the most successful quarterback in franchise history, they're moving on from the most successful kicker in franchise history, as well.
Ryan Succop's 84.8% hit rate leads every single Bucs kicker that ever lined up to attempt a field goal and his 384 points are the most points scored by any Bucs kicker over a three-season span. His 7.7 points per game are also second-best for any kicker that played at least a full season with the team.
Succop was very reliable from within 50-yards and was key in helping the Buccaneers win their second Lombardi in 2020. But, a lack of leg strength ultimately kept him from suiting up in pewter and red for a fourth season.
Now, it's up to Jake Veritas and veteran Chase McLaughlin to carry the torch into the 2023 season and possibly beyond. So far, McLaughlin has made a big impression on head coach Todd Bowles.
"Very strong leg. Very strong leg. He’s been accurate out here," Bowles told reporters Tuesday. "It’ll be interesting to see once the wind starts blowing because he’s been in a dome – but he’s been very impressive so far.”
McLaughlin's leg is exactly why the Bucs brought him in. He is 17-of-21 from 50+ over the course of his career. That 80.9% hit rate is well above the league average of 64.1% from 50+ since 2019, so it's easy to see why he appeals to the Bucs.
But, McLaughlin's game is far from complete and his career average of 59.3% from 40-49 yards out is perfect proof. That's well below the league average of 77.9% since 2019. So, it's obvious he's going to have work on that if he wants to win the starting gig.
Like Bowles said, it'll be interesting to see how McLaughlin handles the outside elements after kicking for the Colts in 2022. But, he's currently 6-of-7 from 50+ when kicking outdoors, so initially, it appears the consistency from long range is the real deal.
Either way, McLaughlin certainly has made a good impression, thus far.
Featured image via IndyStar Staff-USA TODAY Sports
