Todd Bowles’ dream scenario is already turning into a nightmare just two weeks into the Bucs’ 2025 season
The Bucs head coach isn’t a happy camper when it comes to one aspect of the team.
Coming into the season, Todd Bowles couldn’t have been happier with the outlook his special teams unit, especially at kicker and punter.
“It’ll be a breath of fresh air for me this year,” Bowles said back in August when asked about the addition of Riley Dixon and how he’ll be able to rely on the position after a very rough 2024 season.
Dixon, along with the ever-reliable Chase McLaughlin, was seen as the missing piece to near-complete stability on special teams. McLaughlin has been the best kicker in Bucs history over the last two years and Dixon has a huge leg that can flip the field at any given moment.
Well, we’re just two weeks into the season and McLaughlin suddenly can’t be relied on and the punting unit almost cost the Bucs the game against Houston. Dixon himself has been just OK, as well.
All of a sudden, Bowles’ breath of fresh air has turned into carbon monoxide and he’s rightfully frustrated.
“[It’s] a bit [of] a sore topic with me,” Bowles told reporters. “I don’t believe none of that other stuff – just make the damn kick.”
McLaughlin’s struggles are one of, if not the biggest, surprises of the Bucs’ young 2025 season
If someone told you they had McLaughlin missing two field goals and an extra point on just eight attempts – they’re either lying or Nostradamus. There is no inbetween.
McLaughlin has been one of the best kickers not just for the Bucs, but across the NFL since 2023. He was viewed as a major strength during the offseason and there was zero reason to think anything would change.
“[He’s] gotta make them,” Bowles said when asked about McLaughlin’s struggles. “They’re concerning. They’ve happened two weeks in a row. Obviously we have to get better there. We gotta block it better, we gotta kick it better, and we gotta make them. It’s really cut and dry.”
Bowles was asked if the Bucs are bringing in competition for McLaughlin and he said not yet, but it’s clear he’s not going to put up with more misses so the veteran better shape up or ship out.
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