The Bucs came out in the second half with the defense up to bat first. So far, the defense has been the worst functioning unit on the Bucs team. The offense is second; right now special teams on the Bucs are dominating, no matter which half it is. Connor Barth is hitting every FG he attempts, and the punt/Kick Off coverage teams are spectacular.
At the end of the game, the Vikings needed a good return on kickoff, but coverage units took advantage of miffed return, and held the Vikings to the 10 yard line forcing them to need 90 yards in less than 30 seconds, basically securing a win.
Bucs fans after the lockout criticized the Glazers and Mark Dominik for spending 20 million dollars on Atlanta Falcons Kicker Michael Koenen. Now, the act looks sheer genius as Koenen is dominating on both punts and kickoffs. He is averaging 49.3 yards per punt, 7th in the League, and his net average which is more a reflexion of the team product, is 45.2, 3rd place in the entire NFL.
But that is saying nothing about his kick offs. In the second half, the Bucs kicked off and the ball sailed through the end zone,but were flagged, and had to re-kick from the 30. Koenen kicked off again, and the ball again sailed through the end zone. The Bucs are 12th in touchbacks, all great numbers the Bucs are not used to having; an upper eschelon punter and kicker.
The unit was a concern because its leader, coach Rich Bisachia left in the offseason, and one wondered if Special Teams would be able to maintain its upper level of play. Sammy Stroughters long return last week, and solid returns this week show that the promotion of Bucs special teams coach Dwane Stukes who was an assistant in special teams last year, was a major success.
All you need to do is watch the clip of the onsides kick, which was successful, to see the unit is running on all cylinders.
Watch the video in your browser…
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
