The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are off to a 3–0 start, but it hasn’t been without turbulence, and much of it is coming from an increasingly unreliable special teams unit.
For the second straight week, a critical mistake in the third phase of the game nearly cost Tampa Bay a win. After surrendering a blocked punt in Week 2, the Buccaneers gave up a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown in Sunday’s 29–27 win over the New York Jets. The special teams breakdown allowed New York back into the game and nearly flipped the outcome.
Protection issues are becoming a recurring concern. The right edge of the line collapsed on the blocked field goal, allowing a free rusher to get his hand on the ball and spark the Jets’ comeback. These aren’t isolated incidents as opposing teams are clearly identifying soft spots in Tampa’s kick protection, and it’s paying off for them.
Injuries may be playing a role. With Tristan Wirfs, Cody Mauch, and Luke Goedeke sidelined, the Bucs are relying on backup linemen and tight ends to handle key special teams roles, and the technique simply hasn’t held up. Add in communication breakdowns and slower execution, and it’s easy to see why Tampa Bay is struggling to protect its kickers.
Kick and punt coverage has also been inconsistent. Missed tackles, poor lane discipline, and lackluster urgency have given returners too much space to operate, leading to field position issues that could become costly in tighter games.
The Bucs have the talent to contend in the NFC, but if special teams continue to bleed momentum and surrender points, this 3–0 start may not last. Tampa Bay’s special teams aren’t just making mistakes; they’re making game-altering ones.
And if it continues, it’s only a matter of time before it costs them a win.