As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gear up for the 2025 regular season, one unit generating genuine optimism is special teams, particularly the punting game. Veteran Riley Dixon, recently added to the roster, has quickly become a critical asset in controlling field position.

Head coach Todd Bowles praised his early contributions following training camp and their preseason opener, saying, “It’s a very good comfort knowing that you have a punter that can flip the field and change field position for you, and they’re not starting at midfield or anything like that. Obviously, we’ve got to cover, but he’s been a welcome addition. He places it right, he hangs it, and he puts it deep. That’s a big plus for us going forward.”

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In last week’s preseason win over the Tennessee Titans, Dixon punted three times for a total of 147 yards, averaging 49.0 yards per punt, including a long of 57 yards and one kick landing inside the 20-yard line. His net average was also impressive at 42.0 yards and would have ranked among the league leaders last year.

Dixon’s precise placement and consistent hang time provide the Bucs with real field-position leverage, easing pressure on the defense and flipping the momentum through smart punts. But as Bowles noted, effective special teams are a team effort. No matter how strong the punt, the coverage team must continue to execute by locking down returners, maintaining lane discipline, and limiting yards after the catch.

While the offense and defense draw most of the attention, special teams could be the quiet difference-maker in tight contests this season. With Dixon anchoring the unit and the coverage squad showing competence in camp and preseason, Tampa Bay enters 2025 with one of its most formidable and reliable special teams groups in years.It may not always show up in the box score, but in the chess match of football, field position wins games, and the Buccaneers have put themselves in a strong position to dominate that battle.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs are excited about their special teams unit heading into 2025