Field Goal Defense Did Something Right
June 21st, 2026
Former Bucs special teams coach Thomas McGaughey.
Joe should have bought stock in a macrobrewery with its domestic headquarters based in St. Louis the way the Bucs’ special teams drove Joe to drink in 2025.
If not for star kicker Chase McLaughlin, Joe wouldn’t have much of a liver left. The special teams under Thomas McGaughey were just brutal. They probably lost two games for the Bucs last year.
Add to that the annual way KitKat-eating Bucs coach Todd Bowles finds a way to lose two games each season, no wonder the Bucs missed the playoffs.
As Joe hammered (deservedly) McGaughey, he was a standup man for taking full blame for his woeful special teams. And, believe it or not, McGaughey did something right.
Opponents’ field goal percentages were among the lowest in the league. This coming by way of noted stathead Warren Sharp.
Now what this does not factor is the quality of those kickers the Bucs faced? Or, where were the field goals attempted?
Maybe McGaughey used a certain formation in the middle that forced kickers to adjust? Maybe someone on the Bucs’ line scared other teams?
Regardless, the numbers are the numbers and at least in one respect, Joe doffs his cap to McGaughey but is still glad he’s gone.
June 21st, 2026 at 1:07 am
A random curiosity. Magoo was who we knew him to be.
June 21st, 2026 at 1:31 am
So McGaughey’s crowning achievement was convincing opposing kickers to miss a few field goals while his coverage units were busy turning every return into a sightseeing tour? lol, that’s like praising the Titanic’s paint job.
Special teams were a weekly liability. Hidden yardage, field position, penalties, coverage breakdowns, blocked kicks, return failures that’s the full report card, not one cherry-picked stat. If the best thing we can say about a special teams coordinator is “well, opponents didn’t make quite as many field goals,” then Joe’s
conclusion is already the correct one: thanks for the effort, safe travels. ✌️
In the NFL, results matter. This is a production business, not a participation trophy ceremony. Can’t wait for this upcoming season..
LFG!!
Fire the cannons!!
Ring ME
June 21st, 2026 at 5:28 am
BoriMex 813 ,,, Now you’ve got me all curious about the ‘Titanic’s paint job’.
June 21st, 2026 at 5:53 am
Or possibly did we play more games on grass and outdoors. ? I would believe the elements would have been more of an issue than anything that “coach “ ever did
June 21st, 2026 at 6:53 am
Teams cost us at least 2 games last season. However you spin it, bottom line they sucked.
June 21st, 2026 at 6:58 am
That might come down to field quality.
June 21st, 2026 at 7:34 am
Bowles should have been fired for the ST debacle alone, let alone the collapse. Bowles has ZERO excuses this year. Hopefully his son knows how to cover the middle of the field.
June 21st, 2026 at 9:27 am
Perhaps opponents special teams were too tired from running kicks back to our side of the field, scoring touchdowns, and creating turnovers to rest up for FG attempts.
June 21st, 2026 at 10:31 am
It could come down to dumb luck. Two field goals could move them up several spots on the list.