Bucs K McLaughlin Makes NFL History in Week 6 Loss

As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to struggle, the special teams unit has been a bright spot.

Special teams coordinator Danny Smith has helped the Bucs in punt and kickoff coverage, while starting kicker Chase McLaughlin has continued his stellar career with Tampa Bay.

Last year, McLaughlin had perhaps the best kicking season in franchise history, making 32 of 38 field goal attempts, including 11 of 12 from 50 or more yards.

Through the opening six weeks of this season, McLaughlin is yet to miss an attempt, making 14-of-14 field goal attempts and all 11 of his extra points.

Against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, McLaughlin made four field goals, including a 53-yarder to force overtime and move him up in the NFL record books.

Following the make, McLaughlin moved into sole possession of tenth place among all NFL kickers in 50+ yard makes with 47.

Since signing with Tampa Bay in 2023, McLaughlin has become one of the most-consistent kickers in the NFL, finding a home with the franchise after bouncing around to begin his career.

Over his three seasons with the Bucs, he has converted 105 of 115 field goal kicks overall, drilling 30 of his 34 attempts from 50 yards or longer.

According to Pro Football Reference's count, McLaughlin's 26 makes from distance are the most in 

In Week 8 of last season, McLaughlin set the franchise record with a 65-yard bomb against the Philadelphia Eagles, just three yards short of the NFL record set by Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little, who nailed a 68-yarder in November.

Following the game, McLaughlin said he wasn't sure he made it until his lineman gave him the cue.

"I never saw the ball," McLaughlin told ESPN. "I had no idea. I saw whoever the returner was back there under the uprights -- I saw him look to his left, my right -- so I actually was kind of disappointed because I thought I missed it right. And shortly after that, some of our lineman turned around with their arms up so it was at that point I knew that it went in."

McLaughlin continued his long-range accuracy all season, converting on all kicks 50 yards or further until Week 17. 

As the Bucs enter key upcoming matchups against NFC South foes like the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons, having the special teams performing at a high level could be the difference between losing this season and getting back into the hunt for the division crown.