Bucs K McLaughlin Named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month

Following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' impressive 16-0 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, the team has gained some momentum, with head coach Todd Bowles' defense leading the charge.

Veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone received the first honor, being named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week following a two-interception outing.

On Thursday, standout placekicker Chase McLaughlin continued the recognition, being named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for October.

Since arriving in Tampa Bay, McLaughlin has transformed into one of the league's most-consistent kickers, and is currently a perfect 19-for-19 on the year on field goal attempts.

Against the Falcons, McLaughlin knocked down three field goals despite the poor weather and rain, while converting on his lone extra-point attempt.

McLaughlin has become an easy bargain on extra-points, missing only three over his four-year tenure with the Bucs.

Throughout Tampa's offensive struggles and inconsistencies, McLaughlin has been a constant, giving the Bucs an opportunity to add points after crossing midfield.

Despite the Bucs' tight overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6, McLaughlin was excellent, drilling four field goals, including a 53-yarder.

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

This has been a remarkable turnaround for the former Fighting Illini kicker, finding a home in Tampa Bay after bouncing around teams to begin his career.

As he continues his stellar tenure with the Bucs, McLaughlin is making a case to be the best placekicker in franchise history, while continuing to etch his name in the record books.

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. 

Having McLaughlin playing at this high level is a huge luxury for the Bucs going forward, with the race in the NFC South closing.

With a two-game win streak under their belt, the Bucs enter maybe their toughest matchup of the season thus far, traveling to face the surging Chicago Bears.

The Bucs are 1-0 on primetime this season, and will look to carry that over to Sunday Night Football against the Bears.