Buccaneers vs. Dolphins: 5 standout performers in week two matchup

K Matt Gay

Okay Buccaneers fans, try your best to control your emotions, but we are now halfway through the preseason without a missed field goal. While drafting a special teamer is not a wise idea as most of the kickers in the league are undrafted free agent additions, the Buccaneers may have gotten lucky with fifth round pick Matt Gay.

Gay has been booming kicks from well over 50 yards in practice, including a 65 yarder, and has yet to miss a kick this preseason. Last night Gay nailed a high pressure 48 yard game winning kick for the Buccaneers with six seconds left in the game; additionally he made a 32 yard field goal and made his one extra point attempt as well.

While the Buccaneers have been pushing the agenda of a kicking competition between Gay and veteran Cairo Santos this offseason, it has been apparent that the job has been Gay’s from the start. Even if the job has been Gay’s from the very beginning, he has proven that he deserves the job as well this summer.

Buccaneers defensive front takes strides forward vs. Dolphins

His performance that included the game winner this week comes on the heels of a game last week against the Steelers where he split the uprights on a 55 yard attempt as well. Gay has now hit a field goal in the 30, 40, and 50 yard range this preseason as he continues to separate from Santos; the Buccaneers may have finally solved their kicking problem that has plagued them for years.