5 players who must step up for Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. 49ers

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TAMPA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 16: Matt Gay #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks up to the replay board during the third quarter of a preseason football game against the Miami Dolphins at Raymond James Stadium on August 16, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

K Matt Gay

Is the kicker curse in Tampa Bay finally cured? The Buccaneers took kicker Matt Gay in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and while drafting a special teamer is never a wise idea, the former Utah Ute has been paying off for the pewter and red.

Routinely making kicks from 50 and even 60 yards this summer, to say Gay has a strong leg is quite an understatement. Gay has hit two game-winners throughout the preseason for the Buccaneers, missing just one kick over the last four kicks. Given the Buccaneers’ history with kickers and the ghost of Robert Aguayo, they will need him to be reliable and consistent when he steps onto the field Sunday.

A great day for Gay would be to nail every extra point and every kick from 50 and below. It would be understandable for the rookie kicker to be off the mark from any long distance kick, but it would really make the entire city of Tampa feel better if he was on point all day against the 49ers with no misses.

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With our fingers crossed, Bucs’ fans will still be holding their breath every time Gay comes onto the field as they the community and those in the stands have been burned too many times by kickers. Here is to hoping Gay heals all of the trust issues that run through the veins of Tampa Bay.

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