The Pewter Plank
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7 overreactions to Tampa Bay Buccaneers start of season

By Cory Kinnan

TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 22: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers calls a play during a game against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 22: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers calls a play during a game against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 22: Kicker Matt Gay #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks down dejectedly after missing what would have been the game-winning field as time expired during the game against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 22: Kicker Matt Gay #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks down dejectedly after missing what would have been the game-winning field as time expired during the game against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /

Matt Gay is broken and it is time to cut bait

While saying he is broken and the Buccaneers should cut bait is a bit too far for the struggles of rookie kicker Matt Gay, he is a testament to why teams should never use a valuable asset, like a fifth round pick, to select a special teams player. What would not be an overreaction is to say that Gay’s leash has gotten much shorter with the Buccaneers, however.

On Sunday against the Giants, not only did Gay miss the 34 yard game-winning attempt, but also missed his first two extra points (one was blocked), leaving five points off the board that would have absolutely been the difference maker in the game. This came on the heels of missing a field goal in week two against the Panthers as well.

To add insult to injury to the Buccaneers, the kicker that was cut as Gay won a make believe kicking competition, is three of four attempts on field goals and perfect on extra points. Cairo Santos was picked up by the Tennessee Titans after he was cut by the Bucs and has been cutting uprights down the middle all season for them to this point.

Arians gave Gay his vote of confidence and stated that he was not going anywhere, but his leash has to be much shorter as kickers are not given many opportunities to turn their kicking woes around. Gay must be perfect from here on out if he wants to gain the confidence of Tampa back.

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