Breaking Down the Rest

Showing how good they are on both sides of the ball, the Bucs also showed a resilient special teams. Having more opportunities this year for special teams play than last year, the Bucs didn’t disappoint. They even got rid of one little monkey that’s been riding their backs for 32 years. Let’s break down the rest of the 2007 Bucs: 

The Rest

K Matt Bryant- As consistent as ever, Bryant had a phenomenal year. Although the role of the kicker is usually underrated, Matt Bryant brings his star every time he goes to kick. Having more chances to kick this year than he did last year, Bryant showed why it’s important to have a kicker. Playing in all 16 games despite injury, Bryant was 28 out of 33 on field goals this year, including a perfect 11 for 11 in the 30-39 yard range. He also went a perfect 34 out of 34 on point after tries. He even recorded 1 game-winning field goal, and added 2 tackles. With his 85% field goal percentage, Bryant officially became the Bucs most accurate kicker of all-time. With his 118 points scored this season, Bryant moved into 5th place all-time in Bucs history for points scored. Having shown nothing but consistency since he arrived, Bryant is a valuable asset for the Bucs, one that is totally underrated, but completely appreciated.
P Josh Bidwell- Spending less time punting this year, Bidwell still had a fine year. A specialist in downing the ball inside the 20, Bidwell showed the Bucs just how valuable he is. A year after being selected to the Pro Bowl, Bidwell punted the ball 16 less times than he did in 2006. In 2007, he punted the ball 77 times for 3,382 yards. He averaged 43.9 yards per kick, sending one 61 yards at one time. In all, he had 10 touchbacks, and downed 30 inside the 20 yard line, a career best. This year he had less punts and yards than any other year, but had his second best average of yards per punt. Field position is critical, and Bidwell is among the best when it comes to gaining an edge.
KR Mark Jones- Although his season was shortened by injury, Jones showed the explosive speed and agility needed in a kick returner. I was one who believed that he would finally take a kickoff for a touchdown, but 6 games into the season, he was lost for the rest of 2007. Before his injury, Jones was one of the top-rated kick returners in the league. On only 10 kick returns, he gained 286 yards, averaging 28.6 yards per return. His longest run was for 36 yards. He also spent some time returning punts. On 12 punt returns, he gained 143 yards, averaging 11.9 yards per return, and even took one 35 yards. When Jones returns, he will be the premier kick returner and punt returner, and barring an injury-free season, the Bucs could see some things they’ve never seen before.
KR Micheal Spurlock- Perhaps he will always be remembered for one thing and one thing only. But in Buccaneers legend, that is okay. Micheal Spurlock returned the first kickoff for a touchdown in Buccaneers history this year, making it the highlight of his young career. Aside from “The Return,” he had an average year, playing in only 7 games, filling in for an injured Mark Jones. He had 16 returns for 444 yards, averaging 27.8 yards per return, taking his longest 90 yards, and of course, recorded the one and only touchdown the Bucs enjoyed on kickoffs. He also filled in at punt returner 4 times, gaining 30 yards for an average of 7.5 yards per return. Although his role should be reduced as Jones comes back, Spurlock will still have a place on the team, and forever in Buccaneers history.

While every position seemed complete this year, the Buccaneers rounded off a solid year with solid special teams play. Easily underrated, special teams is very important, and can change the outcome of a game. With the talent on the Bucs roster, they look to enjoy special moments and game changing momentum for years to come.