Through just two games this season, Tampa Bay’s special teams unit ranks among the NFL’s best, a wild turnaround from being one of their biggest headaches last season. This isn’t some minor tweak; this is a full-blown revolution, and it all starts with new coordinator Danny Smith. You watching this, Emerald City? This is how you fix a glaring weakness FAST.
From Disaster Zone to Dominance: What a Difference a Year Makes
Remember 2025? It was a special teams nightmare for Tampa Bay. They were bleeding out there, allowing five blocked kicks, finishing a dismal 27th in kickoff return yardage, and ranking 30th in opponent starting field position after kickoffs. It got so bad they basically threw in the towel late in the season, just settling for touchbacks and gifting opponents the ball at the 35. That’s not just bad, that’s demoralizing. Thomas McGaughey got the boot, and honestly, can you blame them?
Danny Smith’s Immediate Impact Is Shocking the League
Enter Danny Smith. And BAM! The guy’s a wizard. Against Cincinnati, the Bucs’ coverage unit held the Bengals to a measly 23.7 yards per kickoff return. Then, on offense, their own return unit exploded for an average of 29.4 yards on seven attempts, numbers that would have been top-tier in the NFL last season. The momentum carried right into the Cleveland game. The Browns couldn’t even sniff 35 yards on a kickoff return, and Kameron Johnson broke free for a massive 48-yard return late in the fourth quarter. That’s two straight games with a kickoff return over 40 yards! Plus, kicker Chase McLaughlin has been absolutely perfect, and Riley Dixon’s punt coverage unit has avoided all those costly mistakes that killed them last year.
The “Run Through a Wall” Coach Is Delivering Results
Smith isn’t just a new face, he’s a veteran with a track record. He spent 13 seasons running Pittsburgh’s special teams, blocking 21 kicks and developing two-time Pro Bowl player Miles Killebrew. His impact is already loud and clear inside the locker room, too. SirVocea Dennis recently raved about Smith’s approach, his player positioning, and even said Smith is the kind of coach players will “run through a wall for.” Look, it’s only two games, but this isn’t the same special teams unit. Last season, they consistently put Tampa Bay in impossible spots. Now, through two weeks under Smith, they’re creating field position and giving the offense real opportunities. Can they keep this up? You gotta tune in to find out!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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