Bucs' Veteran Kicker Hits Upright, Bounces Back in Preseason Opener Win

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicked off their 2024 preseason with a thrilling 17-14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals , marked by a rollercoaster performance from veteran kicker Chase McLaughlin . In a game where the starters saw limited action, McLaughlin’s contributions played a key role in the Buccaneers’ narrow win.

McLaughlin, now in his second year with the Bucs and his ninth season in the NFL , attempted a crucial 51-yard field goal early in the second quarter. However, the kick struck the right upright, resulting in a turnover on downs. At that point, the game remained tied, with both teams’ starters already on the sidelines.

Undeterred by the miss, McLaughlin later redeemed himself in the third quarter. With 9:13 left in the period, he successfully connected on a 35-yard field goal, capping a 53-yard drive that took nearly six minutes off the clock. This kick gave Tampa Bay a 10-7 lead, showcasing McLaughlin’s resilience and his ability to bounce back under pressure.

The game took a dramatic turn in the fourth quarter. The Bengals regained the lead with a 37-yard touchdown pass from third-string quarterback Logan Woodside to wide receiver Jermaine Burton . However, the Buccaneers mounted a final drive that was aided by a defensive pass interference penalty on Bengals rookie cornerback Lance Robinson, placing the ball at the Cincinnati 3-yard line.

Running back Ramon Jefferson capitalized on the opportunity, scoring a short touchdown run to put Tampa Bay ahead 16-14. McLaughlin’s extra point attempt was nearly wide left but stayed inside the upright, extending the Bucs’ lead to 17-14 with just under a minute remaining.

Related: Bucs Score Late, Beat Bengals: Live Game Log

The Bengals made a last-minute push, highlighted by a 38-yard pass from Woodside to Burton—the longest play from scrimmage in the game. A questionable no-call for defensive pass interference and a game-saving tackle by Bucs cornerback Jay Person on a 4th-and-10 scramble by Woodside sealed the victory for Tampa Bay.

While McLaughlin’s performance was not flawless, his ability to rebound from a missed kick and contribute to the Buccaneers’ preseason win underscores the veteran kicker’s importance to the team.