The Buccaneers hope they won't have to punt much this year, but should the need arise, at least the reigning champs know they're in good hands. Bradley Pinion began the Bucs' title defense with both a literal and metaphorical boom Thursday night, kicking the daylights out of this gorgeous 65-yard punt on Tampa Bay's opening drive.
Football fans don't typically tune in for the punts (except maybe Pat McAfee), but tweeters still had to admire Pinion's craftsmanship, marveling at the 27-year-old's combination of elite leg strength and accuracy.
Pinion's "coffin corner" punt—tied for the longest of his seven-year career—was the longest by a Buccaneer since Michael Koenen blasted a 65-yarder of his own back in 2011. That kick came at London's Wembley Stadium in a Week 7 loss to Chicago.
Thursday's kickoff game at Raymond James has been an action-packed ride so far with four first-half touchdowns (two each for Dallas and Tampa Bay), a viral toe tap and a punt for the ages. It's good to have you back, football.
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