TAMPA — Coach Lovie Smith called out Tampa Bay’s special teams Monday, two days after a woeful effort in the preseason opening loss at Minnesota.
Punters Michael Koenen and Karl Schmitz combined to average 46.3 yards, but the Vikings returned six punts for 104 yards. Kicker Patrick Murray sailed a 42-yard field goal attempt wide right.
Rookie WR Kaelin Clay struggled in his first pro game fielding punts and kickoffs. Clay returned two punts for minus-2 yards and averaged only 18 yards on two kickoff returns. After Minnnesota grabbed a 3-0 lead on the game’s opening possession, Clay brought the ensuing kickoff back from eight yards deep in the end zone to the Tampa Bay 11-yard line.