Chase McLaughlin has given the Bucs a leg up this season Chase McLaughlin provided all the points the Bucs would need in Sunday's 9-0 win over Carolina to clinch the NFC South. McLaughlin kicked field goals of 36, 57 and 39 yards and in the process, the 27-year-old also teed up a piece of Bucs history for himself. The former Colts free agent finished the regular season 29-of-31 in field-goal attempts; both misses were blocked. His 93.5 field-goal percentage broke the Bucs record of 92.6 set by Connor Barth in 2011. The Bucs wanted a stronger leg when they decided to release place-kicker Ryan Succop last March. McLaughlin is 7-of-8 on field-goal attempts of 50 yards or longer this season and 24-of-29 from that distance in his career. McLaughlin's 57-yarder tied his career best. "It's been huge," Todd Bowles said. "We couldn't make those 50-yarders a year ago. Right now, we can make them easily and he's hitting them right down the middle. I don't like to talk about a kicker much because it jinxes them. But he's been a big addition for us and he's come through every time." The Bucs were unable to reach the end zone Sunday as a banged-up Baker Mayfield struggled in passing for a season-low 137 yards. "Chase is a stud," Mayfield said. "I had an opportunity to play with him in Cleveland. He was great there, too, and we're lucky to have him. He's so consistent for us and obviously he was with the wind and had a little bit more leg room to give; he's just so consistent. He's even-keeled all day." Mayfield still hurting Mayfield entered Sunday's game with bruised ribs. He added a badly sprained ankle following one of the Panthers' three sacks. Mayfield struggled to get the football down field, coming up short once on a deep ball to Mike Evans. "It was a little bit all over," he said. "But we'll handle it and move on." Todd Bowles said he wasn't sure what Mayfield's availability in practice will be this week. "He was banged up, but the times he had to throw, they had great coverage," Bowles said. "I think you have to credit their defense. They played very good defense. We weren't clicking on all cylinders. We got enough tough runs to run the clock out. That's what team ball is. "As for Baker, I'll see how he feels," Bowles continued. "And how he goes through his treatment this week and we'll make that determination." Rick Stroud, Tampa Bay Times, published 8 January 2024