The Bucs find themselves immersed in yet another kicking battle in training camp, this time between Elliott Fry and returning starter Matt Gay.

The competition has been close between the two, but neither has met the expectations in this camp that the coaching staff would have been hoping for, and now they’re bringing in more kickers to expand this battle.

Despite what the numbers and reports have said about his performance in practice, Matt Gay beleives that his training camp has gone well. He feels that he’s kicking confidently and getting better each day.

“Camp has been good,” Gay said. “There’s been some really good days, some days I would like back. I feel really confident. I spent the offseason fixing some stuff and getting used to it, but with COVID it was tough to get a live snap and hold and get some real [opportunities] and things like that. Just taking the new kicking technique that I’m using and getting used to it with snap and hold, a line in front of you and live [reps]. It’s been good. I feel more and more comfortable every day.”

Kicker Elliott Fry and Matt Gay – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Gay’s rookie season as the Bucs kicker has been well documented. He was kicking at about an 85 percent success rate before three missed kicks in Week 17 lowered his average to 77. Gay has a strong leg, where he can make kicks from 55 yards out, but has struggled to be consistent, particularly from 35 yards in. The ups and downs of his rookie campaign have all been used as motivation for him coming into training camp this season.

“It definitely leaves a bad taste in your mouth,” Gay said about the way he ended the year. “I’ve been itching to kind of get back in there and get some kicks in there with a live game or scrimmage. That feeling of just wanting to get back out there and get another one and put it through, you can’t get that because it’s the last game. Just being able to take that and spin it for motivation to correct some things, get better, get stronger mentally. I know that that last game was not a reflection of my talent or who I am.”

The south end zone at Raymond James Stadium has especially been a thorn in his side. And while there is wind in that end zone that could impact your ability to make a kick, it’s really just been a mental hurdle to get over rather than a physical one.

“That end is open, so sometimes the wind can swirl in and do some different things,” Gay said. “Sometimes you feel like it is going one way and the ball goes the other. I really think it’s to the point now where it’s just a mental thing. It’s more mental than it actually is what’s going on with the wind or what’s going on with anything because it’s known around the league that that endzone is what it is.

“Being able to go in there and hit a good ball – if you’re confident in your good ball, that ball will go through. Make sure you take your line, you trust the line you took and hit a good, solid ball. I think that’s the approach for me and not reading too much into what’s going on there because I think sometimes you play mind games with yourself and they can take you out, you’re doubting the line you took and this and that. Just trusting the line you take and then playing a good ball.”

Bucs K Matt Gay – Photo by: Getty Images

When asked about the added kicker competition, Gay expressed that having competition is what the NFL is all about, so he’s focusing on himself rather than worrying about his competitor.

“Competition is the baseline of the NFL,” Gay said. “Everybody’s fighting for a job and if you don’t perform, someone’s right there ready behind you, ready to take your spot. It’s no news to me that guys are in here competing for a shot and they’re going to bring competition in. Competition is going to breed success and I think the potential of our team this year is super high, and I think the kicking position is very important. I think, obviously, they’re going to look for who they can feel confident going into the season with. If I come in and do my thing and do my part, I feel confident in myself – and take care of what I’m doing – that that will be me going into the season.”