Riley Dixon Struggled in Loss to Packers
The Buccaneers punter averaged 40 yards as Tampa Bay fell to Green Bay.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Football
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers punter Riley Dixon recorded a 35.2-yard net average against the Green Bay Packers. The performance included four punts with a long of 43 yards and no punts placed inside the 20-yard line.
Why it matters
The Tampa Bay front office exercised Dixon's contract option with the expectation of improved special teams play. His recent performance falls short of those goals as the team continues to search for consistency.
Dixon averaged 40 yards over four punts, while opponent Daniel Whelan landed three of his four punts inside the 20-yard line. Dixon now holds a 45.4 gross average and a 36.9 net average through 17 punts this season.
The players
Riley Dixon
He is the current punter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who signed a contract option to return to the team.
Daniel Whelan
He is the punter for the Green Bay Packers who outperformed his counterpart in the recent game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
They are a professional football team based in Tampa currently holding a 0 and 4 record this season.
Green Bay Packers
They are a professional football team that defeated the Buccaneers in the most recent matchup.
The details
Dixon failed to place any punts inside the 20-yard line during the three-point loss. Green Bay successfully returned two of his punts for a total of 19 yards.
Timeline
Dixon recorded 29 punts inside the 20-yard line during the 2025 season.
Dixon punted nine times against the Minnesota Vikings in September 2026.
Dixon averaged 40 yards per punt against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This punting performance underscores the ongoing special teams struggles during the team's 0 and 4 start. The inability to flip field position creates significant pressure on the remaining roster to compensate for the lack of production.
The lack of punts pinned inside the 20-yard line increases the yardage burden on the Buccaneers' defense in future drives. Fantasy managers and fans should note that Dixon has already conceded 125 return yards and one touchdown this season.
The takeaway
Special teams consistency is a critical factor for winless teams looking to shorten the field for their offense. Improving net punting averages will be essential for the team to secure their first victory of the season.
Further reading
For more updates on the team's roster, visit Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bucs Wire.
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