Bucs welcome one more to block party, chase team record
Corey Lynch has been there before. Lots of times.

Signed off Cincinnati's practice squad in September, the second-year safety joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' block party Sunday in Atlanta, snuffing out a third-quarter punt by Michael Koenen to set up a touchdown in an eventual 20-17 loss.

Under the guidance of special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, the Bucs lead the league with five blocked kicks, deflecting two punts, one FG attempt and two extra-point tries.

"Right after the ball was moved, I got a good jump,'' said Lynch, who said he blocked six kicks at Appalachian State, including a deflected FG try in the final seconds at Michigan that sealed a monumental 34-32 upset. "I've always had a knack for doing it. That's something we practiced a lot in college and it helped us in the long run. I ended up blocking a bunch of kicks in college … and one famous one.''

The Bucs need two more blocks to match the franchise-record of seven blocked kicks set in 2000. "We're just working hard on special teams,'' said starting right guard Davin Joseph, who blocked a field goal attempt against Carolina in October. "Being able to block a punt, a field goal or an extra point can make a difference in a game. It really changes the momentum. Around here, we always think we have a shot at making a block.''

Ira Kaufman, The Tampa Tribune 3 December 2009