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.''

Special reunion

When punter Sam Paulescu signed with the Bucs on Tuesday he didn't' have to introduce himself to punt returner Clifton Smith. He'd already done that. And in a big way.

Paulescu met Smith at the end of the very first punt Smith ever returned in the NFL, in October 2008 in Dallas. Smith was 20 yards into the return when Paulsecu nailed him with a big hit that knocked Smith flat on his back.

"I know the guys have been giving him a little bit of a hard time," Paulescu said. "I might have nailed him, but believe me, it hurt me more than it hurt him. My neck was sore the next four days.''

Paulescu was signed on Tuesday to replace Dirk Johnson, who was placed on injured reserve with a torn left hamstring.

"I'm very excited to be here," Paulescu said. "A great special teams coach like (Rich Bisaccia), who doesn't want to play for someone like that? You get in one game here and there and they see you, so it opens up opportunities."