The Landry Hat
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Dallas Cowboys: What to expect from new kicker Mike Nugent

By Brad Austin

CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 12: Mike Nugent #2 of the Cincinnati Bengals walks off of the field after missing what would have been the game-winning field goal attempt in overtime against the Carolina Panthers at Paul Brown Stadium on October 12, 2014 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati and Carolina tied 37-37. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 12: Mike Nugent #2 of the Cincinnati Bengals walks off of the field after missing what would have been the game-winning field goal attempt in overtime against the Carolina Panthers at Paul Brown Stadium on October 12, 2014 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati and Carolina tied 37-37. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 16: Mike Nugent #2 of the Cincinnati Bengals kicks a field goal during the first quarter of the game against the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium on November 16, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 16: Mike Nugent #2 of the Cincinnati Bengals kicks a field goal during the first quarter of the game against the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium on November 16, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

LIGHT ON THE BOOMSTICK

If seeking a booming kicker with sniper distance, Nugent is not the guy. His power limitations will mildly influence two areas of the kicking game.

First, expect fewer touchbacks which guarantee minimal starting field position.

Kickoff Stats:

BAILEY (2016): 91 kickoffs, 57 touchbacks, 63% TB rate

BAILEY (2015): 73 kickoffs, 49 touchbacks, 67% TB rate

NUGENT (2016): 63 kickoffs, 28 touchbacks, 44% TB rate

NUGENT (2015): 89 kickoffs, 42 touchbacks, 47% TB rate

A sub 50% touchback rate is a small regression as it places Nugent below average in comparison to other starting NFL kickers.

To avoid being overly concerned, the rookie who beat him out in New York currently has the same 44% touchback rate Nugent recorded last year.

Even a minor increase in returned kickoffs will likely be negated by the Cowboys excellent kick coverage. In a brief stint, more returns may help field position.

A second concern with a less powerful leg is Nugent’s long range inconsistency.

FG’s from 50+ yards:

BAILEY (2012-16): 22 of 31 (71%)

NUGENT (2012-16): 6 of 15 (40%)

Bailey is the gold standard of distance kicking, Nugent is more like cubic zirconia.

With a long of 55 and much inconsistency, Nugent can give it a shot if Dallas reaches the 38. Though finger crossing will be mandatory.

There’s no need to panic. Dallas has only kicked once from 50+ yards in seven FG attempts in 2017. Only four tries occurred in the last 22 games.

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