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 – SEPTEMBER 29: Kevin Huber #10 of the Cincinnati Bengals holds the ball as Mike Nugent #2 of the Cincinnati Bengals kicks a field goal during the first quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Paul Brown Stadium on September 29, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 29: Kevin Huber #10 of the Cincinnati Bengals holds the ball as Mike Nugent #2 of the Cincinnati Bengals kicks a field goal during the first quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Paul Brown Stadium on September 29, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

RELIABLE WHERE IT COUNTS

Now for the good news. Nugent is a very reliable kicker when asked to convert from more common distances.

One doesn’t rack up an 81% career conversion rate by being erratic. While he struggles from long range, Nugent is solid from 49 and in.

FG’s from 0-49 yards:

BAILEY (2014-16): 69 of 74 (93%)

NUGENT (2014-16): 70 of 81 (86%)

He may not be a future Hall of Fame kicker like Bailey, but 86% from 49 or closer is highly reliable scoring.

Basically if Dallas reaches at least the 32 yard line to attempt 10 kicks, Nugent’s past says he’ll make 8 or 9 of them.

It’s also worth noting that he put up much of those solid numbers in very unfriendly kicking environments.

His years with both the New York Jets and Cincinnati Bengals required kicking in open aired venues subject to harsh weather conditions.

CONCLUSION

Bringing in Nugent was necessary to fill in for Dallas’ most reliable scorer. Kickoff returns will increase, but a top 10 coverage unit should hold firm.

The Cowboys don’t expect him to be a long range threat. With only one attempt of 50+ yards in six games, it’s not an overly worrisome forfeit.

Next: Seven Dallas Cowboys whose stock is skyrocketing

They chose Nugent because of a career of consistency when asked to convert points from reasonable distances. As a temporary fix, Dallas found a good leg.

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