Bengals' Mike Nugent on missed kick: 'Probably worst ball I've ever hit'
Cincinnati Bengals kicker Mike Nugent didn't even have to look. He knew he had just missed the potential game-winning kick, instead sending the Bengals to a disappointing 37-37 tie with the Carolina Panthers.
"I didn't have to look up," Nugent said of the kick, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer's Paul Dehner Jr. "I could have told you it didn't hit the net. It was probably the worst ball I've ever hit in a game in my career."
Nugent shanked the potential game-winning kick wide right as time expired in overtime. Nugent had made his three previous attempts, from 44, 38 and 42 yards. But his 36-yard miss ultimately prevented the Bengals from escaping with a win at home. Nugent is now only 11 of 17 for the season on field goals.
"Everyone will say it's just one play in the game. But as a kicker, it's your biggest play of the day, so it's tough to think otherwise," Nugent said. "I never get worried about confidence. I don't think I'd be playing for 10 years if I had an issue with confidence. It's just at the moment right now a lot of disappointment. It's just really tough to see my coaches and see my teammates after a game like that. Just knowing that you didn't finish one."
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-Brett LoGiurato
