Mike Nugent continues redemption with critical field goals against the Texans

Since Mike Nugent's 36-yard overtime attempt sailed wide right on Oct. 12, 2014, the Ohio native hasn't missed an attempt of any variety since. In addition to the perfection that we've seen on the field during the last five games, the rumor is that he hasn't even missed an attempt during practice. One coach told the Cincinnati Enquirer that he's missed one during practice. GET HIM! Regardless, hasn't he earned his place back into the good graces of your heart?

Nugent converted two attempts against the Ravens, including a 33-yarder in the fourth quarter, helping Cincinnati beat Baltimore 27-24. He was the lone scorer against the Cleveland Browns and essentially sealed Cincinnati's seventh win of the season on Sunday.

Nugent's 31-yard conversion with 8:48 remaining against Houston, gave Cincinnati a six-point advantage -- forcing an offensively-neutered Texans squad to score a touchdown. With 1:55 remaining in the game, Nugent crushed a 49-yard attempt to give the Bengals a two-possession lead... sealing the Bengals win over the Texans. (I get that mathematics suggest Houston had a chance to win... but how many times does that actually happen? Maybe once per season in the NFL? Nugent had a major assist in sealing Cincinnati's win).

"Mike has done a great job since he missed the kick," said head coach Marvin Lewis after Sunday's win. "Sometimes, you know, you when you sink all the way down, you have to keep your eyes up. We've had a couple guys have to do that this year it seems like."

Since missing the kick against Carolina that resulted in a 37-point tie, Nugent has converted eight consecutive field goals and 12 point-after attempts. Perhaps he'll miss another kick through the end of the season... perhaps not. Either way, he's earned his place back at the dinner table.