Bengals kicker Mike Nugent perfect since his overtime miss resulted in tie

Cincinnati Bengals' Mike Nugent (2) celebrates with teammates after he kicked a field goal against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider) (The Associated Press)

Cincinnati Bengals' Mike Nugent (2) kicks a field goal against the Houston Texans as Kevin Huber (10) holds during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider) (The Associated Press)

Mike Nugent's worst moment of the season came in overtime. He missed a 36-yard field goal on the final play, forcing Cincinnati to settle for a 37-37 tie with Carolina on Oct. 12.

He got messages from other kickers providing encouragement. He fixed the problem that led to the miss. And he's been perfect since then, making all eight of his kicks, including a clinching 49-yard field goal during a 22-13 win at Houston on Sunday.

The Bengals (7-3-1) have held onto their thin lead in the AFC North with the help of Nugent's proficiency. Their special teams rank among the league's best in every category.

Cincinnati plays at Tampa Bay (2-9) on Sunday, trying for its third straight road win.

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