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Bucs hope new kicker Andrus will provide points

Staff photo by CLIFF McBRIDE

Dirk Johnson consoles Mike Nugent, right, who missed two field goals at Washington and was later cut.

By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 7, 2009

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Shane Andrus

TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' new kicker can't wait to capitalize on the opportunity he's waited for since his glory days at Murray State.

Shane Andrus, 29, was signed by the Bucs on Monday to replace Mike Nugent, a disappointing free-agent pickup who pocketed a $400,000 signing bonus and a $2 million base salary in 2009, despite lasting only four games.

Nugent missed two of four field goal attempts in Sunday's 16-13 loss to the Washington Redskins, the misses coming from 49 and 48 yards.

"Mike had his opportunities,'' Coach Raheem Morris said today. "He had a chance to win a game the other day. We wouldn't even be having this discussion right now if he kicked two field goals to win it. But he didn't. We move on and we're giving Shane an opportunity. Let's see what happens."

Andrus kicked off for the Colts in their Sept. 13 season opener against Jacksonville, but was released three days later.

"I've been so close to getting that break, but it just hasn't happened for me,'' Andrus said Wednesday as he began preparations for Sunday's matchup at Philadelphia.

"I feel like I finally got it and now it's up to me to prove I should stick around. The Colts liked me, but being behind Adam (Vinatieri), it didn't matter if I went 12-for-12 in the preseason – I wasn't getting the job. If you make kicks in this league, you can have a long career. If you don't, you're out … no matter how much money you make.''

Andrus has not attempted an NFL field goal, but his lack of experience does not concern Morris.

"You can't really worry about a guy never kicking in an NFL game before," Morris said. "I never coached an NFL game before I had my first opportunity. Tanard Jackson never played an NFL game before he started in his rookie season. You've got to let 'em go out and play.

"Mike didn't fare as well as you would have liked him to. Great guy, but he has moved on and we've moved on.''

Andrus had some previous chances to impress Tampa Bay coaches during tryouts. He had a good feeling as he traveled to the Bay area this week.

"Every time I've been down here, I've kicked well,'' said Andrus, who made 26-of-36 field goal attempts at Murray State. "I brought my luggage like I was going to stay this time. I was pretty confident I might be the guy if I did a good job Monday.''

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