Three takeaways from the Arizona Cardinals week fourteen tilt

Kicker controversy looming?

With Zane Gonzalez out for the contest, Mike Nugent came in from the practice squad and converted four of four field goals. Sure, each field goal came within 40 yards, in which the incumbent Gonzalez often converts.

And yes, there is a reason the team has retained Gonzalez and kept Nugent on the practice squad. If Nugent outperformed Gonzalez in practice, the Cards would have made a move. Especially with Gonzalez converting a meager 72.7 percent of his field goals.

But it’s clear Gonzalez’s seat got hotter with Nugent’s performance. If Gonzalez returns and shanks a few more field goals, the Cardinals should assure themselves they have a viable replacement in Nugent.

Sure, Nugent had a field goal fall short before halftime in a play that a false start penalty negated. Regardless, Nugent’s performance at kicker should definitely prove to be a head-turner. Not that Gonzalez will continue to struggle. But if he does, the Cardinals are in good hands with Nugent.