The Pewter Plank
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Don’t Give Up on the Young Roberto Aguayo Just Yet

By Alan Schechter

Oct 10, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Roberto Aguayo (19) kicks the game winning field goal against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Buccaneers won 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Roberto Aguayo (19) kicks the game winning field goal against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Buccaneers won 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Keep the faith in Roberto Aguayo, Bucs’ fans. It’s not time to give up on him yet.

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It was an interesting night against the Panthers for Roberto Aguayo, wasn’t it? He did win the game for the Buccaneers, he deserves credit for that. Making a 38-yard field goal as time expired took the Bucs to a huge win, and is a great moment for a young player.

Overall on the night he wasn’t good, however, as he missed two more field goals. He ended the night with his season standing at 4-8 on his kicks, 50%. It’s easy to understand the frustration, and why some want him to go. As our teammate Zach Sauers mentioned this morning, the coach is not thrilled.

Despite all of this, however, don’t give up on Aguayo just yet. I agree he hasn’t been good, but it’s not time to say goodbye. Not yet.

First of all, those of you that want him cut aren’t going to get your wish. No chance. Nobody gives up on a second round pick after five games of their rookie season, especially one that the team made a trade to be able to pick. Too much is invested. Look up North at the Jets. Geno Smith was a second round pick that has been terrible for more than one season, and he remains with a roster spot.

Aguayo isn’t going anywhere.

Let’s look at the Monday night game. I’ll give you the kick off the uprights, but look at the other kick. A 46-yard field goal is not a sure thing for anyone in this league, and it’s a much harder kick on grass. Missing that kick is hardly indicative of a guy that doesn’t belong. It’s a miss that could have happened to any kicker, veteran or otherwise.

Think about this question. Would you guys have the same feelings about Aguayo if he were a seventh round pick? I doubt it. The extra frustration comes from the fact that he was chosen in the second round, and the Bucs made a move to do it. You have to remember that Roberto is five games into his NFL career. As great of a school, and as many big games as he played at Florida State, it’s not the NFL. He is still working through those kinks of doing it on the big stage. It may be kicking, but it’s not as easy as it looks.

Remember, he hasn’t lost any games for us yet. Almost losing games for us doesn’t count. He hasn’t lost any games for the Bucs, and now he has won one.

Finally, we take a look at some very interesting numbers. First, take a look at Aguayo’s first five games as far as his field goals go so far:

  • 1-1
  • 0-1
  • 0-1
  • no attempts
  • 3-5

That puts Aguayo at 4-8, 50% for the year so far. Now, take a look at the first five games of the career of this next kicker:

  • 0-1
  • 1-2
  • 1-2
  • 2-2
  • 2-4

That puts kicker number two at 6-11, 54.5%, which is a bit better, but hardly the numbers of a great, even a good kicker. Who is kicker number two? He was chosen in the first round in the year 2000 by the Raiders.

His name is Sebastian Janikowski. He turned into a pretty good kicker, wouldn’t you say?

Next: Pick Six: Bucs Steal One from Carolina

Ladies and gentlemen, hang in there with Aguayo. Five games do not make a career. Give him a chance.

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