Redskins.com: News & Notes: Novak Ready In a Pinch

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News & Notes: Novak Ready In a Pinch

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=10374

By Gary Fitzgerald

Redskins.com

September 16, 2005

It's increasingly likely that the Redskins may have to rely on rookie kicker Nick Novak in Monday night's NFC East battle against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium.

Since John Hall has not been able to practice this week due to a quad injury, head coach Joe Gibbs seemed skeptical that Hall would be able to play against the Cowboys.

Hall remains listed as questionable on the Redskins' injury report.

"John hasn't done anything yet," Gibbs said. "I just can't see that happening. I wouldn't totally rule it out, but he hasn't kicked yet for us this week."

Gibbs said Novak showed during separate preseason stints with the Chicago Bears and Cowboys that he was a reliable kicker. He connected on 3-of-3 field goals for the Bears but was beaten out by veteran kicker Doug Brien.

Novak signed with the Cowboys for the preseason finale and was 1-of-2 on field goals, including a 49-yarder. Veteran kicker Jose Cortez, a former Redskin, won the job and Novak was released.

A week later, Novak, who played college ball at Maryland, signed with the Redskins when Hall was injured.

Novak, who was unemployed a week ago, said he was feeling more comfortable as the week progressed.

"It's good to get out and practice with the snapper and holder and get comfortable with everything," said the ACC's career scoring leader. "I've been in a lot of big games in college and I've risen to the occasion, so I don't think I'll be nervous. I want to capitalize on this opportunity."

Said Gibbs on Friday: "We don't really see him as a rookie because he has been in two other camps. He has been through a lot of ups and downs, which sometimes isn't bad. He is kind of relaxed, from what I see. I was pleased today. He kicked quite a bit today and I was very pleased."

The Redskins' special teams units have undergone a dramatic makeover in a matter of weeks. First-year punter Andy Groom has replaced veteran Tom Tupa, who is on injured reserve. Kick return specialist Antonio Brown was released. And now Novak appears ready for his NFL debut.

"It just goes to show you in the NFL, you never know," Gibbs said. "It was just some unfortunate things there."

Groom Not Satisfied

Playing in his first NFL regular-season game, Groom logged a 37.7-yard average, with a long of 39. It was not the type of performance he was hoping for in his NFL debut.

"I didn't hit the ball like I wanted to," Groom said. "I didn't hit it like I did in practice and the preseason."

First-game jitters? Possibly.

"I got the first game out of the way and this week is going to be a lot better," he said.

Record to Fall?

A NFL record held jointly by two Redskins is in danger this Sunday.

With a rushing touchdown this Sunday against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field, San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson would have a rushing touchdown in 14 consecutive games.

That would surpass Hall of Famer John Riggins and George Rogers, both of whom have 13, for the longest such streak in NFL history. Riggins had his streak from 1982-83 and Rogers had his streak from 1985-86.

[Jaron]

If we lose this game due to a missed field goal or some other Special Teams mistake because our starters are out, I will run my head through a wall. I'm hoping this doesn't turn into 2000 all over again.

[d0ublestr0ker0ll]

LOL. I love how Redskin fans that ARE NOT from Maryland are worried about this kid, and Marylanders are rather extatic.

Don't be fooled, this kid is definitley the ACC leading scorer because he's a lights-out kicker. Maryland, obviously, relied on this kid day in and day out...and he kept them up when they could easily have been down. And how much heroics did he pull at Maryland? My Gosh.

Don't want to overhype him but I love this move.

[Teller]

Huge Terps fan here. I hope Novak comes in and does what he did at Maryland, and wins the starting job for good. Definitely a good move!

[Gallen5862]

I have confidence in Novak. I think both he and Groom will do well Monday night.

[skns4life]

i just dont like the fact that he was beaten by jose cortez! whats that?

[d0ublestr0ker0ll]

i just dont like the fact that he was beaten by jose cortez! whats that?

No idea. We all know Cortez is the bottom of the barrell in the league...all I can tell you about is what I've seen...and this kid can boot a ball like he has a scope with red lazer dot pointing at the net.

[Jaron]

i just dont like the fact that he was beaten by jose cortez! whats that?

Yeah, that's what has me a little worried. I've seen plenty of "lights out" kickers in college come into the NFL and do absolutely nothing. I hope Novak does well with the chance he's been given. I'd like nothing more than for him to come in here and become our Vinatieri.