Buccaneers kicker Kyle Brindza endured a tough afternoon in the Week 3 loss against the Texans, going 1 for 4 on field goal attempts and missing his sole extra-point attempt.
The rookie kicker got things off to a great start with a 58-yard field goal in the first quarter, his second successful kick of 50-plus yards in as many weeks and the second longest in franchise history. His final miss was also from similar range -- a 57-yarder in the fourth quarter that came at a point when the Bucs attempted to pull within six late in the game. It was the other misfires -- attempts of 41 and 33 yards and the errant point-after attempt that hit the uprights -- that would appear to be of greater concern.
The 10 points Brindza essentially left on the field proved to be the difference between a win and a loss for Tampa. Despite the tough afternoon, coach Lovie Smith spoke out in support of his young kicker on Monday. Brindza will attempt to rebound in the Bucs' Week 4 matchup against division foe Carolina.