Once automatica, Tampa Bay’s kicker has become erratica

Friday, Dec. 12, 2003 | 10:28 a.m.

SUN WIRE REPORTS

It might be hard to imagine, but Martin Gramatica and David Duval have a lot in common these days.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker said he definitely can see a correlation between his woeful field goal kicking and Duval's struggles on the PGA Tour.

Like a golfer gone south, Gramatica has been battling the slices, the hooks, the shanks and the yips.

A Pro Bowl kicker in 2000, Gramatica has made only 11-of-20 field goals this season. He owns the league's worst percentage.

Twice in the second half of Sunday's 14-7 victory at New Orleans, Gramatica had a chance to help the Bucs (6-7) breathe easier. The first, a 44-yard attempt, sliced wide right. The second, a 35-yard attempt in the final four minutes, was a low line drive that was blocked.

For Gramatica, not seeing the ball go through the posts is like a golfer not seeing the ball go in the cup -- frustrating. Gramatica, a 20-plus handicapper in golf, said the two sports are becoming all too similar for him.

"A lot of kickers play golf and tell me that there is a lot of similarities, but I'm don't play golf that well or that often," Gramatica said. "So, right now, I'm terrible at both."

Bucs coach Jon Gruden is well aware of Gramatica's problems and even addressed them earlier in the week. But instead of bringing in other kickers for tryouts, Gruden gave Gramatica a vote of confidence.

"I'm concerned," Gruden said. "I met with Martin. Confidence is a big thing. He's got to get back to a confident demeanor."

Gramatica said he appreciated the pep talk and that his coach still has confidence in him.

"Everyone has been very positive -- that's the one thing that's nice," Gramatica said. "It's been a pretty bad year, but the coaches and everyone are still saying that they have confidence in me and that helps."

The NFL Management Council told owners this week the cap is expected to be between $78.7 million and $79.2 million per team for 2004. Those figures are subject to adjustment after the league's final gross revenues are determined. The cap is $74.8 million this season. It will take effect March 2.