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Royals' job still a weekly question

© St. Petersburg Times,
published November 6, 2001

TAMPA -- Two weeks ago, punter Mark Royals saw the Bucs bring in four veterans to try out for his job, and though he's still on roster, the situation hasn't exactly improved for the 13-year veteran.

"The whole season has been difficult, starting with the first day of training camp and an injury," Royals said. "To come back from that, then have the ups and downs of this year, it's been difficult."

Royals said special teams coach Joe Marciano has been up front with him, letting him know when the team was bringing in free agents, and he has tried not to let his job security affect his play.

"I'm trying to work myself into a rhythm, and from Day 1 it's been a struggle," he said. "If it's going to happen, it's going to happen. It's not from a lack of effort or trying."

Royals' 41.5-yard average ranks 24th in the league and marks the fourth season in a row in which it has declined. His season long is 54 yards, 32nd out of the 37 players who have punted.

Still, he can take positives even from Sunday, when a fourth-quarter punt was returned 55 yards by Allen Rossum for the Packers' winning touchdown. His net average on his first eight attempts was nearly 40 yards, about 5 yards better than his season average. He lined up thinking each punt was a chance to keep his job, but he said that's not entirely new in a career that has included seven stops.

"I've always felt that way in 13 years; I don't think you ever relax," he said. "It's something you're always aware of."

Royals, as one of the most experienced players in the Bucs lineup, said the team's turnaround must be across the board if Tampa Bay is to get out of its slump.

"It has to be a team thing. If you start singling people out and pointing fingers, that's really dangerous," Royals said. "Overall, I wouldn't say we had one of our better games. We rushed for 1 yard a rush, gave up seven sacks and had one. The key is, from the top down, everybody needs to start evaluating and do all the things to get ready for this week."

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