Five Things Saints in Peter King’s FMIA column; mentions potential Lutz trade to Denver before cutdown (1 Viewer)

[nolaswede]

I think Lutz will be our kicker, at least this year.....

Isn't that guy the same guy that had CSP going to Dallas every year since like 2010?

Agree. DA is not a risk taker so I’m sure he doesn’t prefer to take a risk with a semi unproven kicker. Loomis is involved as well when it comes to decisions, but still.

 

[SAINTSFAN]

I would cut both of our punters and get a brand new punter from a team that has a tough cut somewhere.

That honestly would not surprise me.

 

[brandon8283]

Grupe took all the kicks last night

except one.

51 yarder Lutz hit.

should tell you all you need to know.

After he got a second chance, and after he kicked it low and was blocked, which has been his problem since day 1.

 

[60minutes]

Grupe took all the kicks last night

except one.

51 yarder Lutz hit.

should tell you all you need to know.

I’m confused. Lutz attempted and made 3 FGs, not just one. Maybe I’m misunderstanding what you mean

 

[efil4stnias]

I’m confused. Lutz attempted and made 3 FGs, not just one. Maybe I’m misunderstanding what you mean

LOL well wait i thought Grupe took all but the 51 yard one.

Lutz took 3 of the 5?

 

[DCTransplant]

We sucked at kickers for like 10 years from old retread John Carney to Lutz. I give him a pass for last year and give him 1 more year before i give up on him.... Too much risk of another Zach Hocker... If you don't remember him, it's for the best. He was near the end of a forgettable string of kickers that included Martin Gramatica, Olindo Mare, Taylor Mehlhaff, Shayne Graham, and Kai Forbath.... Lutz is actually the only truly solid kicker we've had since Carney retired the first time in 2010. And if you don't remember all of that, isn't the kicking debacle of 2021 enough of a reason to stick with the proven commodity??

 

[SaintStephen1]

Please try to remember these games mean nothing. Gripe could shank every kick once reg season begins

 

[Grumpy Old Manatee]

Based on the stats I’ve browsed…

Grupe took all kicks in the first half. Lutz handled all kicks in the second half.

 

[breesgirl]

I’m not putting my hopes in a rookie kicker who is the size of a Little League pitcher. Grupe seems like he has the goods, but there’s more to kicking at this level than just hitting extra points in preseason. People seem to forget that Lutz took a full season to become a top kicker. Most kickers don’t come out their first year on fire. Grupe probably wouldn’t be money until his second season. We’re built for winning now.

We’ve already experienced what it’s like having inconsistency for years at that position. Even with Lutz’s slump, he was still better than the multitude of kickers we had during Payton’s tenure before finding him. I believe Lutz is back to his old self. I also think we could get him for a reasonable price after his contract is up. Grupe needs to put on muscle, but that could also impact his kicking in a negative way. I’d prefer trading him if we can and riding w/Lutz.

 

[breesgirl]

After he got a second chance, and after he kicked it low and was blocked, which has been his problem since day 1.

That wasn’t the same kick. I believe Lutz had two kicks Sunday. One 51 yarder and the other was around 35. That was the lower kicked one if I remember correctly.

 

[B_doggman47]

I'll stick with the known commodity in Lutz. Don't want another kicker carrousel like we had in 2021. Lutz missed the whole 2021 season with a core injury, which he had to have surgery. I don't believe he was fully healthy last season. Core injuries can linger. Last night against the Chargers he was 3-3. He was 2-2 from 30-39 and 1-1 from 50+. His FG% so far this preseason is100%. There were a couple of reports from camp that he was nailing 60 & 61 yarders.
This is what his career has looked like for the Saints.
2016- 28-34- 82.4%
2017- 31-36- 86.1%
2018- 28-30- 93.3%
2019- 32-36- 88.9%
2020- 23-28- 82.1%
2121- Injured, did not play
2022- 23-31- 74.2%
Career Avg.- 84.6%
Lutz has had one really bad year and he was coming back from injury last season. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and see how he does this season before I make any comments about wanting another kicker. I'd prefer to stick with what we have in Lutz. But ultimately it's up the DA and Loomis to make that decision.

 

[motivation2k12]

 

[brandon8283]

That wasn’t the same kick. I believe Lutz had two kicks Sunday. One 51 yarder and the other was around 35. That was the lower kicked one if I remember correctly.

 

[NatureBoy]

If he wants Grupe for a 6th, I am all in. How about Trequan too?

Gotta love a bundle.

 

[bobad]

Lost confidence in Will, need to see him get more consistent.

Grupe hits the ball much differently, looks like he has more leg and foot control.

I have a little more confidence in Grupe. I think he will grow an inch, put on 10 pounds, and get stronger. Will has topped out, though he can become more consistent with enough work. I'm happy with either... for now.