Question Kickers (2 Viewers)

[NolaFord]

How are the kickers doing durring camp?

I know its not the most glorious position and news worthy but does any one have any updates on how the kickers are doing? Specifically the guy we signed from Europe.

 

[SonOfNOLA]

DA said it’s a real kicking competition like the majority of jobs on the team. According to DA, Charlie Smyth has shown more distance than Grupe so far, he kicked a 66 yarder during minicamp, while Grupe has been more consistent than Smyth in FGMs right now.

It’s assumed that Grupe should win but it’ll be a tight battle through preseason. Smyth seems to have quickly adjusted to NFL kicking. We have a roster exemption for Charlie Smyth since he’s an international player. But there’s a chance that he could become the one and only kicker on the team if he continues progressing more in makes according to DA.

 

[Clintonrebel]

I’d trade them both for Lutz back.

 

[SaintKenn]

Grupe did an admirable job last year. Yea, he missed a few early on, but the guy was good considering he was a rookie. Plus he doesn't have a draw or a fade on his kicks. Lutz would give me a heart attack sometimes with that draw on his kicks.

 

[SonOfNOLA]

I’d trade them both for Lutz back.

‘18-‘19 Lutz was money but his FG % wasn’t good for us in 3 seasons. % started dropping each year, missed 2021 and had a high cap. That led to bringing in rookie competition and Grupe showing more in 2023 preseason.

It was hard to tell what we were getting out of Lutz after preseason. I’m glad he had a resurgence in Denver

 

[saintfan1972]

Grupe will be fine. Smyth will end up on the PS.

 

[SonOfNOLA]

Grupe will be fine. Smyth will end up on the PS.

We said the same thing about Lutz will be fine. Thinking no way a small rookie like Grupe could beat out a ex Pro Bowl kicker until he did. Grupe has one year and a 81% line up against a presumably-raw big leg rookie in this year’s battle.

Coaches letting this play out as a legit competition. DA doesn’t have favoritism or attachment towards kicking specialists like SP did. He encourages competition and lets the best man win.

 

[Fiyo]

Grupe will be fine. Smyth will end up on the PS.

I think because of the European roster exemption, we don’t have to spend a practice squad spot on him. He’ll be part of the roster, likely inactive on gamedays unless he beats out “Guppie” () in preseason.

 

[saintfan1972]

We said the same thing about Lutz will be fine. Thinking no way a small rookie like Grupe could beat out a ex Pro Bowl kicker until he did. Grupe has one year and a 81% line up against a presumably-raw big leg rookie in this year’s battle.

Coaches letting this play out as a legit competition. DA doesn’t have favoritism or attachment towards kicking specialists like SP did. He encourages competition and lets the best man win.

I like the competition. The way it should be. I just think Smyth will need more time kicking in game situation. One thing to do it in practice. This is where I kinda liked the world league they did. He could've went there and kicked and got real game time situations. But we will see how it pans out.
I think part of the reason Grupe beat out Lutz was the contract also. Played a big part in my opinion. Plus he's not a bad kicker.

 

[SuperSaint]

They're both here to push the 'vets' but there's no way DA is going to do rookie kickers for a second straight season.

 

[Optimistic Ozzy]

Outside of 50, I'd go for it on 4th down (with Grupe).

 

[Ken-Bob]

Kickoffs are going to be so different this year. A kicker with good ball placement for kickoffs is going to give someone a huge advantage. Considering the rule changes, I might be willing to sacrifice a little bit of FG accuracy for kickoff ball placement.

 

[Clintonrebel]

‘18-‘19 Lutz was money but his FG % wasn’t good for us in 3 seasons. % started dropping each year, missed 2021 and had a high cap. That led to bringing in rookie competition and Grupe showing more in 2023 preseason.

It was hard to tell what we were getting out of Lutz after preseason. I’m glad he had a resurgence in Denver

We gave up on him after an injury. Payton was thrilled to take him.

I like the competition. The way it should be. I just think Smyth will need more time kicking in game situation. One thing to do it in practice. This is where I kinda liked the world league they did. He could've went there and kicked and got real game time situations. But we will see how it pans out.
I think part of the reason Grupe beat out Lutz was the contract also. Played a big part in my opinion. Plus he's not a bad kicker.

I like the competition. The way it should be. I just think Smyth will need more time kicking in game situation. One thing to do it in practice. This is where I kinda liked the world league they did. He could've went there and kicked and got real game time situations. But we will see how it pans out.
I think part of the reason Grupe beat out Lutz was the contract also. Played a big part in my opinion. Plus he's not a bad kicker.

Yep. The contract part is the saving grace. Lutz had a better year, but for the money we came out pretty good.

 

[bobad]

It's hard to find a kicker with both a strong leg and no hook or fade on the ball, so Grupe will most likely be the guy. He can hit 60 yarders about 50/50 if called on, but coaches don't rely on long kicks to win. I hope.

 

[latechsaint26]

Kickoffs are going to be so different this year. A kicker with good ball placement for kickoffs is going to give someone a huge advantage. Considering the rule changes, I might be willing to sacrifice a little bit of FG accuracy for kickoff ball placement.

They are talking about how much more often kickers tackle now too. Grupe isn’t tackling anything.

Honestly it might be Taysom doing kickoffs (joke….but only kinda)