New Orleans Saints’ Charlie Smyth kicks the game-deciding field goal against the Arizona Cardinals earlier this month in a preseason football game in Glendale, Arizona. Photo: Mike Christy/Getty Images
Charlie Smyth continues to push for the starting job as kicker for the New Orleans Saints, but head coach Dennis Allen has warned that consistency is the name of the game for kickers.
Speaking after Smyth converted an impressive 65-yard kick (the NFL record is 66 yards) on the way to converting eight of his nine kicks, Allen hailed the Down man’s talent but said “we’re not going to attempt a ton of 65 yarders”.
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“It’s nice to know that you can knock one in from 65,” Allen said. “I think we kicked six in that deal, and I think he was five-of-six, if I’m not mistaken. So, I thought he kicked the ball really well in the practice environment. And look, he’s a talented player and being able to make one from 65, I think that’s great. But we’re not going to attempt a ton of 65-yarders.
“So, it’s really, to me, what are we really getting inside of 50 and the consistency in that range? ‘Cause that’s where a majority of the kicks are going to come.”
Smyth is competing with Blake Grupe for the starting job. Grupe converted 30 of 37 kicks last season as well as all of his extra point attempts.
Smyth’s ability to convert from distance means his leg strength is already amongst the best in the league though Grupe, who played college football for five years as well as one in the NFL, has a significant advantage in terms of experience.
“From where (Smyth) was when he first got here, to where he’s at now, I think he’s improved significantly,” Allen said. “There’s still some consistency that we’ve got to see, but I like some of the things I’m seeing from him, for sure.”
Even if Smyth doesn’t win the starting job, as an International Player Pathway player he can stay with the franchise for three seasons without taking up a roster or practice squad spot.