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Smyth in contention as Saints evaluate kicker slot
The New Orleans Saints are assessing kickers Daniel Carlson and Charlie Smyth before Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns, with Carlson’s inconsistent form putting Smyth in contention. Coach Kellen Moore said the team will review their kicking options during practice this week before deciding who offers the best solution.
Carlson, 31, has been the first-choice kicker this season but has made only 66% of his 12 field-goal attempts and 16 of 18 extra points. Smyth, a former Gaelic footballer from County Down, made 12 of 16 field goals and all 13 extra points as a starter last season, after making his NFL debut; he is currently on the practice roster. The Saints have won two of seven games and have not brought in another kicker.
In short
- Carlson’s form has reopened the Saints’ kicker competition.
- Smyth is being considered for Sunday’s game.
- The Saints have won two of seven games.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The Saints have reason to consider Smyth: Carlson’s 66% field-goal rate is a concern, and Smyth’s record last season gives the coaches evidence that he could be a dependable alternative. A change could improve the team’s chances of converting scoring opportunities, especially as they look for solutions after a poor start.
The case against
Keeping Carlson could offer greater continuity, since he has been the first-choice kicker this season and has made most of his extra points. Smyth’s previous season’s results are encouraging but do not guarantee he will perform better now, so the coaches may reasonably prefer to assess both in practice before changing roles.
Explained simply
The New Orleans Saints are a team in the National Football League, the top professional American football league in the United States. A kicker scores points by sending the ball through the goalposts, either during play or after a touchdown, so reliable kicking can affect a team’s results.
Daniel Carlson is the Saints’ current first-choice kicker, while Charlie Smyth is a Northern Irish player who previously played Gaelic football and is on the team’s practice roster. NFL teams can promote a practice-roster player to the main squad, where he can take part in matches. The Saints’ choice matters because they have won two of their seven games this season.