Kellen Moore says New Orleans will 'evaluate' Dan Carlson and Charlie Smyth as the Saints weigh their kicking options for Sunday's clash with Cleveland.
The Saints' kicker job is up for discussion. Head coach Kellen Moore confirmed that New Orleans will evaluate both Dan Carlson and Charlie Smyth before Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns.
Moore chose the word "evaluate" on purpose. It stops short of naming a starter and leaves the competition open as game day approaches. For a team where every field goal attempt can swing a close contest, the kicking spot is getting real scrutiny.
Smyth's name in the mix is worth watching. He is a former Gaelic football player who took the international pathway into pro football, and any chance to win a starting role would be a big step in that journey. Carlson, meanwhile, remains a legitimate option, so neither man can treat the job as settled.
Expect the decision to come down to how each kicker looks in practice and how comfortable the coaching staff feels sending him out in a pressure moment. Kicking battles tend to be quiet until a game-winning attempt arrives, and the Saints would rather settle this before they get there.
We will know who gets the nod once the Saints and Browns kick off on Sunday.
