New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore has confirmed that Charlie Smyth will return to the starting lineup as kicker for Sunday’s matchup against the Cleveland Browns at the Caesars Superdome.
Kicking Change Following Carlson’s Departure
Smyth had originally spent time on the practice squad while Daniel Carlson secured the starting role for the beginning of the campaign. However, inconsistent performances led the franchise to terminate the 31-year-old’s contract earlier in the week on Tuesday.
Carlson concluded his tenure with a 66% success rate, converting eight out of 12 field goal attempts. His sole flawless performance occurred in September during a game against the Baltimore Ravens where he successfully landed three kicks. Additionally, he made 16 out of 18 extra point attempts for the struggling team, which currently holds a record of two wins from seven games this season.
Following Carlson’s release, and with the organization choosing not to bring in any additional kickers, Smyth steps directly back into the primary role.
Moore Discusses the Decision and Smyth’s Development
On Monday, head coach Kellen Moore stated that he would evaluate the team’s kicking situation before officially announcing Smyth at a Wednesday news briefing.
“Charlie will kick this week,” Moore confirmed.
“[There have been] tough decisions. Daniel has made some really big kicks for us – it’s just the consistency thing. I just felt this is the best decision for our football team going forward.”
“These things are never easy, but Charlie has done this for us at the backend of last year, so he will be ready to go.”
Smyth, a 25-year-old former Gaelic footballer hailing from Mayobridge in County Down, made his historic NFL debut last November. During his starting stint last season, he successfully converted 12 of 16 field goals and made all 13 of his extra point attempts.
After experiencing a mixed pre-season, Smyth moved to the practice squad after Carlson won the position following a kicking competition.
“When guys aren’t playing these games, not everyone gets to see all the work they do during the week,” Moore explained regarding Smyth’s progression on the practice squad.
“They still have a plan. Charlie has a plan going into every week [for] how is he going to get better, similar to [quarterback] Tyler Shough when he was on practice squad.”
“The guys who don’t play on Sunday still have a plan to develop and get better, then opportunities like this present themselves and they are ready.”
Smyth will make his return to starting duties when the Saints host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
