Who Should I Start? Blake Grupe or Charlie Smyth

Sunday, December 22, 3:38 AM

New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe went 2-for-2 on field goal attempts and converted his sole extra point try in Week 15. Grupe was good from 41 and 51 yards away and he is now 14-for-16 from 40 or more yards out. It was an encouraging effort after his 0-for-2 showing in Week 14. Despite the rebound, Grupe is not a recommended start in Week 16 when the Saints take on the Green Bay Packers on Monday night. The weather at Lambeau Field is expected to be wet, windy, and cold, which is far from ideal for a kicker used to kicking in the optimal conditions provided by a domed stadium. Pass on Grupe this week but keep an eye on his availability as he may be useful in Week 17 when New Orleans faces the Las Vegas Raiders.

Sunday, August 25, 6:35 PM

New Orleans Saints kicker Charlie Smyth (groin) didn't suit up during Sunday's preseason contest against the Tennessee Titans. The rookie kicker has been dealing with an ongoing groin issue since Friday. Head coach Dennis Allen said that the team wanted to play it safe and hold Smyth out of this game. In his absence, Blake Grupe handled the kicking duties during the preseason finale. He connected on both his field goal attempts and made all three of his extra point attempts as well. It remains to be seen which kicker the team decides to ride with into the regular season. Grupe is probably the favorite after making 30-of-37 field goal attempts and all 40 extra point attempts during his rookie season with the Saints in 2023.