The New Orleans Saints started training camp today, and position battles across the roster will be settled during the next month for the upcoming season. Saints 247 concludes its 2012 Training Camp preview with a look at the New Orleans defensive special teams unit.
Will Garrett Hartley be the Saints' kicker in 2012? Or will the team opt for John Kasay?
Although hardly glamourous, the special teams unit on an NFL roster often determines the fine line between winning and losing. Missing a few late field goals and costing a team wins could be the difference between a team making or missing the playoffs. This season, the Saints face a difficult quandary at kicker, with two strong candidates vying for a roster spot.
Sure Things:
Justin Drescher
Thomas Morstead
Drescher is the team’s lone long snapper on the current roster. It is possible that a younger offensive lineman could challenge for the job, but I highly doubt it. Drescher was fine during his limited action last season, and will make the roster.
Since he emerged with the Saints as a rookie in 2009, Thomas Morstead has emerged as one of the top punters in the NFL. He consistently ranks high on kickoff touchbacks, and makes the defense better with his effective punting.
On the Bubble:
John Kasay
Garrett Hartley
Don’t laugh. The kicker battle between John Kasay and Garrett Hartley might be the closest heading into camp. Both players bring something to the table for the team – Kasay has gobs of experience; Hartley is younger and could develop into a solid contributor for years to come. This one will come down to the very end of camp, and only one will make the team.
My guess? Hartley. But the margin in paper thin.
