The New Orleans Saints are 19 days away from their season opener versus the Arizona Cardinals. We continue our countdown to kickoff with a look at kicker Blake Grupe.
No one really saw Grupe exploding onto the scene. When he was challenging Wil Lutz for the role in 2023, many wrote it off. As that offseason progressed, it clearly became more than just iron sharpening iron. Grupe not only pushed Lutz, he pushed him out of New Orleans. It was one of the bigger surprises of camp. Unlike when replacing Thomas Morstead at punter, the Saints have kept Grupe since Lutz departed.
The first year was rough for the rookie. He missed a few critical field goals, including some game winners. The lack of delivering in big time moments was the biggest flaw of Grupe’s initial campaign. Year 2 was kinder to Grupe. He improved his field goal percentage by six percent and was more accurate from 40+ yards.
Blake Grupe is putting to bed any thoughts of a competition
Despite improving upon his performance in 2024, Grupe found himself in the same place he was last offseason. For the third offseason in a row, Grupe has been embroiled in a battle to be the Saints starting kicker.
For the second year in a row, he was aiming to defend his title. For the second year in a row, Grupe had to fend off Charlie Smyth. AND for the second year in a row, it appears Grupe will come out victorious.
Grupe has been absolutely amazing throughout training camp. On the other hand, Smyth has struggled throughout camp. The battle isn’t even up for a discussion. Grupe has been the clear better kicker and looks primed for another step up.
In addition to Grupe’s effectiveness putting points on the board, he also does a really good job on kickoffs. His touchback percentage was the second best in the NFL, among kickers with 50 or more kickoff attempts. Field position is a constant battle, and no one wants to give up a yard. The Saints pair Grupe’s good placement with a strong coverage unit and limit opponents from effective returns.