Charlie Smyth’s Future with New Orleans Saints Uncertain, Says Phil Galiano
The future of kicker Charlie Smyth with the New Orleans Saints appears uncertain, according to special teams coordinator Phil Galiano. Smyth was given a chance to shine after the Saints waived regular kicker Blake Grupe.
Charlie Smyth’s Path to the NFL
After Grupe’s departure, Smyth faced off against veteran Cade York for the starting position. The former Down GAA goalkeeper rose to the occasion during his debut, showcasing notable skills.
Debut Performance Highlights
- Successfully converted a 56-yard field goal.
- Executed a rare onside kick during the game.
However, Smyth’s performance was a mix of highs and lows in the unexpected win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although he missed a challenging 48-yard field goal amid torrential rain, he made a crucial 30-yard field goal that tied the game in the third quarter. He also completed all three extra-point attempts.
Areas for Improvement
Despite his successes, Smyth struggled with a kickoff late in the game, failing to place the ball in the desired area. Fortunately, the Buccaneers were unable to take advantage of this mistake.
Phil Galiano’s Insights
Galiano expressed his satisfaction with how Smyth handled his first setback in the NFL. “I thought it was good as he missed it and came over to the sideline,” he noted. “I grabbed him and said, ‘hey, you got your first miss in the NFL out of the way, so how are you going to respond to it?’”
He emphasized the importance of focusing on the next opportunity, saying, “All you can do is make the next one at every opportunity, and he came and responded and did a good job.” Galiano highlighted that every point is crucial for the team.
Conclusion
As the season progresses, Charlie Smyth’s journey with the New Orleans Saints will be closely monitored. Galiano’s confidence in Smyth could play a pivotal role in his development and future with the team.
