The Saints’ Kickers were Super!

When football historians look back at Super Bowl XLIV, they will look at the second half kick-off or should I say onside kick as the turning point in the game. In a refreshing change of pace the New Orleans Saints kicking game was solid throughout the playoffs and exceptional in the biggest of big games.

Garrett Hartley was a perfect 5-5 on field goals in the playoffs, all over 40 yards. His game winner sent the Saints to their first ever Super Bowl after 42 years of relative futility(click here). His three in the Super Bowl over 40 yards is a new record. Thomas Morstead punted 13 times in the playoffs for a 47.5 average. His kick-offs were very solid, but he will be long remembered for a second half gamble that payed off big.

For two weeks the Saints worked on a new onside kick package. Sean Payton and staff had noticed the Colts return team vacating the front line prematurely and as Payton told his team, it’s not a matter of if we do it but when we do it(click here).

Morstead being a punter/kickoff guy had never attempted an onside kick and the idea terrified him(click here). He definitely hit it well, but there is always a little luck with onside kicks. The Colt’s Hank Baskett had not one but two chances to get it. Local Atlanta hero Chris Reis of Roswell HS and Georgia Tech secured his place in football history by being the man that came up with the ball.

All in all, Garrett Hartley and Thomas Morstead contributed a tremendous amount to a historic run by the New Orleans Saints. No one will ever say, “Who dat kickah? Now they know.

Be Sociable, Share!

•