HC Kellen Moore has no choice but to take away a job from one of New Orleans' most important players from last season
The New Orleans Saints have plenty of question marks around their current roster under head coach Kellen Moore. One of the most concerning ones was actually a perceived strength as we entered the NFL season. Blake Grupe took steps forward last season as the team's kicker, but he has had issues to start this season.
Grupe missed another kick on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, and that tally keeps climbing on a nearly weekly basis. At this point, it is probably time to give someone else a shot at kicking for the black and gold.
Saints must move on from Blake Grupe at kicker
Grupe has really struggled so far this season. That's inarguable at this point. Grupe has hit 70% of his field goal attempts through seven games.
Blake Grupe's misses by range of attempt (through Week 7)
- 30-39 yard range: 1 miss
- 40-49 yard range: 2 misses
- 50+ range: 3 misses
The distance has consistently been an issue for him this season. With many teams around the NFL improving from 40+ yards out, taking a step back in that department simply cannot be the reality on special teams for the Saints. Grupe has missed six field goals this season after missing just four last season.
Will the miss against Chicago be the nail in the proverbial coffin for Grupe? Kellen Moore defended Grupe earlier this month, but that confidence hasn't proven to help him improve his performances so far.
"I think Blake is a really good kicker. People go through challenging circumstances in this league, and so the job is to find the solution, get better. He knows that, we all know that. We're in this thing together and so certainly our goal and aspiration is how can we just execute at a little bit higher level and so that's where we're focused." -- Kellen Moore on Blake Grupe in early October
Charlie Smyth is on the Saints practice squad, and he is a young boot with a big leg. It is probably worth letting him get an opportunity to start simply to see if he has the potential to be a long-term answer. At 1-6, wins are hoped for when it comes to the outlook for the Saints, but the must look to the future when it comes to roster-building.
Grupe is a young player who had a lot of bright moments in 2024, but you also must be held accountable in the pros. New Orleans should go ahead and look elsewhere for their starting kicker.
Browns Coach Kevin Stefanski Gives Dillon Gabriel Good News Ahead of Week 8
The Cleveland Browns will remain with Dillon Gabriel as the team’s starting quarterback in Week 8.
Gabriel had his third-straight start on Sunday and led the Browns to a 31-6 home win over the Miami Dolphins. It was a massive win for Cleveland, and after the game, Browns coach credited Gabriel for not turning the ball over in the sloppy, wet conditions.
“Yeah, first half especially was some tough conditions for both sides,” Stefanski said postgame. “I think you could see that in some of the handling of the football. But, we were plus four today. I don’t think we’ve turned it over the last three weeks. And that’s a recipe for winning football.”
Gabriel finished the game going 13-for-18 for 116 yards. Although he didn’t throw for a touchdown, he managed the game well and didn’t turn the ball over in the wet conditions, which Stefanski was pleased with.
With Stefanski happy with the team not turning the ball over, Gabriel is set to remain the Browns’ starting quarterback for the forseeable future.
The Browns will take on the New England Patriots on the road on Sunday in Week 8.
Browns Coach Pleased With ‘Clean Game’ From Gabriel
Cleveland entered their Week 7 home game against the Dolphins as the betting favorite.
The Browns and Dolphins have both struggled this season, but Gabriel did well protecting the ball and managing the game. Although Gabriel didn’t make any flashy throws, Stefanski said that was due to the weather and him not scheming people to get open.
But, Stefanski said he’d rather the quarterback not turn over the ball and play a clean game than make a lot of errors.
“I think every game is different, and what you’re going to have to do,” Stefanski said. “I thought a couple times were trying to get him on the perimeter in these conditions, knowing that it’s going to be hard to start and stop. We have to do a better job of getting some guys open throughout this game. But to play clean is really important.”
The Browns offense was led by running back Quinshon Judkins, who rushed for 84 yards on 25 carries, and also rushed for three touchdowns.
Dillon Gabriel ‘Proud’ of Week 7 Win
The Browns cruised to a blowout win in Week 7, backed by Judkins and their defense.
Gabriel played well at quarterback, as he played smart, but he knows there are things he can be better at. But the rookie quarterback is proud of how the team played, despite the conditions.
“I think you always want to expedite the process of being able to play at a certain level,” Gabriel said. “There is understanding of natural progression as well. But the process doesn’t change, you’re going to still fight to be at your best.
“But I think at small chunks we’ve learned how to slowly have chances to win, and then finally go and win a game, that’s something that we’re all kind of molding together,” Gabriel added. “Definitely proud of the guys, and definitely want to continue to be good in the areas we’re good at, and improve in the areas that we need to. So that’ll never change.”
Cleveland improved to 2-5 on the year with a lopsided win.
