Kicking change coming for Saints
 

Here it is, no Carney this weekend:

Posted by Michael David Smith on December 6, 2009 9:03 AM ET
The New Orleans Saints haven't had many weaknesses this season, but the kicking game has been one of the few.

New Orleans plans to make a move to turn that weakness into a strength.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Garrett Hartley -- not John Carney -- is expected to kick for the Saints today against the Washington Redskins.

Hartley played half the season for the Saints last year and made all 13 of his field goal attempts. But he was suspended the first four games of the 2009 season for violating the league's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances, and he has yet to see the field this year as Carney has handled the kicking duties.

That is expected to change today, thanks in large part to Carney's performance Monday night against the Patriots, when he missed a field goal and barely made another after it bounced off the upright. The Saints want more consistency in their kicking game, and they hope to get that consistency from Hartley.

Re: Kicking change coming for Saints
 

It's a good thing we score a lot of touchdowns.

Re: Kicking change coming for Saints
 

Sounds like a good move. Beginning of the season, Carney was fairly reliable on short and mid-range licks, excepting a missed EXTRA POINT against Miami. Jeez. But he has not been dependable beyond 42 or 43 yards all season, Combination of his weak leg and recent lack of consistency make this move inevitable. Seems a bit like an experiment in a game that we should be able to cover if all goes right.

Re: Kicking change coming for Saints
 

This should come as no surprise to anyone ... I'm not sure we should cut Carney quite yet though. (And I doubt we will)

Hartley to Kick Against Skins
 

:DPlease delete. Already posted and my search skills are off this morning.

Re: Kicking change coming for Saints
 

Good move IMHO. Carney was struggling and this is a good game to give Hartley a tryout.

Re: Kicking change coming for Saints
 

I like it, but how much are we going to learn about Hartley on a frozen field?

3 out our next 4 games are in domes, and the playoffs will be also.

if this is a permanent change, I love it. if this an audition, it's not really fair to Hartley.

Re: Kicking change coming for Saints
 

My thoughts exactly.

Re: Kicking change coming for Saints
 

I don't see it as an audition. He got one last year and passed with flying colors.

Re: Kicking change coming for Saints
 

Good deal. Roll the dice on Hartley, he did well last year. Cut Carney, we need the room on the roster. Also I think it would help not having Hartley look over his shoulder, give him the vote of confidence.