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Kicker Garrett Hartley spoke Monday for the first time since the New Orleans Saints signed veteran kicker John Carney last week. He said he understood the move - and even appreciated it.

"I'm definitely not feeling threatened by it," said Hartley, who was de-activated for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers, while Carney made all three of his field-goal attempts. "If anything, they're trying to help me out."

Carney served as a mentor for Hartley last year when they were on the roster together for several months before Carney was released and brought back as a kicking consultant. Both Hartley and Coach Sean Payton said they don't know how long this current situation will last. But Hartley was content to know that the Saints still have confidence in his long-term potential.

"Taking a positive is I'm still a kicker for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League. It really doesn't get a whole lot better than that," said Hartley, who said he "absolutely" appreciated the fact that the Saints brought in Carney instead of a veteran he wasn't as familiar with. "I feel comfortable because he was here helping me all of last year. So it really doesn't feel like we missed a beat the way that we talk, we get along, we joke and our work ethic that we have during the practice field and even pre-game warm-ups."

When asked if the demotion has fueled him even more, Hartley again said, "Absolutely."

"I'm not saying my drive hasn't been where it needs to be," Hartley said. "But if anything, this takes it from a Level 10 and pushing it to 12."
Payton also said he thinks the competition will have a positive effect on both players.

"I think that's healthy," Payton said. "That's the one position, (unlike) receiver, corner or safety. If a guy's struggling (at those positions), generally there's someone in the building that can push them. We're trying to create that. With John, he gives us that. He also is someone that works with all aspects. He's real bright. He does a good job with the holders and the snappers.

"(If you ask,) At what point are you going to transition? When we see the consistency at practice and we see where clearly one has kicked better than the other, I think we have to pay attention to that. And so that's really the plan."

www.sportsshooter.com/johnjcoleman

" Anyone can take a picture Only a Photographer can take a photograph "

st thomas

absolutely, like the attitude