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METAIRIE — The New Orleans Saints’ kicking duel between Garrett Hartley and John Kasay is apparently going down to the final two exhibition games, starting with Saturday night’s matchup with the Houston Texans.

Hartley, one of the heroes of the team’s run to a Super Bowl XLIV title in 2009, is being challenged by Kasay, who capably filled in last year when Hartley was sidelined for the entire season with a hip injury.

On Wednesday, special teams coordinator Greg McMahon said the coaching staff is no closer to making a decision than when training camp started July 26.

“We’re going to go to the last two games and just let it play out,” McMahon said. “I think that is the fair process. That is what we decided to do going into camp, and we’ll stay true to that.”

In the first three exhibition games, Hartley has made both of his field-goal attempts, while the 42-year-old Kasay is 2-for-4.

“It’s the whole process and there are a lot of elements involved in it,” McMahon added. “We will sit down as a staff once we get through (the preseason) and decide which direction we want to go.

“We’re just not ready yet. It’s not just who makes the most kicks. We have to look at the whole picture just to be fair to it.”

“It’s a great competition,” interim coach Joe Vitt said. “They have been competing every day in practice, they’ve been competing in the games. So we’ll let it play out.”

Full article.
Who is the Saints placekicker: John Kasay or Garrett Hartley? | Saints | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, LA

SmashMouth

Hartley ... but he seems to need competition to keep him honest. Glad Kasay is around in case we need him.

Stealthman

Hartley... gotta go with youth.

Also, Hartley has quite a resume' already, and has been through many of the TOUGH psychological challenges of a placekicker!

Kasay will land with another team before week 5.

mutineer10

Hartley ... but because he's younger, not because Kasay is bad. Like Stealthman, I think they'll both kick in the league this season. Kasay filled in very capably last year, and some other team will fall outta love with their kicker sooner than later.

Utah_Saint

I figured it would be Kasay till I read a thread on here in which someone (sorry I don't remember who) suggested that the Saints will hire Hartley as the Kicker and Kasay as a kicking consultant. That's sounded brilliant to me.

Danno

Hartley, but we're gonna keep Kasey on speed dial.

halloween 65

Hartley for years to come.

TheOak

So they both have two field goals!... Even contest.

Honestly we need them both....

Hartley for grass and long and Kasay for short.. I can stomach a 57 yarder being missed... I lose my mind when a 27 yarder is missed.

GoofySaint

CRAP! I clicked the wrong one for the polls.

GoofySaint

CRAP I picked the wrong one in the polls by accident and now I've double posted.