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New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton
Media Availability
Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Opening Statement

“Two players were waived: defensive back Chris Carr and kicker Garrett Hartley. We signed safety Eric Frampton and kicker Shayne Graham. Frampton won’t be in (town) in time for practice this afternoon; he’ll be getting in probably around 2:30 or 3:00. He’s someone that we feel like can help us in the kicking game. We’re going to start Terron Armstead at left tackle and put a good week of work together. This is an important game for us. Our schedule will be fairly normal, fairly routine, with today being our big emphasis on first and second down. Having just played this team, there is that familiarity with the opponent and yet, I think the preparation this week and the attention to detail is going to be very important to our team. Obviously there is a lot at stake. Any questions?”

How difficult was it to make the decision to part with Garrett Hartley?

“It was real difficult. One thing we talked about – and I think that it probably happens more with kickers than any other position – he’s an extremely talented player. He’s going to play in this league, I think, for quite a long time and have success. The way that these doors kind of open and close, we just agreed that right now, don’t ever say never in regards to being back with the team. With that being said, with what he’s done and been a part of, it’s difficult. Especially with the success he had in that run in 2009. He has great leg talent. I just felt like it was the one thing that is a little more challenging, that decision, because if we’re not receiving the right effort, then we can look closely at reps, we can look closely at what we’re doing in these drills. If we’re not receiving the right scheme, we can change that. If we’re not receiving the right results in regards to takeaways, we can make sure that that is emphasized. It’s a little bit more nebulous when it comes to the confidence of a kicker. I think he had a great week of practice last week, and yet it didn’t manifest itself in the game. That was a tough decision.”

When exactly did you make that decision?

“I think it was important to spend a lot of time (on the decision). As much time after the game looking at it Monday looking at it Tuesday, and kind of putting a little distance between the recent game. That would be very typical, I think, of any decision like that.”

Were you encouraged when he seemed to get his confidence back after hitting that rough patch earlier in the season?

“I think this: I think he’s a tough guy who will respond. I think he’s very resilient, and I think that’s fairly common for the position. In other words, that’s not new to kickers. I think he responded very well earlier in the year when he had a handful of misses. But then, I think it was more difficult to see (him miss) the shorter range field goal. You spent a lot of time giving it thought, and ultimately you go with your gut.”


Read more: Sean Payton talks about releasing Garrett Hartley

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