K Major

Posted by Michael David Smith on November 18, 2016, 4:58 AM EST



CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 17: Wil Lutz #3 of the New Orleans Saints kicks a field goal against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 17, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
Getty Images
The Saints have lost close games thanks in large part to special teams miscues two weeks in a row, and coach Sean Payton is fed up.

Payton said after Thursday night’s loss to the Panthers, which included a blocked field goal that set up a Carolina touchdown, that he needs to look at what is happening on special teams.

“The sequence, the blocked field goal, that’s a 10 point swing. Two weeks in a row now we are struggling just to kick a PAT or a field goal, it’s disappointing,” Payton said.

Last week the Saints lost to the Broncos when what could have been a game-winning extra point was blocked and returned for two points by Denver. Payton said the Saints will be looking at whether they need to make changes to their special teams personnel.

“We have a long break here and take a look at it all,” Payton said. “Fundamentally we have to be able to kick an extra point. If we come up short we have to be able to kick a field goal that’s a makable one. We have just struggled in that area. It cost us in New York, it cost us last week in Denver and it cost us again tonight.”

In the tight NFC South, special teams might cost the Saints a playoff berth.

Sean Payton disappointed in Saints’ special teams | ProFootballTalk

"We're a violent team & a tough team. We find ways to put ourselves in position to win. We just have to WIN". Alvin Kamara

ChrisXVI

And I'm sure McMahon is really sorry about that, but take some freaking action Payton! You and McMahon can hang out at your Eastern Illinois get-together's with your other college buddies.

blackangold

Nothing will change...
"We'll look at it", that's about all he'll do. Might have been a good idea to look at it before it gave you 3 loses. Guess what, it sucked last year too.

dizzle88

Payton hasn't got the minerals to do anything about it.

He's one of Payton's "Yes men" so he will try to brush it under the carpet until it hurts us again, which it will.

Saintsfan4ever

It's Disappointing? really? Well, that's nice. I'd be furious and embarrassed if my special teams looked like a poorly coached junior high squad.

SmashMouth

QBREES9

What the Hell was that.

Danno

McMahon won't be here long.
But just as in business, you don't replace someone unless you have an upgrade available.
But I'd imagine Payton has a list of upgrades

Rugby Saint II

I know you hate polls Danno but did you vote in the McMahon poll? Do you think he's gone after the season?

I believe the kicking problems are correctable with good coaching.

Audiotom

NY Giants was which game on the schedule?

Blocked short fg run back for td

Right then - correct it

Reinforce the front
Work on kicker ball trajectory
Put faster players on the edges to stop runback

Now three games, two in a row
McMahon needs to go, now
He has been a liability forever
The only bright spot is Morestead