Why the hell is Garrett Hartley still kicking off?

It was because Hartley had better directionality with his kicks, even though his length wasn’t as good (twss). I don’t remember exactly when he said, but I think It was in one of the press conferences earlier this year.

I agree with you, though. Morstead should be kicking off. The advantage of consistent touchbacks when your kick coverage isn’t spectacular is obvious.

jeffduncantp Jeff Duncan

Think they wanted him to concentrate on punts. @super2510: do you know why Moorestead hasn’t been kicking off like he did last year?

I know he’s a big man, but maybe Payton is worried Morstead can’t take a hit. Not that I think Hartley is any better in that department, but right now I’d put Morstead as the more critical asset to the team.

run down towards the kick returner and if he is having a good return just wave your arms at him as he goes by.

was that Hartley also had better hang time even though his kicks were shorter. I had heard somewhere, that that was one of the reasons we went with him at the start of the season, as well as protecting our punter’s hurt shoulder. It was allowing our incredibly crappy kick coverage to get further downfield. If you remember the preseason, it was seeming like we were giving up 50 yards a return. Morstead would kick it 6 yards deep, but the coverage was so bad and so far away still, that opponents were just running it out anyway and getting to the 30 +.

Hartley is auditioning for another job………………Poorly. Although, since the has started taping his toes together and carrying a four leaf clover…………….he aint missed a field goal in the past six or eight attempts. It’s been kind of a trial and error thing.
Surpises are coming so tune in……………………

Hartley is not the kickoff specialist. Granted, there was a wind factor in Cinn but his kickoffs were terrible. I’m just saying, if his attempt at kickoffs was a audition for the job…………He failed. Morstead should be doing that and let Hartley concentrate on fiel goals and extra points. He has contributed directly (field goals)to past losses and indirectly (Kickoffs) to near losses. You have to admit he was on thin ice before the break but has responded very well. Another loss by his failure to make a last second fieldgoal could cost him his job in the end.
That is why I said……..“He’s auditioning”.

by one of those puntig machines. Solves everybodys problem………………..

rotoworld.com:

Garrett Hartley-K- Saints Dec. 9 – 5:43 pm et Coach Sean Payton insists he never lost confidence in K Garrett Hartley earlier this season. “We see too much and too many things that he’s doing well,” said Payton “He has too much leg talent and he’s produced in big spots for us.” Hartley has made 10 of his last 11 field goals, including five critical kicks against the Cowboys and Bengals.

All cylinders are poping now.