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Saints should stick with John Kasay - NFC South Blog - ESPN

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Payton hasn’t always shown a great deal of patience with kickers. But, in this case, I think he needs to be sure he doesn’t overreact. I wouldn’t go judging Kasay on one game. He’s made a bunch of clutch kicks in his career and there aren’t many guys I’d rather have lining up for a field goal with the game on the line. Kasay is 41 and had been out of work for more than a month after the Carolina Panthers released him. Although Kasay had been working out on his own, he’s had very little practice time with the Saints. He kicks with his left leg and that means there’s an adjustment period for the holders. Lots of other kickers will come free as teams cut their rosters to 53 players by Saturday evening. It might be tempting to grab one of them and scrap Kasay. But that also might end up being a mistake. Maybe Kasay just needs a little time to adjust to a new holder and long-snapper. You don’t know what you’re getting with another kicker. Despite Thursday night’s performance, you know what you’re getting with Kasay. You’re getting a guy who’s been consistent throughout his career and made plenty of big kicks. Yeah Pat, but all athletes eventually reach a point where their bodies just don't perform like they once did. There's a reason the Panthers didn't want him anymore.