Charlie Smyth impresses on NFL debut for the New Orleans Saints
Mayobridge’s Charlie Smyth was given a huge opportunity today, starting as the kicker for the New Orleans Saints, and he grabbed it with both hands – nailing a field goal from 56 yards and converting an onside kick.
It wasn’t the Saints’ day, as they fell 21-17 against the Miami Dolphins, but Smyth was given two opportunities to impact the game in his side’s favour and he executed both to perfection.
His 56-yard field goal – which looked as though it would have been good from 10 yards further out if need be – made it a one-score game as Smyth’s Saints tried to reel the Dolphins in.
Then, late in the fourth quarter, Smyth executed a successful onside kick which gave the Saints a fighting chance to win the game. Onside kicks are only successful on 7% of tries across the NFL this season, but Smyth nailed it on his first try.
Although the Saints weren’t able to pull off the comeback, Smyth definitely would have impressed the coaches with his display, and looks certain to keep his spot as the starter going forward.