Blake Grupe’s performance this year has flown under the radar. Not only has the second year player been a more accurate kicker than he was his rookie season, Grupe has also shown good range in 2024.
This may feel hyperbolic, but Grupe has literally made history in his first two seasons. In his first year, he was the first kicker in New Orleans Saints history to make five or more field goals from at least 50 yards in a season, with six of them on nine tries. He’s done it again in Year 2, going five-for-five.
It’s extremely impressive because Morten Andersen and Wil Lutz are former Saints with strong resumes, but neither of them hit this one particular milestone. Grupe has done it twice.
To add to this feat, the kicker hasn’t missed from 50-plus all season long.
Let’s take a deep breath and hope the writer’s jinx doesn’t come into play against the New York Giants.
Grupe’s year has been defined by efficiency and range. He’s delivered both simultaneously on five different occasions. He opened the season with a career long of 57 yards against the Panthers. Grupe’s overall percentage of made field goals has jumped by nearly 10 percent as well. He’s earned some confidence during his brief time on the job, let’s hope he keeps it up.
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