Martin Gramatica Helps Saints Offense, Hurts Saints Defense

You might have heard by now that the Saints have signed Martin Gramatica in light of Olindo Mare's trip to the IR. My first reaction upon hearing that news was what could best be described as an enthusiastic yelp. And then I began to think about it, and, yeah, there's sadly a downside to Mare getting injured.

It's fair to say that Mare has been the source of a lot of agida for Saints fans this year. He was, after all, kicking 58.8% with misses from embarrassingly short distances. There were games lost on Mare's foot. Gramatica is certainly a shell of his former self. But last year he went a combined 7-of-9 between Dallas and Indianapolis and has a 76.6% career percentage. Mare is 10-of-17. It's hard to imagine Gramatica being any worse at kicking field goals than Mare's been; he'll at least be a push and there's a chance he'll be significantly better (though that's not much of a task).

This helps the Saints offense.

Yet the Saints were so interested in Mare not only as a kicker but as a kickoff specialist, as that was one of New Orleans' weakest points in 2006. And this year, he's at least done that well. His 15 touchbacks are tied for second in the league, and his 28.8% at kicking touchbacks is third. Gramatica hasn't had 10 touchbacks in a season since 2001. With the Saints' kickoff coverage lacking, returnable kicks mean Saints opponents will have better starting field position.

This hurts the Saints defense.