Will Lutz: The Unsung Hero of the Saints' Offense

The New Orleans Saints' 2017 season was one of the most memorable in recent NFL history, with the team culminating in a Super Bowl victory. Behind the star-studded offense, one player stood out for his accuracy and dependability: kicker Will Lutz. Despite being a specialist role, Lutz's contributions to the Saints' success cannot be overstated. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Will Lutz, exploring his background, playing style, and impact on the Saints' offense.

The Saints' 2017 season marked a turning point in Lutz's career, as he found himself thrust into the spotlight alongside stars like Drew Brees and Alvin Kamara. After being drafted by the Saints in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Lutz spent his rookie season backing up Shayne Graham. However, when Graham was released mid-season, Lutz seized the opportunity to prove himself. Throughout the remainder of the 2017 season and the playoffs, Lutz displayed remarkable accuracy and poise, earning him a starting role in the Saints' offense.

The Making of a Proven Kicker

Development and Training

Lutz's journey to becoming a top-notch kicker began at a young age. Growing up in Indiana, Lutz was a dedicated athlete, participating in multiple sports, including football, baseball, and basketball. As a kicker, Lutz began training at the age of 8, honing his skills through countless hours of practice. His hard work paid off, as Lutz became one of the top high school kickers in the country.

Lutz's rise to prominence continued in college, where he played for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. During his three-year stint with the Bulldogs, Lutz earned All-Conference honors and established himself as one of the top kickers in the nation. This success caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection by the Saints in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Physical Attributes and Skills

Lutz's success on the field can be attributed to a combination of his physical attributes and technical skills. Standing at 6'0" and weighing 200 pounds, Lutz boasts a lean, athletic build that allows him to generate power and speed with each kick. His long legs and balanced mechanics enable him to strike the ball with precision and consistency.

From a technical standpoint, Lutz is a master of the art of kicking. He possesses a smooth, repeatable motion that allows him to generate maximum power and accuracy. Lutz's strong core and leg strength enable him to generate 60-yard field goals with ease, a skillset that few kickers in the league can match.

Mental Toughness and Clutch Performances

One of the most impressive aspects of Lutz's game is his mental toughness and ability to perform under pressure. Throughout his career, Lutz has consistently demonstrated the ability to remain calm and focused in high-stakes situations. This mental resilience has allowed him to overcome adversity and make clutch plays in big games.

Examples of Lutz's clutch performances include his game-winning 60-yard field goal in the 2017 NFC Championship Game against the Minnesota Vikings. This shot, which sailed through the uprights with just 1:02 remaining, cemented the Saints' spot in Super Bowl LII.

Lutz's ability to perform under pressure has been a staple of his career, earning him the nickname "Kicking Machine" among Saints fans.

Lutz's Impact on the Saints' Offense

Game-Changing Performances

Lutz's contributions to the Saints' offense extend far beyond his kicking ability. Throughout the 2017 season, Lutz made game-changing plays that often turned the tide of crucial games in favor of the Saints. One notable example is his 47-yard field goal in the 2017 NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons. This kick, which came with just 9:17 remaining, sealed the Saints' victory and propelled them into the NFC Championship Game.

Complementary Player to the Saints' High-Scoring Offense

Lutz's precision and accuracy on special teams have been instrumental in complementing the Saints' high-scoring offense. His ability to pin opposing teams deep in their own territory with kickoffs has reduced the number of scoring opportunities for opponents, making it harder for them to keep up with the Saints' relentless offense.

Furthermore, Lutz's field goal percentage has been among the best in the NFL over the past few seasons, providing a sense of security for the Saints' offense. With Lutz's accuracy, the Saints can consistently score points and create a sense of momentum that often carries over to other areas of the game.

Strong Collaborator with Fellow Saints Players

One of the most notable aspects of Lutz's game is his ability to collaborate with his fellow Saints players. From quarterback Drew Brees to running back Alvin Kamara, Lutz has built strong relationships with his teammates that have translated into improved performance on the field.

Brees, in particular, has praised Lutz's reliability and ability to come through in clutch situations. "Will is a big part of our team, and we rely on him to make big kicks when it matters most," Brees said in a 2018 interview. "He's a true professional and a big part of our success."

Kamara, another key player on the Saints' offense, has also sung Lutz's praises. "Will is a great kicker, and he's always there to make the big plays," Kamara said. "He's a true leader on our team, and we're lucky to have him."

A Lasting Legacy with the Saints

A Five-Star Kicker

Will Lutz's career with the Saints has been nothing short of remarkable. With a strong work ethic