New Orleans Saints

K Zach Hocker impresses, but competition still too close to call

Published Sep. 1, 2015 12:54 p.m. ET

foxsports

The kicking battle in New Orleans is rolling right along, but apparently there's been no separation between Zach Hocker and Dustin Hopkins, per Joel A. Erickson of The New Orleans Advocate.

After the Saints saw Hocker put up a strong performance in their third preseason game, many believed he may have grabbed the upper hand. During the 27-13 loss to the Houston Texans, Hocker made kicks of 28-yards and 53-yards, while all of his kickoffs resulted in touchbacks.

It was a big night for Hocker, but unfortunately for Hopkins didn't get his shot. As Erickson explains, he didn't even get a field goal opportunity. Although Hopkins didn't get a shot, it doesn't mean that the job is Hocker's, according to head coach Sean Payton.

“I’d say it’s close,” Saints coach Sean Payton told The New Orleans Advocate. “It was good to see Hocker hit the long one, but it’s close. I said this last week, we are hoping that there is an easy separation and there hasn’t been.”

It's interesting that Hocker's strong preseason showing hasn't given him any separation. You have to wonder how strong Hopkins has been during training camp since this is the case.

(h/t The New Orleans Advocate)