MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Charlie Smyth had never kicked in an NFL regular-season game. He only started playing American football two years ago.

So Sunday was quite the day for the Northern Ireland native.

Smyth had a successful debut in the New Orleans Saints’ 21-17 loss at the Miami Dolphins. Smyth kicked a 56-yard field goal in his first NFL attempt and had a successful onside kick when the Saints needed possession with 1:17 remaining.

“You were curious if the opportunity was going to come up,” Smyth said. “You just have to stay ready.”

The Saints elevated Smyth, a former Gaelic football player in Northern Ireland, from the practice squad this week to take over placekicking and kickoff duties. He replaced Blake Grupe, who was cut on Tuesday after his two missed field-goal attempts last

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