Following their 8-9 finish in 2022 and failure to qualify for the NFL Playoffs, the Green Bay Packers took a number of shocking and unpopular actions. Not only did they trade four-time NFL MVP and potential Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets, but they also let go of the franchise’s all-time leader in points scored and games played, kicker Mason Crosby.
Mason Crosby, a former Green Bay Packers kicker, was released by the Los Angeles Rams after only one week.
Carlson received harsh criticism during the offseason and training camp for his inability to consistently make kicks in practice. However, head coach Matt LaFleur and special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia were certain that the sixth-round pick would not be given up.
This season, Carlson has missed five field goals and three extra point attempts, putting their patience to the test. His latest gaffe occurred during the Packers’ humiliating 24-22 loss to the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. Carlson missed a 43-yard field goal attempt but returned later to hit one from 48 yards.
On Tuesday, LaFleur was asked if he still intended to remain committed to Carlson for the rest of the season, and he responded with a very definitive remark that should put an end to any further discussion.
The Green Bay Packers have decided to stick with Anders Carlson.
on his news conference on Tuesday, LaFleur expressed his displeasure with the defensive play-calling on the game’s final drive. He was also asked about Anders Carlson’s future and whether the Packers will keep him as their kicker for the next four games of the season:
“Absolutely. I think, you know, he’s a young kicker who definitely needs to establish consistency in his game. And I’ll say this: you miss a field goal and then come back and make one in another key scenario, say three yards further. And he smacks it down the pipe.
“He’s definitely capable. It’s simply a matter of finding that consistent method, whatever it may be, for him to go out there and execute consistently. And, of course, any missed PATs or field goals are emphasized when you lose. Every stage, so that’s where we’re at.”
It’s worth noting that Carlson now has higher field goal accuracy numbers than Mason Crosby did as a rookie in 2007. Crosby did not hit more than 80% of his field goals until his fifth season in the NFL. The following year, he posted a career-low 63.7% field goal percentage.
Crosby may be the Packers’ all-time leader in points and games played, but his career was marked by inconsistency. Crosby finished with a field goal percentage of less than 80% seven times throughout his 16-year career. Only twice did he make 90% or more of his field goal attempts.
Crosby, who has a lifetime field goal percentage of 81.4%, is a terrific lesson in patience for Carlson supporters. There is no denying Crosby’s popularity among fans, but he did not have an easy career. Nobody knows what Carlson’s ceiling is yet, but he’s off to a stronger start than Crosby did in 2007.
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