The Green Bay Packers easily defeated the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, 34-13. Jordan Love, the Packers’ starting quarterback, completed four touchdown passes in his second consecutive home game, becoming the first to do so since Brett Favre in 1995. Two of those touchdown passes were caught by Romeo Doubs, who was playing in his first game following being suspended by Green Bay for conduct detrimental to the team.
Packer safety Xavier McKinney’s five-game interception run ended, but Green Bay’s defense caused three turnovers, all of which were fumble recoveries. Indeed, the Packers’ new defense under Jeff Hafley has become the NFL’s leading turnover manufacturer, with 17 takeaways. However, special teams continue to be a serious worry. Green Bay Packers kicker, Brayden Narveson, missed another field goal.
Green Bay’s decision to part ways with future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers at the end of the 2022 NFL season was not the only significant player personnel change they made. Furthermore, they allowed Mason Crosby, the franchise’s all-time top scorer, to leave in free agency. To replace Crosby, the Packers chose Anders Carlson in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL draft. Unfortunately, Carlson did not meet the team’s expectations for him. In 2023, he led the NFL in failed kicks and had a terrible extra point percentage of 87.5%.
As a result, Green Bay brought in Greg Joseph to compete with Carlson for the starting kicker position during training camp. While the former Minnesota Vikings kicker made the initial 53-man roster, the Packers waived him the day after it was revealed and claimed Brayden Narveson from waivers. Unfortunately, Narveson has not performed well either. He now leads the NFL in missed kicks and ranks worst in field goal percentage. He missed another field goal in Green Bay’s victory over Arizona on Sunday, prompting many to speculate whether the team might make a change.
Green Bay Packers fans are furious with Matt LaFleur for his recent comments on Brayden Narveson. On Monday, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was asked if he was thinking about making changes at kicker because of Narveson’s problems. LaFleur responded, “I wouldn’t say that right now, no.” Fans, particularly those who did not want to leave Crosby in the first place, were dissatisfied with his response:
The Packers’ lack of a reliable kicker could cost them a trip to the NFC Championship game this season. While the offense and defense continue to improve and rank among the NFL’s best, the special teams unit is the team’s biggest and most visible weakness. Time will tell whether it will cost them again.
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