The 2024 Green Bay Packers will be something amazing. Despite anticipation that the Packers would be rebuilding, they finished as one of the four remaining NFC clubs. Furthermore, they fell three points short of winning the conference championship.
The young Packers offense, lead by Jordan Love, proved that it can score against any defense. Brian Gutekunst addressed today what the kicker situation in Green Bay would look like going ahead.
The Green Bay Packers’ GM discusses Anders Carlson’s future with the team, as reported by Ryan Wood of USA Today.
Brian Gutekunst on why he didn’t recruit a seasoned kicker last season instead of sticking with rookie Anders Carlson: “He was the best option by far.” There is competition for Carlson now, but Gutekunst remains hopeful about his young kicker’s future.
Carlson discovered his game right away when the regular season began. In the first five games of his career, he made every field goal (7-7) and went 10 for 10 on extra points. Three of the field goals were 50 yards or longer, including a 53-yarder that set a season high. He kicked the winning extra point in the Packers’ 18-17 triumph over the New Orleans Saints in Week 3.
Anders Carlson proved to be a rookie as the season progressed.
However, Carlson’s performance declined following that. Ten of the Packers’ last twelve games featured at least one failed kick. Five extra points and six field goal tries were missed, setting a league high.
Matt Orzech, the Packers’ long snapper, performed inconsistently, which did not help. Carlson did not gain confidence or comfort from his inability to provide excellent snaps.
The Packers made it plain before the postseason that they would not replace Carlson. “We’re very confident in him,” coach Matt LaFleur said. “Yeah, you want him to make every kick, no question, but I believe it is part of the growth process. Unfortunately, many young [players], particularly kickers, face difficulties and setbacks.
What’s interesting is the competition he’ll face in Green Bay. It’s also worth remembering that famous kicker Mason Crosby didn’t hit 80% of his kicks until 2011 (his fifth season in the league).
