Green Bay Packers kicker Anders Carlson had a bumpy rookie season. After being selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Auburn, he was handed the starting job. He had some huge shoes to fill, replacing veteran Mason Crosby.
Known for his big leg, Carlson had some inconsistency issues during training camp and the preseason. The Packers exhibited patience, giving him time to work through his issues during his first offseason as a pro.
It seemed to pay off. Anders Carlson was great to start the season, connecting on his first 16 field goals and extra point attempts. Week 6 against the Denver Broncos was when he had his first miss, as inconsistency plagued him from that point on.
From that point through the playoffs, Anders Carlson missed at least one attempt in 11 out of 14 games, including the postseason. Those kinds of struggles in the kicking game are not something the Packers can afford a repeat of.
As a result, David Kenyon of Bleacher Report has selected the Green Bay kicker as the best player who could still be cut from the team during the 2024 offseason. It is hard to argue against that selection, as Carlson will have to earn the job with his performance this offseason.
After not facing competition in 2023, he will be facing plenty this offseason. The Packers are currently carrying two other kickers, veteran Greg Joseph and rookie Jack Podlesny, who are competing for the kicking job.
If Anders Carlson wants to keep the job for a second season, he is going to have to prove himself during workouts. Special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia has been doing a great job of getting everyone some work while creating a competitive atmosphere for an unprecedented situation.
Last season, Carlson finished the season going 34-of-39 on extra points in the regular season and 7-of-8 in the postseason. On field goals, he was 27-of-33 in the regular season and 2-of-3 in the postseason. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur needs a little more consistency than that in the 2024 season.
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