A lot of attention has been given to the Green Bay Packers changing quarterbacks for the first time since 2008 and rightfully so. Aaron Rodgers had been the starter since then after spending the first three seasons of his career backing up Brett Favre. Now, it is Jordan Love taking over for Rodgers after three seasons on the sidelines.
How he adapts to becoming the starter will play a big part in the team’s level of success in 2023. However, he isn’t the only long-time Packers player that will be replaced. Kicker Mason Crosby, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft, also moved on this offseason.
Green Bay replaced him with sixth-round pick Anders Carlson out of Auburn. Changing kickers is something that comes with a major risk for teams, especially when moving on from a player as established as Crosby. But, if you are going to try it, for the Packers, this is the year to do it.
Unfortunately, things have not gone well in the early going. According to Brandon Carwile of Packers Wire, Carlson struggled mightily over the weekend. It was the second time that he kicked in front of the media and it was not pretty.
He had seven attempts during the session and only made two of them. While one conversion did come from long range at 51 yards, his only other make was a chip shot from 19 yards out. Carlson had three misses from between 40-45 yards away, which is certainly concerning.
It was a letdown performance from the rookie, as he connected on 5-of-6 from that same range during his first outing with the media present. Right now, Carlson remains the only kicker on the roster, so the heat isn’t yet on him. But, if he has many more showings as his most recent one, that will certainly change.
Competition for a kicker is nothing new as Crosby faced it regularly throughout his 16 seasons with the team. It is something that current special teams coach Rich Bisaccia certainly wouldn’t be opposed to.
“We’ll see how it goes,” GM Brian Gutekunst said on the possibility of adding a second kicker. “I think Rich would like 20 specialists.”
A lot went into the team’s decision to not bring Crosby back for a 17th season, as his declining leg strength was a detriment. But, the Packers knew they could count on him when his number was called and that confidence has not been achieved yet with Carlson.
The Auburn product will have a little while longer to figure things out. But, if his struggles persist, a move will have to be made. If the Packers don’t turn back to Crosby, fellow veterans such as Robbie Gould, Ryan Succop and Randy Bullock are available in free agency.
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