Packers rookie takes a big step back in training camp practice

Everyone is thinking about how the Green Bay Packers replace legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but there's another franchise legend in former kicker Mason Crosby that the team has to replace, as well. And, they're going to do it with a young, inexperienced player. But, instead of a situation like Jordan Love's, where he's had three […]

Evan Winter — NFL Managing Editor
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Packers rookie kicker Anders Carlson

Everyone is thinking about how the Green Bay Packers replace legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but there's another franchise legend in former kicker Mason Crosby that the team has to replace, as well.

And, they're going to do it with a young, inexperienced player. But, instead of a situation like Jordan Love's, where he's had three years to learn the same system sitting behind an NFL legend – the Packers are counting on a rookie in Anders Carlson to get the job done.

So far, Carlson has been pretty good, but he reportedly struggled during Saturday's practice as he finished with a dismal 1-of-6 stat line kicking field goals.

As the context states – they were all long attempts and into the wind. At the same time, 13 of the Packers' 17 games are outdoors in 2023; and, the Packers host the Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Bears and play the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium and the Carolina Panthers at M&T Bank Stadium in December-January. All of those cities are subject to bad weather during that time of year.

In other words: Saturday's wind can't be used as an excuse for Carlson's struggles.

But, this is where kickers make their hay in their ability to bounce back from bad moments. The Packers have also been on record talking about Carlson's ability to persevere and navigate his way back to the top after being on the bottom. 

Now, he'll have that exact opportunity to prove his coaches correct on Monday when the pads come one for the first time.

Featured image via Packers YouTube

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