Matt LaFleur has the perfect response to Packers rookie's recent struggle
The Green Bay Packers are hoping (and planning) Anders Carlson can take over for former team legend, Mason Crosby, as the team makes its youthful transition into 2023. Up until Saturday, things were looking pretty damn good. Carlson wasn't perfect, by any means, but he wasn't bad, either. Overall, one could say the reports painted […]
The Green Bay Packers are hoping (and planning) Anders Carlson can take over for former team legend, Mason Crosby, as the team makes its youthful transition into 2023.
Up until Saturday, things were looking pretty damn good. Carlson wasn't perfect, by any means, but he wasn't bad, either. Overall, one could say the reports painted a "solid" picture of his progress.
That all changed over the weekend, however, after Carlson went 2-of-7 on the day. Granted, all of his misses and all but one attempt were from 45+ out, so they were of the longer nature. But at the same time, that's simply inexcusable and cannot happen.
Fortunately, it was just one practice. Plus, the most important trait a kicker can have is mental toughness/resilience when things go poorly. So, it's all about what Carlson does next when he hits the practice field on Tuesday.
And Packers head coach Matt LaFleur knows that's exactly how things need to play out: There is no reason for concern, right now. Let's see how Carlson responds and then take it from there.
"It's one practice," LaFleur told reporters Monday. "Certainly you never want to see it, but it happens. It's only a detriment if you don't learn from it. And if you don't correct it… He'll kick tomorrow and it'll be fun to see how he responds and I think that's, that's one of the you know, challenges of, of all sports, you know, how do you respond when things don't go your way?
"We're all human. We all have emotions and but guys that are able to respond and are resilient. I think they end up getting further in life… so sometimes you got to take your lumps – that's just part of life. And as long as you learn and grow, you're usually better for it in the long run."
Carlson's perseverance has been a big talking this offseason and it's a big reason why the Packers drafted him in the sixth round. He has the track record, so now, it's all about making it happen on the professional stage.
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Featured image via Tork Mason-USA TODAY Sports
