Packers rookie responds poorly to recent struggles
After a dismal 2-of-7 outing on Saturday, all eyes were on Green Bay Packers rookie kicker Anders Carlson during Tuesday's practice.As we all know, the most important trait for an NFL kicker is resiliency. When it comes to a football player's success, a lot of it depends on the mental side of things. For kickers, […]
After a dismal 2-of-7 outing on Saturday, all eyes were on Green Bay Packers rookie kicker Anders Carlson during Tuesday's practice.
As we all know, the most important trait for an NFL kicker is resiliency. When it comes to a football player's success, a lot of it depends on the mental side of things. For kickers, it's imperative they move on from the bad moments as quickly as possible.
One of the reasons the Packers drafted Carlson was because of just that – his resiliency.
"I've been through a lot of ups and downs," Carlson said a couple months ago. "I think I've journeyed through those ups and downs. I played college football, was there for six years. I've learned from my mistakes and also grown a lot. The biggest thing is just being healthy as well. Stacking good days on healthy days, that's how you get the results."
Unfortunately, Carlson didn't bounce back like many on the team hoped he would. He finished the day with a 5-of-8 mark (62.5%) that included missing a game-winning attempt.
Leg strength was never in question with the rookie – it's always been about accuracy.
Carlson only had one college season where he surpassed a 72.0% make rate and that was his best year in 2020. He made 20-of-22 field goal attempts that year, which was good for 90.9% – an elite mark. He couldn't build off that, however, and struggled the following year, making just 66.7% of his kicks.
As a whole, the NFL made 85% of its kicks in 2022. Right now, Carlson is officially 12-of-20 in camp, per reports.
A 60% make rate simply won't cut it in the NFL. Carlson needs to up his game and up it, quick. Or else he may find himself with some fresh competition in the near future.
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Featured image via Packers YouTube
