Anders Carlson finds his footing during Packers Family Night
There were several storylines to keep up with during Packers Family Night and one of the most important was Anders Carlson's performance. The rookie kicker has had a rough go of it, so far, in camp. He started off 5-of-6, but made just 11-of-21 attempts after. Overall, per Packer Central's Bill Huber, Carlson was an […]
There were several storylines to keep up with during Packers Family Night and one of the most important was Anders Carlson's performance.
The rookie kicker has had a rough go of it, so far, in camp. He started off 5-of-6, but made just 11-of-21 attempts after. Overall, per Packer Central's Bill Huber, Carlson was an abysmal 16-of-27 heading into Family Night.
He was under plenty of pressure and it was ramped up more than ever with over 65,000 fans in attendance. The Packers have always talked about Carlson's perseverance and resilience, so if there was ever a chance to snap out of the slump – Saturday night certainly represented a great opportunity.
And sure enough, Carlson responded with a big night. Per Huber, he made 9-of-10 attempts and the lone miss was chalked up to an awful snap by rookie longsnapper Broughton Hatcher. It's also important to note the miss was a 50-yard attempt. It's not like it was a very makeable 35-yarder, or anything of that nature.
Well, for one night, he was fantastic while under pressure. Carlson made 9-of-10 field-goal attempts. The only miss was a 50-yarder that was short following an atrocious snap by rookie Broughton Hatcher. The distances were 38 yards (extra point), 40, 44 and 49 yards during his first set, 43, 45 and 50 yards (the miss) during his second set, 51 and 53 yards during his third set and, finally, a 51-yarder at the end of a 2-minute drill. – Bill Huber, Packer Central
Anders Carlson -and the Packers- are breathing easier after Family Night
Saturday night was the shot in the arm Carlson needed. It didn't seem like his confidence was shaken when he spoke with reporters on Thursday, but as we all know, what's displayed outward in terms of confidence doesn't always represent what's happening on the inside. Carlson knew what Saturday night represented and he definitely took advantage.
“It’s what you play for,” Carlson said Thursday when talking about Packers Family Night. “I know it’s not a real game, but getting out in front of your family, your friends and especially the fans, and showcasing your talents – I like to entertain, so it’s good to be out there. Then again, practices, whether they’re open or closed, to me it’s the same. Obviously, you see the fans, you know there’s people watching, but once you get in the zone, it’s just you, the holder and the snap of the ball.”
Now, it's simply about what he does next. And we'll find out what that consists of very soon.
Jordan Love pulls off Patrick Mahomes-like play during Packers Family Night
The Packers offense pulled off some nice plays on Saturday night and Love’s throw was certainly one of them.
Featured image via Seeger Gray/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
