Green Bay Packers' Kicker Competition Heats Up as Training Camp Progresses
- Anders Carlson is highly probable to continue as the place kicker for the Green Bay Packers.
- His performance in practice sessions is increasing the likelihood of his return.
- The competition for the kicking position in the team seems to be favoring Carlson.
As the Green Bay Packers' training camp unfolds, Anders Carlson is increasingly positioned to secure a second season as the team's place kicker. Recent performance metrics indicate a significant improvement for Carlson, who has outperformed fellow kicker Joseph in the past week. After nine practices, Carlson's accuracy stood at 80.6%, converting 25 of 31 attempts, while Joseph boasted a higher percentage of 93.5% with 29 of 31. However, Carlson has since improved to 85.6% with 35 of 42 successful kicks, while Joseph has struggled, hitting only 66.7% with 28 of 42. Carlson's journey has been marked by ups and downs, particularly during his rookie season, where he finished with a field goal success rate of 80.6% and an extra point conversion rate of 87.2%. Notably, he missed a crucial 41-yard field goal in the divisional playoffs against San Francisco, a miss that could have shifted the game's momentum. Special teams coordinator Rich Bissacia emphasized the importance of consistency for Carlson to thrive in the NFL, acknowledging the kicker's potential but stressing the need for reliable performance. Carlson himself recognizes the competitive nature of the league, stating that success hinges on personal focus and teamwork. As he continues to refine his skills during training camp, Carlson aims to solidify his role and demonstrate the consistency required to remain with the Packers. The upcoming weeks will be critical in determining his future with the team.