Carlson’s debut NFL season with the Packers, following his rookie deal last summer, has been challenging. In a crucial playoff game, his pivotal missed field goal in the late stages of the fourth quarter significantly shifted the momentum, as noted by Fox NFL Sunday analyst Rob Gronkowski.
The Packers were leading 21-17 and had mounted a promising drive of 67 yards over six plays, positioning themselves for a 41-yard field goal attempt. However, Carlson’s kick veered wide of the goalposts, allowing the 49ers to seize the lead with a Christian McCaffrey touchdown shortly afterward.
Packers head coach LaFleur was reportedly candid about his kicker’s performance, expressing his concerns to Fox Sports sideline reporter Tom Rinaldi during the game. Rinaldi shared LaFleur’s sentiments on the broadcast, revealing, “We talked to head coach Matt LaFleur about [Carlson]. He basically said, ‘When he goes out there, I just pray’.”
Another said, “If a coach says this about a player, they shouldn’t be on the 53.”
While a third added, “Don’t want to hear the excuses now. Had all season to get a different kicker.”
But a fourth countered, “It seems like there might be some fun and exaggerated humor going on here. Coaches always aim to inspire confidence in their players, and kicking can be a high-pressure position.”
Rookie kicker Carlson was selected by the Packers in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
The brother of Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson, Anders went 27 of 33 in the regular season on field goals and 34 of 39 on extra points.
