While the Green Bay Packers exceeded expectations in 2023, nearly all fans feel as though the team underachieved against the San Francisco 49ers. The Packers led for nearly the entire game until the 49ers took a 24-21 lead late in the fourth quarter.
Kicker Anders Carlson missed a field goal from 41 yards out in the fourth quarter that would have given the Packers a seven point lead. While the Packers certainly have opportunities to put the game out of reach prior to that missed field goal, it was in-fact those three points that were the difference. Today, the Packers announced they have signed some competition for Carlson.
Green Bay selected Carlson in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL draft. Despite making his first 17 kicks, he fell into a slump from which he was unable to recover. After missing 11 kicks during the regular season, he missed an extra point in the wild-card win at Dallas and a field goal in the divisional round.
The kicker position certainly figures to be one that will be up for grabs come the 2024 season. While many believed it was time to move on from legendary kicker Mason Crosby, fans certainly had higher expectations than what Carlson delivered this season.
It is possible that Podlesny is the first of many candidates who will try out for the Packers’ kicking position until they are confident.
