The Green Bay Packers are entering a new era and with that comes the departure of old faces. Obviously, Aaron Rodgers will no longer be stepping onto the field as the Packers quarterback. However, it has become clear that the team has no intention of bringing Mason Crosby back despite outside speculation. They drafted rookie kicker Anders Carlson from Auburn in the sixth round. His struggles early have been well documented, but on Friday Brian Gutekunst commented on bringing in competition and letting Carlson develop.
Green Bay Packers standing by Anders Carlson
The Green Bay Packers are looking to answer a lot of questions this season. Their number one priority is letting Jordan Love develop, but they have plenty of young players looking to grow alongside him. Having a good kicker is a luxury the Green Bay Packers have had for a long time. Brian Gutekunst understands that Anders Carlson is struggling, but is not planning to bring in any competition at the position.
“Not right now, that’s something as we go along we will be prepared from an injury perspective and have all of those things ready, but not something I would do anytime soon,” Gutekunst said regarding bringing in competition for Carlson.
Brian Gutekunst has been around the NFL for a long time and had the opportunity to learn plenty from the late Ted Thompson. When asked about his level of concern with Carlson’s struggles with routine kicks, such as extra points, he referenced how Thompson handled Crosby’s struggles when he came to the Green Bay Packers.
“That’s what kickers are here for, to score points. Again, we believe in him. We think he has a lot of talent and he’s done some really good things since he’s been here. You have seen his leg strength and his power. I really like the way the ball elevates off his foot, but you have to find a way to get that to a more consistent level,” Gutekunst said before addressing his approach to Anders’ struggles.
“I think one thing in my time here, not only here in Green Bay, but throughout the league, is there’s not a lot of patience when there maybe needs to be,” said Gutekunst. “Certainly, Mason had some times, multiple times, while he was here where he was in some really bad spots. I always thought Ted [Thompson] gave him a pretty long leash and he always came out of it.”
The Green Bay Packers special teams unit as a whole has not been very good in the time Brian Gutekunst has been the general manager. Mason Crosby was covering up a lot for a unit that, without him, would be even worse. However, the Green Bay Packers seem to really like Carlson and are sticking by him.
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