The Green Bay Packers ended their 2023-24 campaign impressively, falling just a (missed) field goal short of an NFC Championship appearance. In their first season with Jordan Love under center, the Packers offense became a force by the end of the season. Unfortunately, the defense could not enter a top-tier status to assist the offense, but the biggest letdown was the third phase of the team.
The Packers’ special teams unit struggled from early on with rookie kicker Anders Carlson at the helm, after coming to a head in the NFC divisional round against the eventual NFC Champion San Fransico 49ers, where Carlson missed a key field goal midway through the fourth quarter that would have put the Packers up seven points. Shortly into the offseason, the Packers brought in two more kickers to compete for the job, just before training camp the Packers narrowed the battle to two players.
Green Bay Packers Release Posdlesny, Sign Former Detroit Lion Off Waivers, Leaving New Three-Way Battle
Green Bay Packers placekicker Anders Carlson (17) kicks a 40-yard field goal in the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs during their football game Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.Anders Carlson was the Green Bay Packers’ last selection in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. His rookie season offered question marks with just an 80% accuracy from field goal and an alarming five missed extra points. After his key miss against the Niners in the playoffs, it was clear that the high-ceiling kicker would have to compete for his job in the offseason.
Quickly the Packers brought in a familiar veteran kicker, former Minnesota Viking Greg Joseph. The former undrafted free agent has built a solid career, becoming a trusted foot for nearly every team he has played for. Despite a lack of consistency from deep, the 29-year-old has only missed a singular kick from inside of 40 yards in his career (61-62). Past 40 yards Joseph has struggled, last year kicking just 7-13 from 40+ for the Minnesota Vikings.
The Green Bay Packers have reportedly signed another undrafted free agent days after his release from the Detroit Lions. The Michigan Wolverines National Championship-winning kicker James Turner was awarded a second-team All-Big 10 honor after his 18/21 season from field goal range and set a school record for converted extra points. His newly acquired competition adds a unique fold to the Packers’ special teams offseason.
The #Packers claimed K James Turner off waivers from the #Lions.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 20, 2024
The Packers are now met with a unique battle. In one training camp, they must decide if their sixth-round pick has shown enough to keep the role for another season, or if the veteran is the more consistent option. Special teams have been an area of question for seemingly a decade, but since the departure of the Green Bay Packers’ all-time leading scorer Mason Crosby the Packers’ special teams have the least amount of consistency they may have ever had.
The decision will likely lie with the highest-paid assistant head coach/ special teams coordinator Rich Biscaccia, a member of the staff who was brought to the team to alleviate the woes in the special teams room. Since his hiring, the return unit has taken strides towards improvement, but until the kicker role gets filled with consistency all eyes will be on him to improve the forgotten side of the ball.
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