Rookie kicker Anders Carlson has been through his fair share of ups and downs since being drafted by the Green Bay Packers. Saturday’s preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks was no different.
Carlson started the game by making his first field goal from 43 yards. Two series later, he trotted back onto the field to try and cap off an 80-yard touchdown drive. Unfortunately, his extra point attempt was blocked when Seahawks corner Michael Jackson came screaming off the edge untouched.
Of course, the block wasn’t on Carlson. After the game, he said they would go back and check the timing of the operation but noted that it felt good coming off his foot. Obviously, we’ll never know if the ball would have gone through the uprights.
Then, with 14 seconds left in the first half, Carlson had his biggest NFL highlight to date. The Packers’ offense stalled at the opponents’ 44-yard line, so they were prepared to punt the ball back to Seattle until an offsides penalty awarded them an extra five yards.
That put a new plan into motion as Carlson was sent out to attempt a 57-yarder. After a good snap and a good hold, he showed off his leg strength by nailing the kick with plenty of distance left over. Talking to reporters postgame, Carlson said the wind was at his back and moving right to left. So, he adjusted his aim and watched as it eventually dove through the uprights.
“I’m glad I played it where I did, and it was definitely the right ball,” he said.
"He knocked that all the way to SHEBOYGAN!"
The 5️⃣7️⃣-yard FG for Anders Carlson is GOOD 🙌#SEAvsGB #GoPackGo
📺: Packers TV Network pic.twitter.com/c5nto1DmuH
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) August 26, 2023
The impressive kick caught the attention of head coach Matt LaFleur, who couldn’t believe how effortless it looked.
“It looked so casual when he kicked it. He’s got a big-time leg.” LaFleur said.
It was Carlson’s second successful field goal from over 50 yards in as many weeks. Last Saturday, he drilled a 52-yard field goal against the New England Patriots in a similar situation just before halftime.
Power has never been an issue for Carlson. Accuracy, on the other hand, has been a different story.
Since the start of training camp, he has been wildly inconsistent on field goal attempts from varying distances. Naturally, some days are better than others, but that was to be expected from a rookie kicker. Green Bay is taking it all in stride, planning to stick with Carlson for the foreseeable future.
“I think he’s shown improvement,” said LaFleur. “Like any young player, there’s going to be some ups and downs, but I think we have total confidence that he’s got the ability to be able to play in this league for a really long time.”
Carlson finished the preseason 10-13 on his kicks, including extra points and today’s block. Not terrible for your first try, but his ensuing field goals will take on a whole new meaning when the regular season starts on September 10. The Packers are confident they can count on him, but he must take what he’s learned so far and continue to improve.
“I feel good, Carlson said. “I think there’s always things to grow from and learn from. I think there’s been a lot of good. There’s been some bad, too. Every day is a learning lesson, no matter how good or bad I did. Just get back with the coaches, get back with the guys in my room, and learn and get better every day.”
