The Green Bay Packers were very disappointed with the way their rookie kicker, Anders Carlson, played during the 2023 NFL season. He missed way too many chip shots throughout his first NFL season and that has forced the front office to bring in plenty of competition for him ahead of the 2024 campaign.

Carlson, the brother of Las Vegas Raiders star kicker Daniel Carlson, made 27 of his 33 field goal attempts last year. He also missed five extra points throughout his rookie season.

Those numbers aren’t the worst of any kicker we’ve ever seen, but he missed so many key field goals and extra points. In fact, he missed a crucial field goal in the Packers’ playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Now, he is facing stiff competition from two other kickers that Green Bay brought in during the offseason. Both Greg Joseph and Jack Podlesny, who are former Minnesota Vikings’ kickers, are competing for the job as well.

Green Bay Packers’ Anders Carlson Speaks Out Amid Competition

While he’s in the middle of a huge competition to keep his job and spot on the roster, Carlson spoke with the media about the pressure he’s facing. It’s clear that he’s embracing the opportunity to compete for his job.

“I think it’s something you embrace. When you’re in the NFL, you’re going to compete. Whether you see people in your building or not, it’s a competitive business. So, it’s all about staying in your own lane and being a good teammate and just trying to be the best.”

While many fans don’t want to see Carlson back as the Packers’ kicker, these are the things you want to hear from a young player at any position. Carlson understands that he didn’t do enough to prove himself last year and he’s looking to win this competition and prove that he can be the future at kicker.

Green Bay had been spoiled for years with the consistency and clutch ability of Mason Crosby. For years, there have been no concerns about the kicker position.

Carlson certainly left a lot to be desired in 2023. No one can defend the missed kicks and the clutch misses he had. However, he was a rookie and it’s important to remember that.

In fact, his brother, Daniel, also struggled mightily during the early stages of his career. Now, he has become one of the most trusted and consistent kickers in the NFL. Sometimes, it’s a long process of getting used to kicking in the NFL and the pressure of those situations.

All of that being said, it will be interesting to see what happens in the Packers’ kicker competition. Will Carlson come out on top and earn his job back for at least one more year?

We’ll just have to wait and see, but the mentality that Carlson has right now is all anyone in Green Bay could have asked. Hopefully, he’ll be able to find his leg consistency and come back to be a part of the special thing the Packers are building.

Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.