For special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, the beginning of the second week of training camp is too soon to make any grand declarations about the Packers’ kicking competition. While the team is pleased with the results so far, they recognize that it is still early in the decision-making process.
“It’s just early. I’m just glad they’re all healthy and kicking the ball right now,” said Bisaccia. “It’s still a long process. It’s early in the process of what we’re trying to get to at the end. We’ll just keep kicking.”
Up to this point, Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph are in a heated battle, while rookie James Turner is clearly the third option. Carlson and Joseph have each missed only one field goal attempt. Bisaccia commented that there hasn’t been much wind during the team’s practices, which has been advantageous for the kickers.
Carlson is off to a better start compared to last year when he struggled with consistency during his first NFL training camp. He is currently 14-15 on his field goals, including the first day, where he made all six of his attempts in rainy conditions.
It’s a stark comparison to 2023’s camp when Carlson would make all or most of his kicks one day only to see vastly different results the next. Fortunately, he didn’t have to worry about job security last year, being the only kicker on the roster.
This year, the circumstances are quite different. The competition is steep, with Joseph showing he may be a worthy option for Green Bay. Currently, Carlson’s best advantage is that he is a recent draft pick. But should Carlson and Joseph remain neck and neck throughout training camp and the preseason, then a conversation will need to be had.
“We’re going to have constant conversations about it,” Bisaccia stated. We’ll sit down collectively and make a decision when the time comes.”
The competition will heat up when the Packers begin their three-game preseason slate against the Cleveland Browns on August 10. Last preseason, Carlson made all four of his field goal attempts during the exhibitions but was 6-9 on extra points. Whoever performs best in a game setting may decide who will kick for Green Bay in 2024.
