The Green Bay Packers have struggled with their kicking game since parting ways with longtime kicker Mason Crosby after the 2022 season. These issues persisted through the 2023 season and the first six games of 2024. However, veteran kicker Brandon McManus has stepped in to resolve the team’s kicking woes, allowing the Packers to cross this concern off their list of problems.
The Struggles Before McManus
Crosby, the Packers’ kicker from 2007 to 2022, provided unmatched consistency for 16 seasons and remains the franchise’s all-time leading scorer with 1,918 points. Despite his reliability, GM Brian Gutekunst chose not to re-sign the 39-year-old for the 2023 season, instead drafting Anders Carlson in the sixth round. Unfortunately, Carlson led the league in missed kicks, highlighting the team’s struggles at the position.
To address the issue, Gutekunst brought in several kickers during the offseason, including Greg Joseph, Jack Podlesny, and James Turner, but none proved reliable. After preseason cuts, the Packers signed Brayden Narveson, but his inconsistency continued, with missed kicks in four of his six games. These errors directly impacted the outcome of close games early in the season.
McManus Steps In
Following Week 6, Gutekunst signed Brandon McManus, a 10-year NFL veteran and Super Bowl champion known for his accuracy inside 50 yards. McManus made an immediate impact, delivering clutch performances in his first two games. His 45-yard game-winning field goal secured a 24-22 victory over the Houston Texans, followed by a 24-yard game-winner in a 30-27 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Since joining the Packers, McManus has been remarkably consistent, converting 23-of-23 extra points and 14-of-15 field goal attempts across eight games. His only miss came in challenging weather conditions against Detroit in Week 9.
Confidence Restored
McManus has quickly earned the trust of his teammates and coaches. Quarterback Jordan Love praised the veteran, saying, “We have a lot of confidence in [McManus]. He’s proven who he is with some big-time kicks for us. Knowing you’ve got a guy who will deliver when you get him in range is a great feeling.”
Head coach Matt LaFleur echoed similar sentiments, joking that he no longer feels the need to watch when McManus lines up for a kick— a stark contrast to the prayers he admitted saying last year when Carlson was on the field.
Looking Ahead
As the Packers head into the postseason, where games are often decided by narrow margins, McManus’ consistency will be critical. His predecessor, Carlson, missed a crucial field goal in last year’s playoff loss to the 49ers, a mistake the team hopes won’t be repeated with McManus at the helm.
With McManus delivering clutch performances and providing stability, the Packers enter the playoffs with newfound confidence in their kicking game, a factor that could prove pivotal in high-stakes moments.
