The Green Bay Packers displayed a commendable effort, but ultimately fell short of victory on Saturday night in their clash against the San Francisco 49ers, concluding with a final score of 24-21. Despite a competitive performance, Matt LaFleur and his team experienced a setback due to a series of late-game errors, with kicker Anders Carlson’s misstep being the most prominent.
In his rookie NFL season, Carlson faced significant challenges, with six missed field goals and five extra points. A critical moment occurred when Carlson’s 41-yard field goal attempt went awry in the fourth quarter, a kick that could have given Green Bay a 24-17 lead.
This error provided an opportunity for San Francisco to swiftly advance down the field and secure the game-winning field goal. During the game, reports emerged that Matt LaFleur mentioned praying each time Anders Carlson took the field to kick, a statement that subjected the head coach to criticism on social media.
INSANE… #Packers HC Matt LaFleur talking about his kicker Anders Carlson
“WHEN HE GOES OUT THERE, I JUST PRAY”
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 21, 2024
Tom Rinaldi just reported that Matt LaFleur shared, "Every time he goes out there, I just pray," regarding his kicker.
Not great.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 21, 2024
I've loved what Gutey has done but the teams complete refusal to acknowledge that Anders Carlson was a problem is ridiculous
Matt Lafleur shouldn't be "praying" every time his kicker trots onto the field
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) January 21, 2024
Matt LaFleur and the rest of the packers players to Anders Carlson after the game: pic.twitter.com/Os9PEUNu1L
— JR (@JakeRubin) January 21, 2024
I wish someone would commit to me like Matt Lafleur commits to Anders Carlson
— sarah (@fangirlfornfl) January 21, 2024
Green Bay Packers HC Matt LaFleur should’ve cut this kid weeks ago…
*who cares if his brother is a all pro kicker Anders Carlson is not…
probably the ugliest stance for a kicker in the league his non kicking leg is literally pointing outside of the FG… pic.twitter.com/Q68GJQqNju
— 🙇🏻♂️ (@prospectgrader) January 21, 2024
Matt LaFleur’s statement about praying for kicker Anders Carlson doesn’t inspire much confidence, and while it’s natural for coaches to hope for successful field goals, this admission raises eyebrows. Fans wasted no time in criticizing LaFleur, whether it be for Carlson’s ongoing struggles, the decision to stick with him throughout the season, or the audacity of the admission itself.
Ironically, despite LaFleur’s prayers, Carlson couldn’t deliver the crucial kick against San Francisco. While not the sole reason for the loss, it certainly played a significant role. Carlson now faces an offseason with a less-than-ideal conclusion, and given LaFleur’s remarks, there’s curiosity about whether he will remain with the team in the coming months.
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