Packers Coach Matt LaFleur's Kicking Woes
· diy
Kicking Troubles Plague Green Bay Packers Under Matt LaFleur’s Leadership
The Green Bay Packers’ struggles with finding a reliable kicker have become a recurring theme under head coach Matt LaFleur. The team’s decision to forgo officials signaling whether field goal attempts are successful during practice has raised eyebrows, with some interpreting this as an attempt by LaFleur to shield rookie kicker Trey Smack from external pressure.
LaFleur’s own history with kickers may be a factor in his decisions. He let go of Mason Crosby after four years of reliability, leading to a revolving door at the position. This inconsistency is evident in the case of Brandon McManus, who went from being a sensation in 2024 to a disappointing figure in 2025.
The Packers have invested heavily in Smack, drafting him in the sixth round and releasing veteran kicker Lucas Havrisik. However, with Smack’s modest start to training camp – an unsightly 61.5% on field goals – it’s hard not to wonder if they’ve made a mistake. LaFleur’s words of encouragement for Smack emphasize that this will be “a work in progress,” but given the team’s history with rookie kickers, these sentiments ring hollow.
The Packers are not alone in their kicking woes; the NFL has seen an uptick in missed kicks over the past few seasons. This is not solely a matter of individual performances, but also the constant changes at the position, which have led to inconsistent expectations and a lack of continuity for both teams and players.
LaFleur’s efforts to protect Smack from external pressure may be deflecting attention away from his own role in this mess. By letting Crosby go after four years of reliability, LaFleur sparked the current kicking carousel. As games begin and officials return, one thing is certain: LaFleur’s prayers won’t be the only ones on his mind as the season unfolds.
Reader Views
- TWThe Workshop Desk · editorial
The Packers' kicking conundrum is more than just a matter of individual talent; it's a systemic issue that requires LaFleur to take a hard look at his own decision-making. His predecessor, Mike McCarthy, had Mason Crosby for eight years before letting him walk – now LaFleur's done the same with Crosby and others, creating a revolving door that only serves to confuse players and coaches alike. The problem isn't just Smack's performance; it's the lack of continuity and trust at the position that LaFleur needs to address if he wants to stem this tide of missed kicks.
- BWBo W. · carpenter
What's striking about LaFleur's kicking troubles is how they mirror his tenure as an OC with Los Angeles. Back then, he had Greg Zuerlein, who was just as inconsistent as Smack looks so far. LaFleur's strategy of shielding rookie kickers from external pressure might be a good intention, but it's also creating a culture where players are insulated from accountability. It's hard to see how this is going to change unless the team makes some drastic moves and holds their young kicker to a higher standard.
- DHDale H. · weekend handyperson
It's time for LaFleur to own up to his kicking conundrum. All this coddling of rookie Smack is just a Band-Aid on a larger issue - a lack of consistent coaching and a revolving door at the position. What about giving an experienced veteran like Havrisik another chance? He was only let go because LaFleur wanted to play it young. Now we're paying the price for that decision. It's time for some tough love from the coach, not just PR fluff about "work in progress."