Packers’ Anders Carlson Delivers Game-Winning Kick Against Saints

There were a lot of questions about Anders Carlson following an inconsistent five seasons at Auburn and a rocky training camp with the Packers. On Sunday, he hit the winning kick.

GREEN BAY, Wis. – In his first career game with the Green Bay Packers, Mason Crosby made a game-winning, 42-yard field goal at the Philadelphia Eagles. In his third career game, Anders Carlson made a game-winning kick, as well.

Carlson, the team’s new kicker after 16 sterling seasons from Crosby, booted the deciding extra point in Sunday’s historic come-from-behind victory over the New Orleans Saints.

The extra point is no longer the gimme it was during Crosby’s rookie season. Once the NFL moved the kick back to make it a 33-yarder, Crosby made 94.9 percent of his point-after attempts. That was just a bit better than the NFL average over the previous seven seasons and right about the overall league mark in 2022.

“It really is the same. I don’t think you can look at it differently,” Carlson said. “I took a deep breath, like I always do. The wind was playing right to left, so I picked out my spot. I had maybe a little more energy – especially after.”

The Packers trailed 17-0 after three quarters. Carlson’s 38-yard field goal put the Packers on the scoreboard with 11 minutes to go. That kick did more than break up the shutout; it kicked off a frantic comeback. Four minutes later, Jordan Love juked All-Pro linebacker Demario Davis for a 1-yard touchdown on fourth down. Coach Matt LaFleur went for two points, with Love paying it off with a completion to Samori Toure that cut the margin to 17-11.

“I knew the extra point was going to be needed no matter what,” Carlson said. “That’s why we have smart guys in the coaches’ rooms, and they know what to do, what role is going to play out best.”

Daniel Whelan (19) and Anders Carlson react after the game-winning kick :: Photo by Tork Mason/USA Today Sports Images

Four minutes later, Love’s back-shoulder touchdown pass to Romeo Doubs tied the game at 17. That set the stage for Carlson’s low-key heroics.

Specialists almost always know. With the ball barely off Carlson’s foot, punter/holder Daniel Whelan thrust his arms into the air in celebration. A moment later, the officials – and the fans in the south end zone – provided the confirmation.

There was still the not-so-small matter of closing out the game. The Saints were without starting quarterback Derek Carr. The Packers were without All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander and his impressive rookie replacement, Carrington Valentine.

New Orleans maneuvered into scoring range but its rookie kicker, undrafted rookie Blake Grupe, who had made all six field goals and all five extra points, missed his 46-yard field goal wide right.

According to the Auburn athletics site, Carlson’s only game-winner in an erratic five seasons was a 39-yarder to beat South Carolina in 2020.

Crosby is the best kicker in Packers history and ranks among the NFL’s all-time leaders in points and field goals. Carlson’s wildly inconsistent training camp was a source of consternation, though he generally made the kicks that mattered.

On Sunday, Carlson made the first truly big kick of what the Packers hope will be a long career.

“This is probably one of the most special wins I’ve ever been a part of,” Carlson said.

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Aaron Rodgers' comeback against the Bears in 2018 is immortalized in a series of photos by the #Packers' locker room.

Who knows, maybe Jordan Love's comeback against the Saints on Sunday will be someday, as well.https://t.co/7MpATGkOlQ

— Bill Huber (@BillHuberNFL) September 25, 2023

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