Packers have a kicking problem

[Vincenzo]

Packers have released Anders Carlson with about 10 days before the 1st regular season game.
Ouch, this is disturbing.

[Fritz]

Packers have released Anders Carlson with about 10 days before the 1st regular season game.
Ouch, this is disturbing.

You could say this is a real kick in the pants, but if it’s Carlson or Joseph doing the kicking it’s probably a miss. My guess is they’re hoping to land another kicker from another team and Joseph is simply holding the spot until that happens.

[texaspackerbacker]

Joseph is adequate and IMO significantly more reliable than Carlson. Just the same, it's probably still 50/50 or better we pick up an upgrade.

[red]

the thing that worries me about joseph being our kicker is that he wasn't all that great the last 2 seasons, even though he played half his games in a fucking dome

2 seasons ago he missed 6 xps, which is even worse the carlson last season

joseph isn't the answer

[Bretsky]

the thing that worries me about joseph being our kicker is that he wasn't all that great the last 2 seasons, even though he played half his games in a fucking dome

2 seasons ago he missed 6 xps, which is even worse the carlson last season

joseph isn't the answer


Over his career, and I think last year he was pretty good within 40 yards. Over 50 yards not so good. We couldn't not stomach another year of the dirty Anders. He pretty much missed a kick every week of the season and when the game is on the line he'd be about the last guy I'd want to count on. Hell, I'd probably take a gray hair'd Crosby if the FG wasn't too far

My gut still says the kicker who ends out season might not be in Green Bay yet

[red]

Riley Patterson seems to have some nice stats

[Bretsky]

If you listen to them speak, Joseph also has confidence and Anders lacks that completely. He also looks fluent in his technique. I'm not saying he's our guy but GB cut the right guy IMO

[Bretsky]

Riley Patterson seems to have some nice stats

If the Jets let go of their young backup I really liked him. And Folk....if he was let go over the young guy....I'd take that. Of course I don't know if either was cut...lol

[red]

If the Jets let go of their young backup I really liked him. And Folk....if he was let go over the young guy....I'd take that. Of course I don't know if either was cut...lol

Austin Seibert?

he was released

[Bretsky]

Austin Seibert?

he was released



THere was an article earlier that the Jets were trying to trade on of their kickers; obviously did not work. But ya, he was the dude I kinda liked. The Titans K who was cut was ok as well

[King Friday]

There are NUMEROUS better options than Joseph available right now. I’m not sure why Gute is refusing to pull the trigger when he was so damn quick with the QB spot.

Joseph proved in camp that he is no better than Carlson.

[Fritz]

There are NUMEROUS better options than Joseph available right now. I’m not sure why Gute is refusing to pull the trigger when he was so damn quick with the QB spot.

Joseph proved in camp that he is no better than Carlson.

I'm thinking that instead of claiming someone, he's going to wait until waiver claims are over and try to sign a kicker to the PS, along with Hale.

[run pMc]

I'm thinking that instead of claiming someone, he's going to wait until waiver claims are over and try to sign a kicker to the PS, along with Hale.

Agree. I also think with the roster construction as it is (SIX DE's?) that there will be plenty of competition at K. They could stash two on the PS and just elevate them for 3 weeks each lol

They claimed the kid from TEN who was reasonably accurate and has a strong leg. I don't trust K's who were meh in a dome... Lambeau is a tough place to kick being outside, and often cold and windy

[Fritz]

Let's hope that this thread title is obsolete soon.

I hope we all get addicted to Narveson.

[MadScientist]

They claimed the kid from TEN who was reasonably accurate and has a strong leg. I don't trust K's who were meh in a dome... Lambeau is a tough place to kick being outside, and often cold and windy
Strong leg and reasonably accurate. That's a good upgrade. I agree with you on the Joseph analysis. If he was not lights out in a dome, he would have been a problem at Lambeau in December.

[Fritz]

Strong leg and reasonably accurate. That's a good upgrade. I agree with you on the Joseph analysis. If he was not lights out in a dome, he would have been a problem at Lambeau in December.

This is not the time of year to hold back, Mad.

HE'S GONNA BE THE GREATEST KICKER IN PACKER HISTORY, BABY!

But if he can be a real NFL kicker in terms of PAT's (they're supposed to be nearly automatic, not an adventure like they were with Cold Carlson), and if he can hit consistently inside the 45-yard-range and have a legit shot at the 45+ attempts, then we'll take that. Hell yeah!

[red]

so we signed a rookie kicker who's career college numbers are worse then what carlson did last year

not sure about the upgrade

he did have a nice preseason and even had a game winner

[Joemailman]

so we signed a rookie kicker who's career college numbers are worse then what carlson did last year

not sure about the upgrade

he did have a nice preseason and even had a game winner

I think a lot of kickers who make it in the NFL had worse numbers in college. Just not as much emphasis on special teams. Justin Tucker was a low 80's kicker in college. 90% as a pro.

[Fritz]

He's already an upgrade, because he's given us one thing already that Joseph and Cold Carlson never did: hope.

Here's a good example of what players on the bubble mean when they say it's important to put some good tape out there:

'"At this point, no, I don't think so," Tennessee coach Bill Callahan said when asked if there's an ongoing kicking battle between Narveson and Folk. "But I think it was good to see him [Narveson] hit from 59 [yards]. "I don't think it changes much, but it was a very positive development for us, and for him, you put that on tape in a live-action game, and you'll get a lot of action for hitting that field goal."'

And he did. Well, enough to land him a job.

Also, bonus points that he looks a little like Jeremy from Clarkson's Farm, if you're familiar with that show, AND that he is capable of growing facial hair:
https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/college-football/players/full/4361765.png&w=350&h=254

[Joemailman]

Let's hope that this thread title is obsolete soon.

I hope we all get addicted to Narveson.

We're talking about Packers special teams here.

[Fritz]

We're talking about Packers special teams here.

You need to take some Narveson. That'll get you pumped up.

[CaptainKickass]

The Packers have a kicking problem.

Now, the kickers have a packing problem!

:taunt:

[Vincenzo]

Brayden Narveson went undrafted this spring after playing five collegiate seasons at three different schools and converting 78.0 percent of his career field-goal attempts.

78% is nothing special but he didn't miss an XP in his collegiate career. I believe Carlson missed the most XP’s in the league last year.

Rookie Kickers are risky, which means Lafleur will tend to keep the drive alive by pressing the situation and going for it on 4th rather than taking what should be a gimmie 3-point chip shot.

If we stick with this young guy, I think we’re gonna be holding our breaths every time the rookie hits the field.

[Tony Oday]

I'm prepared to eat crow for this but, I'm calling it that he will be the third best kicker in franchise history.

[Tony Oday]

Double

[SudsMcBucky]

I think a lot of kickers who make it in the NFL had worse numbers in college. Just not as much emphasis on special teams. Justin Tucker was a low 80's kicker in college. 90% as a pro.

And keep in mind, FG's are harder in college because of the wider hash spreads. Makes for much worse angles for kicking.

[Fritz]

And keep in mind, FG's are harder in college because of the wider hash spreads. Makes for much worse angles for kicking.

Normally I don't watch coaches' press conferences, because I have heard enough coachspeak in my lifetime, but I was curious as to what The Flower would say about the new kicker, so I watched the fifteen minutes. A couple of things really popped out for me:

First, my impression of LeFleur has been, in the bits I've seen, that he can be kinda dickish. He makes snarky remarks to reporters, and he did it again a couple times in the presser I watched yesterday. Someone's alarm went off, interrupting things, and yes that's annoying, but MLF said something snarky. I mean, these guys are paid to be very good coaches, and surely he is. I get that he's not paid to be liked. But he just rubs me the wrong way - he's that arrogant high school jock guy who puts people in their place whether they need it or not.

And I know, his players love him. He gives them love back, as he did in the presser. That's more important than if I "like" the guy, I know. But I just wanted to make that observation. I like the way the Loins' coach handles his pressers. He seems to take the questions seriously, and answer as honestly as an NFL coach can, as opposed to MLF's sniping and snarkiness and then his canned stuff.

But onto my second observation: for a head coach, MLF is amazingly, amazingly ignorant of the special teams, or at least how kickers prepare and how the operation works. He was asked about getting Narveson up to speed, and MLF just shrugged and said it wasn't a questioln for him. Period. It was a question for the ST coach, not for him. He said something like "I don't know, just kick the ball."

I also noted in this exchange that he had a chance to praise Bisaccia - he did that with the defensive coaches on a different question - but he didn't bring him up at all regarding getting the kicker ready. Didn't mention him by name, just said that the question about the kicker getting ready was a question for the ST coach. Normally, a coach will throw in "I have a lot of confidence that Coach X will have Player Y ready for the game," but no. Nothing. Yet, as I said, on a question about the defensive looks for game one, MLF went out of his way to praise the whole coaching staff and their connection to their defensive players.

Just some observations on my part.

[bobblehead]

Now, the kickers have a packing problem!

:taunt:

Ok, that made me smile. I like word games.

[bobblehead]

Double

Would that make him the 6th best kicker in team history?

[bobblehead]

Normally I don't watch coaches' press conferences, because I have heard enough coachspeak in my lifetime, but I was curious as to what The Flower would say about the new kicker, so I watched the fifteen minutes. A couple of things really popped out for me:

First, my impression of LeFleur has been, in the bits I've seen, that he can be kinda dickish. He makes snarky remarks to reporters, and he did it again a couple times in the presser I watched yesterday. Someone's alarm went off, interrupting things, and yes that's annoying, but MLF said something snarky. I mean, these guys are paid to be very good coaches, and surely he is. I get that he's not paid to be liked. But he just rubs me the wrong way - he's that arrogant high school jock guy who puts people in their place whether they need it or not.

And I know, his players love him. He gives them love back, as he did in the presser. That's more important than if I "like" the guy, I know. But I just wanted to make that observation. I like the way the Loins' coach handles his pressers. He seems to take the questions seriously, and answer as honestly as an NFL coach can, as opposed to MLF's sniping and snarkiness and then his canned stuff.

But onto my second observation: for a head coach, MLF is amazingly, amazingly ignorant of the special teams, or at least how kickers prepare and how the operation works. He was asked about getting Narveson up to speed, and MLF just shrugged and said it wasn't a questioln for him. Period. It was a question for the ST coach, not for him. He said something like "I don't know, just kick the ball."

I also noted in this exchange that he had a chance to praise Bisaccia - he did that with the defensive coaches on a different question - but he didn't bring him up at all regarding getting the kicker ready. Didn't mention him by name, just said that the question about the kicker getting ready was a question for the ST coach. Normally, a coach will throw in "I have a lot of confidence that Coach X will have Player Y ready for the game," but no. Nothing. Yet, as I said, on a question about the defensive looks for game one, MLF went out of his way to praise the whole coaching staff and their connection to their defensive players.

Just some observations on my part.

I think Bisaccia is rightfully taking some internal heat for basically getting the team to draft Carlson. You gave the man a fat contract to fix special teams and he botched it. Replacing Barry was priority one last year, but Mr. B is probably on thin ice right now.

[Vincenzo]

Normally I don't watch coaches' press conferences, because I have heard enough coachspeak in my lifetime, but I was curious as to what The Flower would say about the new kicker, so I watched the fifteen minutes. A couple of things really popped out for me:

First, my impression of LeFleur has been, in the bits I've seen, that he can be kinda dickish. He makes snarky remarks to reporters, and he did it again a couple times in the presser I watched yesterday. Someone's alarm went off, interrupting things, and yes that's annoying, but MLF said something snarky. I mean, these guys are paid to be very good coaches, and surely he is. I get that he's not paid to be liked. But he just rubs me the wrong way - he's that arrogant high school jock guy who puts people in their place whether they need it or not.

And I know, his players love him. He gives them love back, as he did in the presser. That's more important than if I "like" the guy, I know. But I just wanted to make that observation. I like the way the Loins' coach handles his pressers. He seems to take the questions seriously, and answer as honestly as an NFL coach can, as opposed to MLF's sniping and snarkiness and then his canned stuff.

But onto my second observation: for a head coach, MLF is amazingly, amazingly ignorant of the special teams, or at least how kickers prepare and how the operation works. He was asked about getting Narveson up to speed, and MLF just shrugged and said it wasn't a questioln for him. Period. It was a question for the ST coach, not for him. He said something like "I don't know, just kick the ball."

I also noted in this exchange that he had a chance to praise Bisaccia - he did that with the defensive coaches on a different question - but he didn't bring him up at all regarding getting the kicker ready. Didn't mention him by name, just said that the question about the kicker getting ready was a question for the ST coach. Normally, a coach will throw in "I have a lot of confidence that Coach X will have Player Y ready for the game," but no. Nothing. Yet, as I said, on a question about the defensive looks for game one, MLF went out of his way to praise the whole coaching staff and their connection to their defensive players.

Just some observations on my part.
Interesting insight into Lafleur. Didn’t quite have him pegged as a partial dickhead but you’ve got me thinking that there’s something there.

A shaky kicker changes the complexities of a drive as soon as your offense gets past midfield.
If we have a kicker that’s a sure shot Lafleur knows he has 3 points in the bag coming for nearly a cast iron certainty, however, if he thinks his kicker can’t be relied on then he’ll press the offense for 6 points.
I’m shaking my head thinking that this kicker issue right now is pretty darn important for this year’s team. In my opinion, it can’t be understated.

[Joemailman]

Not MLF's best moment. But I think he's frustrated with a situation where 9 days before the season starts he's being forced to go with a kicker who he's never had in practice and has never kicked in the NFL. Whether he's more frustrated with Bisaccia or Gutekunst, I'm not sure.

[CaptainKickass]

“Just know that his wife is from Wisconsin. His kicking coach is a Packer fan. It was meant to be.

It's a nice read. I'm starting to like the acquisition in theory

Longtime Coach: Narveson Wants Pressure Kicks (https://www.si.com/nfl/packers/longtime-coach-narveson-wants-pressure-kicks-01j6f9r8yqej)

[Fritz]

Not MLF's best moment. But I think he's frustrated with a situation where 9 days before the season starts he's being forced to go with a kicker who he's never had in practice and has never kicked in the NFL. Whether he's more frustrated with Bisaccia or Gutekunst, I'm not sure.

Good point. Fair. I did wonder, when I saw the usual team comments (was it Guter? Can’t remember) about the team really liking him coming out of college, why they didn’t then sign him as a UDFA. Hell, they brought in two or three guys to challenge Cold Carlson. So if they like this guy THAT much, well . . . ?

And MLF did say that having a kicker he’s totally unfamiliar with would affect his playcalling. So you’re probably right. He’s got reason to be frustrated- with Bitch Risaccia for not getting any improvement out of Cold Carlson this summer, and for not being the ST genius he was brought in to be. And frustrated with Guter for giving him a new rookie kicker nine days before the season begins.

[Tony Oday]

Would that make him the 6th best kicker in team history?

Or top 1.5 ;)

[run pMc]

MLF jokes around with the local press a bit. I think sometimes he's wound up a little too tightly and I suspect if a player's phone or watch went off in a meeting he'd be upset, so it might just be habit.
Either way, it's not a big deal, but I could see it being annoying. These guys are detail oriented and disciplined and letting something like that go is anathema for them.

As for Narveson, 78% isn't great but it's better than Carlson, both overall and for several of his seasons. Carlson really only had one good year in college, and I believe that was pre-injury. I had to do a double take on Narveson's XP - he made something like 196 XP's - that's a LOT of XPs. The WKY offense was bonkers. He went 71 of 91 on FGs but I don't have any data on the distances. I think I read that he's pretty good inside 40 at least. I'd expect XPs to be less of a thrill ride with him, and he's obviously got a NFL strength leg with the 59 yarder in preseason. It remains to be seen if he has the consistency to do it well.

FWIW, I also hear his wife is from Wisconsin and his kicking coach or somebody like that is a Packer fan... so maybe there's some destiny here.

I'm rooting for the kid, and I hope this doesn't jinx things. GB needs to fix the situation at K.

And yes, Bisaccia should be on thin ice. He's had plenty of opportunities to improve the ST (money, players, time), and it hasn't beared much fruit yet.

[MadtownPacker]

Interesting insight into Lafleur. Didn’t quite have him pegged as a partial dickhead but you’ve got me thinking that there’s something there.

A shaky kicker changes the complexities of a drive as soon as your offense gets past midfield.
If we have a kicker that’s a sure shot Lafleur knows he has 3 points in the bag coming for nearly a cast iron certainty, however, if he thinks his kicker can’t be relied on then he’ll press the offense for 6 points.
I’m shaking my head thinking that this kicker issue right now is pretty darn important for this year’s team. In my opinion, it can’t be understated.
I don’t care what he tells them at all. He can be however he wants and probably shouldn’t tell them too much to begin with. It didn’t hurt Belichick. He seems to be doing ok now.
https://phantom-marca.unidadeditorial.es/f061fee9f8cb4d1395a9d0f81e3971a8/crop/0x0/1978x1318/resize/828/f/jpg/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2024/07/09/17205402850352.png


As for the K and ST coach situation it’s good to see him angry about it. Like you said this shit could derail what is an extremely promising season ahead. But I think this guy is going to come in and be the guy not because I know shit just cause as everyone said there’s a lot of aligning of the stars going on. He also won’t have the entire stadium giving shank vibes every time he steps up. To start with at least. Primetime game on a different planet versus a potential playoff team is about as good a test as any. We should know by the end of the first half is he is who we wish he is.

[Fritz]

I don’t care what he tells them at all. He can be however he wants and probably shouldn’t tell them too much to begin with. It didn’t hurt Belichick. He seems to be doing ok now.
https://phantom-marca.unidadeditorial.es/f061fee9f8cb4d1395a9d0f81e3971a8/crop/0x0/1978x1318/resize/828/f/jpg/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2024/07/09/17205402850352.png


As for the K and ST coach situation it’s good to see him angry about it. Like you said this shit could derail what is an extremely promising season ahead. But I think this guy is going to come in and be the guy not because I know shit just cause as everyone said there’s a lot of aligning of the stars going on. He also won’t have the entire stadium giving shank vibes every time he steps up. To start with at least. Primetime game on a different planet versus a potential playoff team is about as good a test as any. We should know by the end of the first half is he is who we wish he is.

I know what you, and all the Packerrats, are thinking out there. You're worried. A promising season that could come undone because the Packers bring in a brand new kicker and ol' Fritz has only nine days to come up with a new nickname. I know. It's tense.

But have no fear, Rats. First of all, Mad's right - this kid is going to be the guy. More importantly, I've already got his new nickname, and it's a winner.

So rest easy, Rats. I got this.

[Patler]

If MLF alters his play calling because he has Brayden Nervous-son as his kicker instead of Joseph, he is an idiot. Coaches constantly preach to their players to just do their own jobs in the way that they should and expect that the other players will be doing their own jobs, too. It's the same for coaches. He constantly preaches that expectations do not change because of players lost to injuries. Well, now it is time for him to prove he means it. When it comes to kicking, if your kicker is a specialist and not some random player filling in for an emergency, within his leg strength range, he should be expected to make the kick (not that he always will).

There is no reason to expect Nervous-son to be any worse than Carlson, Joseph or many others.

[Patler]

In 1997 the Packers drafted kicker Brett Conway. He was horrible throughout camp. At final cutdown, the 49ers released Ryan Longwell. Conway was dumped and Longwell signed. Worked out just fine.

A kicker doesn't have any complex play system to learn, convoluted terminology to become fluent in or anything of the like. All he has to do is work with his holder to get the ball how he wants it. There may be an occasional glitch early on, but not something to wring our hands about. Whelan showed last year he can handle off target snaps and get the job done. I expect he can get Nervous-son what he wants for ball placement too.

[Fritz]

If MLF alters his play calling because he has Brayden Nervous-son as his kicker instead of Joseph, he is an idiot. Coaches constantly preach to their players to just do their own jobs in the way that they should and expect that the other players will be doing their own jobs, too. It's the same for coaches. He constantly preaches that expectations do not change because of players lost to injuries. Well, now it is time for him to prove he means it. When it comes to kicking, if your kicker is a specialist and not some random player filling in for an emergency, within his leg strength range, he should be expected to make the kick (not that he always will).

There is no reason to expect Nervous-son to be any worse than Carlson, Joseph or many others.

Nervous-son? That's pretty good, Patler. But we're going for the positive here, at least until the guy proves otherwise.

As I mentioned, I've got the nickname. What is it, you ask?

Okay, let's go:

First, there's this headline from the pre-season:

"Titans 16, Seahawks 15: Rookie kicks three fourth-quarter field goals in Tennessee win
Brayden Narveson kicked his last field goal of the game as time expired, helping Tennessee rally twice to beat Seattle"

I know what you Rats are thinking. Hey, it's a preseason game. It doesn't mean anything compared to kicking in a playoff game. Yeah, try telling that to Anders "Cold" Carlson. If he'd have made that 32-yarder in the last preseason game he'd possibly still be the Packers' kicker.

https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/ottumwacourier.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/6d/26d73424-3eed-5753-9adf-4c1b760ddcb0/66c168e94c21c.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500

Secondly, this kid is confident. Did you ever, ever get that vibe from Cold Carlson or from Greg Joseph?

“He knows he’s going to make the field goal,” Narveson’s longtime kicking coach, Adam Tanalski of Hammer Kicking, told Packers On SI on Thursday. “He wants the 59(-yarder). He wants the game-winner. He wants to be that person who’s out there when it matters. Between the ears, he’s pretty outstanding.”

To sum it up, this kid has balls. Big ones.

Therefore, his new nickname is Nards Narveson.

[MadtownPacker]

To sum it up, this kid has balls. Big ones.

Therefore, his new nickname is Nards Narveson.Nice!!! You were about to get sent out the door with Carlson but this is equal to hitting a 60 yarder.

[Vincenzo]

He has such big balls Therefore, his new nickname is Nards Narveson.
LAMO - definitely works.

[Fritz]

He has such big balls Therefore, his new nickname is Nards Narveson.
LAMO - definitely works.

Now let’s see if the kid can live up to it.

[CaptainKickass]

Now let’s see if the kid can live up to it.

In the spirit of "KUUUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHNNNNN!"

Now lets see if you can get the entire home crowd to yell "NAAAARRRRRDDDDDZZZZZZ!!!!" loud enough to hear over the TV whenever he makes a Field Goal

[Fritz]

The power of a good nickname.

I have a feeling this kid’s The One. I mean, not God-comes-to-earth-in-human-form-as-a-placekicker The One, but the long-term answer for the Packers at kicker. I’m going to have a quiet feeling of satisfaction when I am touring the Packers’ Hall of Fame one day far in the future and see the plaque that reads “Brayden ‘Nards’ Narveson.”

I have no real basis for this feeling except he had a good preseason.

[ThunderDan]

If Packer kickers struggle this year, they need to look at Burnette from NC.

[Fritz]

If Packer kickers struggle this year, they need to look at Burnette from NC.

There will be no need. Nards has got it covered.

I've reached out to Narveson's agent to use the synergy of the moment to craft the brand. I've also reached out to meNARDS to see if they want to get in on the ground floor with this guy. It's going to be way bigger than Aaron Rodgers and State Farm.

I have also, for your listening pleasure (and to establish the vibe of the brand), provided a link below to Gary Numan's groundbreaking 1979 hit, titled "Cars."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrjM8Fi7J58 (http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrjM8Fi7J58)

Note the robotic, automatic quality of the sound - the very qualities one seeks in a placekicker.

...And I have crafted new lyrics to fit the moment. No, the movement.

Here in the stands I sit,
ready to throw a fit,
game is now on the line
but everything is fine
with Nards (Ba-doom, ba-do-da-doom)

Here with The Nards
we're the safest of all,
cuz he's got a big leg
and a big set of balls,
yeah Nards (Ba-doom-da-doom, ba-do-ba-doom)



My hope is that the tune will get lodged in your head along with my new lyrics, and people will wonder why you've got a little pep in your step today.

Go Pack Go!

[Patler]

It's a nice read. I'm starting to like the acquisition in theory

Longtime Coach: Narveson Wants Pressure Kicks (https://www.si.com/nfl/packers/longtime-coach-narveson-wants-pressure-kicks-01j6f9r8yqej)

The article is quite convincing. This is the kicker they've been looking for.

[Joemailman]

Matt Schneidman
@mattschneidman

Quick tidbit from MLF on new kicker Brayden Narveson:

“His first kick, it was a 56-yarder into the wind and he nailed it. Jaire actually, after a couple of his kicks, came up to me and he’s like, ‘Man, I love this guy.’ The early returns are very favorable up to this point.”

[MadScientist]

This kicker has no shortage of confidence, unlike Carlson. And you always want guys who want to be the one to make the play when the game is on the line.

[Fritz]

Matt Schneidman
@mattschneidman

Quick tidbit from MLF on new kicker Nards Narveson:

“His first kick, it was a 56-yarder into the wind and he nailed it. Jaire actually, after a couple of his kicks, came up to me and he’s like, ‘Man, I love this guy.’ The early returns are very favorable up to this point.”

I fixed the name for you, Joe. But mostly appreciate the tidbit. It's just a tidbit, but it's a good one.

He's gonna be The Guy.

[Vincenzo]

There will be no need. Nards has got it covered.

I've reached out to Narveson's agent to use the synergy of the moment to craft the brand. I've also reached out to meNARDS to see if they want to get in on the ground floor with this guy. It's going to be way bigger than Aaron Rodgers and State Farm.

I have also, for your listening pleasure (and to establish the vibe of the brand), provided a link below to Gary Numan's groundbreaking 1979 hit, titled "Cars."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrjM8Fi7J58 (http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrjM8Fi7J58)

Note the robotic, automatic quality of the sound - the very qualities one seeks in a placekicker.

...And I have crafted new lyrics to fit the moment. No, the movement.

Here in the stands I sit,
ready to throw a fit,
game is now on the line
but everything is fine
with Nards (Ba-doom, ba-do-da-doom)

Here with The Nards
we're the safest of all,
cuz he's got a big leg
and a big set of balls,
yeah Nards (Ba-doom-da-doom, ba-do-ba-doom)



My hope is that the tune will get lodged in your head along with my new lyrics, and people will wonder why you've got a little pep in your step today.

Go Pack Go!

Nardes Narveson sounds like a hockey player, or at least a Packer HOF’er.
You did hit it out of the park with that handle for the kid.
However, the delusional planets are aligning is all just drinking the green kool-aid stuff - I’m famous for it.
Sir, you top the Packer homer nation list.

Fitz, my fellow Packer fan, you can say what you want but this Packer fan will be holding his breath for at least 6 weeks almost every time this unproven rookie goes for 3, let alone when he goes for the extra point.
A quick Hail Mary and an Our Father.

[bobblehead]

As for the K and ST coach situation it’s good to see him angry about it. Like you said this shit could derail what is an extremely promising season ahead. But I think this guy is going to come in and be the guy not because I know shit just cause as everyone said there’s a lot of aligning of the stars going on. He also won’t have the entire stadium giving shank vibes every time he steps up. To start with at least. Primetime game on a different planet versus a potential playoff team is about as good a test as any. We should know by the end of the first half is he is who we wish he is.

You've been drinking some of that Tex's KoolAid I see.

[bobblehead]

In the spirit of "KUUUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHNNNNN!"

Now lets see if you can get the entire home crowd to yell "NAAAARRRRRDDDDDZZZZZZ!!!!" loud enough to hear over the TV whenever he makes a Field Goal

I think NARDZZZZZZZZZZZ would be awesome so it would sound like an insect infestation over the airwaves.

[MadtownPacker]

You've been drinking some of that Tex's KoolAid I see.Yeah he said it was margarita mix but was actually pure-grade green Koolaid with extra sugar. Gotta sip this shit or you will bet your house on the first game.

Rumor has it Tex pisses out all his negative thoughts. You have to wonder who is drinking that.:-D

[MadtownPacker]

Nardes Narveson sounds like a hockey player, or at least a Packer HOF’er.
You did hit it out of the park with that handle for the kid.
However, the delusional planets are aligning is all just drinking the green kool-aid stuff - I’m famous for it.
Sir, you top the Packer homer nation list.

Fitz, my fellow Packer fan, you can say what you want but this Packer fan will be holding his breath for at least 6 weeks almost every time this unproven rookie goes for 3, let alone when he goes for the extra point.
A quick Hail Mary and an Our Father.
BS. If he is hitting them by week 3 you will crack. That mofo hits a game winner next Friday you might not even last that long. Until then have a sip of this margarita.

[Vincenzo]

BS. If he is hitting them by week 3 you will crack. That mofo hits a game winner next Friday you might not even last that long. Until then have a sip of this margarita.
I say 6 to 8 weeks I’m at least biting my toenails.

[ThunderDan]

I say 6 to 8 weeks I’m at least biting my toenails.

I won’t be biting my nails until he misses one.

[Patler]

Good point. Fair. I did wonder, when I saw the usual team comments (was it Guter? Can’t remember) about the team really liking him coming out of college, why they didn’t then sign him as a UDFA. Hell, they brought in two or three guys to challenge Cold Carlson. So if they like this guy THAT much, well . . . ?


Gute was asked that very question, and he said they DID try to sign him but didn't get him or some others they had interest in. He said he thought college kickers thought there were better opportunities than the Packers who had a guy they drafted just a year ago. When asked about several other kickers including Bates from the UFL, who were available, he said that, given choices or options, a lot of kickers do not want to come to Green Bay and kick outdoors.

To get a good kicker, they have to draft one (Marcol, Jacke, Crosby) or get lucky on a waiver claim (Longwell. hopefully Narveson). Among true free agents, they are stuck looking at kickers who have few options available to them.

[Fritz]

Gute was asked that very question, and he said they DID try to sign him but didn't get him or some others they had interest in. He said he thought college kickers thought there were better opportunities than the Packers who had a guy they drafted just a year ago. When asked about several other kickers including Bates from the UFL, who were available, he said that, given choices or options, a lot of kickers do not want to come to Green Bay and kick outdoors.

To get a good kicker, they have to draft one (Marcol, Jacke, Crosby) or get lucky on a waiver claim (Longwell. hopefully Narveson). Among true free agents, they are stuck looking at kickers who have few options available to them.

Then their agents must've thought Carlson was somehow going to have a great camp because it was clear the Packers were going to challenge Carlson with some competition.

I hope Bates is one of those guys who don't want to kick outdoors, so when the Loins come to Lambeau he can turn into a shrivel while Tough-as-Nards Narveson bangs home the game winner in the icy, windswept conditions.

Thanks for clarifying, Patler.

[KYPack]

Gute was asked that very question, and he said they DID try to sign him but didn't get him or some others they had interest in. He said he thought college kickers thought there were better opportunities than the Packers who had a guy they drafted just a year ago. When asked about several other kickers including Bates from the UFL, who were available, he said that, given choices or options, a lot of kickers do not want to come to Green Bay and kick outdoors.

To get a good kicker, they have to draft one (Marcol, Jacke, Crosby) or get lucky on a waiver claim (Longwell. hopefully Narveson). Among true free agents, they are stuck looking at kickers who have few options available to them.

You got it friend P

Kickers want a shot at an indoor and/or a southern team. FG's are a totally different equation with cold and the elements.

Nards jumped at this job bc it was a chance to kick in the NFL. Also he has been exposed to getting cut in the NFL. That changes the viewpoint of the guy chasing the gig. You takes what you can get.

Carlson's undoing lies partially in his strength, that big leg. It serves him well on the long ones, but he has to harness it on intermediate or short tries. The kick that got him cut was that 32 yard FG. He blew his plant and it caused a push to the right. Carlson was one of the worst kickers in the league on XP's. PAT's are from 33 yards, so his miss was a double whammy for the kid.

[Patler]

Then their agents must've thought Carlson was somehow going to have a great camp because it was clear the Packers were going to challenge Carlson with some competition.

I hope Bates is one of those guys who don't want to kick outdoors, so when the Loins come to Lambeau he can turn into a shrivel while Tough-as-Nards Narveson bangs home the game winner in the icy, windswept conditions.

Thanks for clarifying, Patler.

I can see an undrafted rookie wondering if GB might show preference to a guy they used a draft pick on over someone in whom they have no investment. Then, throw in the outdoor weather and northern climate factors, and they sign elsewhere.

[Patler]

Nards jumped at this job bc it was a chance to kick in the NFL. Also he has been exposed to getting cut in the NFL. That changes the viewpoint of the guy chasing the gig. You takes what you can get.

Nards couldn't jump at the chance even if he wanted to. He was a waiver claim, I think; and didn't have any choice but to go to GB. Just like Longwell, who often complained about having to kick in GB while others who got postseason honors kicked under better conditions.


Carlson's undoing lies partially in his strength, that big leg. It serves him well on the long ones, but he has to harness it on intermediate or short tries. The kick that got him cut was that 32 yard FG. He blew his plant and it caused a push to the right. Carlson was one of the worst kickers in the league on XP's. PAT's are from 33 yards, so his miss was a double whammy for the kid.

Just looking at FGs overall, Carlson really wasn't that bad for a rookie last year (although being just 4 of 8 between 40 and 50 yards isn't good). But continually missing XPs is kind of demoralizing for the team, and especially the offense. It dilutes good offensive performances. From that aspect, I agree his last miss was the clincher to his release.

[texaspackerbacker]

Just looking at Carlson, he didn't seem to have very good form. He didn't look smooth at all. I haven't seen Narveson kick at all. Hopefully. his form will be good enough to give him consistency.

[Vincenzo]

If MLF alters his play calling because he has Brayden Nervous-son as his kicker instead of Joseph, he is an idiot. Coaches constantly preach to their players to just do their own jobs in the way that they should and expect that the other players will be doing their own jobs, too. It's the same for coaches. He constantly preaches that expectations do not change because of players lost to injuries. Well, now it is time for him to prove he means it. When it comes to kicking, if your kicker is a specialist and not some random player filling in for an emergency, within his leg strength range, he should be expected to make the kick (not that he always will).

There is no reason to expect Nervous-son to be any worse than Carlson, Joseph or many others.

“Before rookie kicker Brayden Narveson arrived at team headquarters last week, LaFleur called the situation 'uncharted territory' and acknowledged that having a new, untested kicker could "absolutely, 100 percent" impact some in-game decisions.“

Ok, Coach Lafleur is more at ease now after seeing Nardes kick:

“But after Narveson was nearly perfect in his first two kicking sessions in front of the team, LaFleur sounded more comfortable with his new kicker. 'Yeah, I've seen enough to be confident in him,' LaFleur said Sunday. 'If that's what you're asking: Do I have confidence in him? Absolutely.'"

[KYPack]

“Before rookie kicker Brayden Narveson arrived at team headquarters last week, LaFleur called the situation 'uncharted territory' and acknowledged that having a new, untested kicker could "absolutely, 100 percent" impact some in-game decisions.“

Ok, Coach Lafleur is more at ease now after seeing Nardes kick:

“But after Narveson was nearly perfect in his first two kicking sessions in front of the team, LaFleur sounded more comfortable with his new kicker. 'Yeah, I've seen enough to be confident in him,' LaFleur said Sunday. 'If that's what you're asking: Do I have confidence in him? Absolutely.'"

Have faith Vincenzo!

Brayden has more going for him than we first realized. He has Kentucky roots, kicked for WKY in Bowling Green for 3 years. Plus he's married to a Wisconsin girl. He's got a lopsided short haircut and a goofy grin. Looks like the kind of guy that would gather around a firepit in the driveway and drink long-necked beers with the boys.

I never warmed to Carlson, he looked and acted dorky.

[Fritz]

Okay, a couple of things:

First, Patler, as I read a free article in the JSO, the claim there is that the Titans were the only team that offered Narveson a roster spot, so he signed with them. It said the Packers already had three kickers, two of them with experience. So the Packers, had they really liked Nards, probably could have signed him. But in the end, who knows, I suppose.

More importantly, I love this guy's mindset. Check out this quote from Nards after his practice in Green Bay:

“A lot of the first kicks were into the wind,” Narveson said. “You know, 48 into the wind, 56 into the wind. Tough kicks to make that I expect to make fully. But at the same time, coming into a new spot, not getting any reps with the holder and snapper and going into a scrimmage-like setting in Lambeau, I think it’s going to prepare me.”

He expects to make 'em, and he thinks the challenges he's faced will prepare him. Ya gotta love that. None of this pussy-footin' Cold Carlson crap.

I am glad The Flower is getting on the Nards train.

[King Friday]

Interesting insight into Lafleur. Didn’t quite have him pegged as a partial dickhead but you’ve got me thinking that there’s something there..

The vast majority of great NFL coaches are huge assholes. The fact that MLF is only a snarky dick is a +1.

[run pMc]

Narveson had an uphill battle beating Nick Folk in TEN, but there was always the chance that age would catch up to Folk. It hasn't - yet. If I'm a kicker, I'd rather go someplace warmer, or indoors, and not where the team already has 2-3 kickers to compete against. You just won't get a lot of chances to kick or show your ability when there are 3 others getting snaps. Even if it's unlikely you can unseat the incumbent K, you'll get preseason looks for other team scouts if you're the only other option.

I will also be holding my breath on kicks until he establishes consistency. Kicking in Lambeau is no easy task, but if he can make all his XP and everything from 47 in that's an upgrade from Carlson or Joseph. 50+ would be nice and his leg is good enough; question is how accurate he can be at that distance.

[Fritz]

Narveson had an uphill battle beating Nick Folk in TEN, but there was always the chance that age would catch up to Folk. It hasn't - yet. If I'm a kicker, I'd rather go someplace warmer, or indoors, and not where the team already has 2-3 kickers to compete against. You just won't get a lot of chances to kick or show your ability when there are 3 others getting snaps. Even if it's unlikely you can unseat the incumbent K, you'll get preseason looks for other team scouts if you're the only other option.

I will also be holding my breath on kicks until he establishes consistency. Kicking in Lambeau is no easy task, but if he can make all his XP and everything from 47 in that's an upgrade from Carlson or Joseph. 50+ would be nice and his leg is good enough; question is how accurate he can be at that distance.

Good point there, run.

This kid is good. He's going to be good. Of course he won't make every kick, but I predict he will be fully entrenched as THE Packers kicker by the time we get through the season, and we're going to be happy with him.

I do have one area of concern: he does need to work on where he puts his adverbs in his sentences. Check this out: "[Those are] tough kicks to make that I expect to make fully."

Uh, Nards, I think you mean you fully expect to make those tough kicks, not to make them fully. You don't have to make them fully, as long as they go between the uprights and over the goal post. Despite our hand-wringing over Cold Carlson's forty-yarders clanging through off the uprights, you don't have to make every kick right down the middle. You just have to squeeze them inside the uprights and over the goal post. You do that consistently, and hit those XP's, we're good. Now get back inside the Hudson Center and study up on your Strunk and White!

[Patler]

Okay, a couple of things:

First, Patler, as I read a free article in the JSO, the claim there is that the Titans were the only team that offered Narveson a roster spot, so he signed with them. It said the Packers already had three kickers, two of them with experience. So the Packers, had they really liked Nards, probably could have signed him. But in the end, who knows, I suppose.


From Daugherty's published interview with Gute:

(Daugherty) "Why didn’t you sign Naverson immediately after the draft?"

(Gute) "We tried to, we weren’t able to. Basically that’s what it came down to. Obviously we’d drafted a kicker the year before and we’d signed Greg. So I think some of the college kickers coming out that had opportunities to sign places looked at that as not the best situation for them. I think that was part of it."

[Fritz]

Guter, you lying piece of doo doo!

OR

JSO, you lying piece of doo doo!

OR

The truth is often complicated.

[Patler]

so we signed a rookie kicker who's career college numbers are worse then what carlson did last year

not sure about the upgrade

he did have a nice preseason and even had a game winner

To add some perspective:

Narveson's 2023 didn't look great at 18 of 23, that's true. I just read that 3 of his 5 misses were from more than 50 yards.

[Patler]

Guter, you lying piece of doo doo!

OR

JSO, you lying piece of doo doo!

OR

The truth is often complicated.

Ya, could be something as simple as that they wanted him to come to the tryout they ran right after the draft before offering the contract, instead of signing him immediately. They usually sign a few from that tryout camp, and did again this year.

[Patler]

More interesting tidbits:

Narveson scored on a 58 yard field goal ... in High School!

His only miss in preseason, also from 58 yards, came after a timeout call during his first attempt. He made the first attempt that was negated by the time out. The next attempt was accurate, but just short of the crossbar.

[Fritz]

More interesting tidbits:

Narveson scored on a 58 yard field goal ... in High School!

His only miss in preseason, also from 58 yards, came after a timeout call during his first attempt. He made the first attempt that was negated by the time out. The next attempt was accurate, but just short of the crossbar.

This year, we can say that the Packers got Nards!

[MadtownPacker]

This year, we can say that the Packers got Nards!
Gonna need some to win the SupaBowl.

[MadtownPacker]

More interesting tidbits:

Narveson scored on a 58 yard field goal ... in High School!

His only miss in preseason, also from 58 yards, came after a timeout call during his first attempt. He made the first attempt that was negated by the time out. The next attempt was accurate, but just short of the crossbar.Damn Patler, I’m luving seeing you be a fan. Might be getting soft with age. :lol:

[Patler]

Damn Patler, I’m luving seeing you be a fan. Might be getting soft with age. :lol:

Heck, I was old when I started posting on JSO!
Must be from advancing senility.

[Fritz]

In comparison to the mini-disasters that befell the Packers on Friday (Love’s injury, play of the O-line, play of the entire defense), Nards clanking one 40 yarder is not as trauma-inducing as I thought it would be. Just part of the general stinkage.