Should the Packers Make a Change at Kicker?
As the Green Bay Packers get ready for their Week 10 Monday night game against the reigning Super Bowl Champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, some questions hang over the team. One of them being: Should the team make a change at kicker? Veteran Brandon McManus, seen last season and earlier this season as a strong and reliable source of a kicker for the team, however, the kicker has been shaky since returning from injury. Meanwhile, in McManus’ absence, Lucas Havrisik, who took over kicking duties for the team, impressed with his accuracy and consistency, notably breaking a franchise record. With playoff hopes growing each week, Green Bay must choose whether to stick with experience or take a risk on the young but promising kicker.
McManus, known for his big leg and playoff star, was brought in by the team last season to bring experience to a special teams unit that has struggled in recent years. However, since returning from a groin injury a couple of weeks ago, the veteran kicker has been dealing with struggle after struggle to find a consistent rhythm and has been missing several important field goal kicks and extra points in the past couple of games. Those missed chances have severely and directly impacted not only the Packers’ momentum on all sides of the ball but also noticeably the scoreboard. As a result, this has left fans questioning his reliability heading into one of the toughest games of the season for the team.
On the other hand, Havrisik delivered when called up to the plate earlier this season. During McManus’ time off the field, the young kicker made many long field goals, including multiple from 50 yards and beyond, and did so with a strong sense of calmness well beyond his experience. His consistency in kicks gave the Packers a rhythm on all sides, and his performance has many questioning if he’s earned another chance to kick for the team. With the Packers offense still finding its rhythm, having a reliable kicker could be the key to the team's rhythm is missing.
Head coach Matt LaFleur and special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia now must tackle the kicking position. The Eagles’ fast defense could possibly cut scoring opportunities for the offense. Meaning, Green Bay can’t face any missed chances to leave points on the field. If McManus continues to struggle, the demand for Havrisik’s return will only grow.
Heading into Monday night, the Packers must perform or experience. McManus’ track record shows he can bounce back, but the timing could call for a chance at the position. A reliable kicker can win close games. With Green Bay’s playoff hopes in the background, the window for error is small. Whether the Packers choose experience or performance, the decision at kicker could shape the outcome of the Week 10 game and possibly the season.
