Green Bay Packers kicker Brayden Narveson continues to struggle, missing at least one attempt for the fourth game of the season despite the team’s 34–13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
In an attempt to locate a more dependable player after a poor first campaign, the Packers cut Anders Carlson during the preseason. Narveson became their official kicker after a stellar preseason performance. But he has been a major disappointment through six games, converting only 70.6% of his field goals (12-for-17), which is the lowest percentage among starting kickers. He is especially problematic from 40-49 yards, going only 5-for-9.
Among his misses, Narveson has developed a worrying pattern: he constantly pushes his kicks wide to the right. The most important question is when the Packers will decide to move on, even if patience is essential for developing a young kicker. History appears to be repeating itself as they were ultimately hampered in the playoffs by the same problems they had with Carlson the previous season.
The stakes are bigger than ever because the NFC North is expected to be the league’s most competitive division. As the Packers strive for a postseason berth, every failed kick could end up costing them money.
During Week 6 at Lambeau Field, a possible replacement for Narveson showed promise if Green Bay decides to let him go. Chad Ryland, the Arizona Cardinals’ backup kicker, went a perfect 2-for-2 and made an impression. Ryland signed with Arizona as a temporary replacement for veteran Matt Prater, who is currently battling a knee injury, after trying out with the Packers just two weeks before. Ryland might be back on the market soon since Prater is anticipated to return shortly.
Ryland has made five of six field goals in his short tenure with the Cardinals, with his lone miss being blocked. Despite his flaws, he has shown to be the dependable player the Packers sorely need.
It wouldn’t be shocking to see Green if Ryland becomes available once more.
