In the world of NFL kickers, few issues generate as much debate as sticking with a player despite clear struggles—especially when others are available. And this is the part most fans overlook: the Green Bay Packers are currently choosing to keep veteran kicker Brandon McManus on their roster, even though his performance this season has been highly disappointing.
To put this into perspective, McManus’s success rate on field goals stands at just 64.7%, the lowest among 33 NFL kickers with at least ten attempts in the current season. This is a stark contrast from his previous season, when he was nearly flawless—making 20 of 21 attempts and earning recognition as one of the league’s most reliable kickers, alongside Tennessee’s Nick Folk, who also missed only once in over 20 tries.
This year, however, has been a different story. McManus has missed a field goal in four of his seven games, including a streak of three consecutive misses following his return from a quad injury to his kicking leg. His struggles are compounded by blocked kicks in two games, further raising questions about his current form.
Despite these issues, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur remains confident in the veteran’s abilities. He pointed out that the team’s evaluation process isn’t solely based on game-day performance but also heavily relies on practice sessions. LaFleur emphasized that they observe his progress during practice and weigh that when making decisions, more than just one attempt or a game situation.
A notable example of the challenges McManus faced was his failed 64-yard attempt in the Nov. 10 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, which fell far short, affected by the cold and windy conditions at Lambeau Field. There was also a 58-yard attempt in Pittsburgh—arguably one of the toughest stadiums to kick in—where he missed both that and a 44-yard attempt in the same game. Interestingly, McManus, who has only one of five attempts from 40 to 49 yards this season being blocked, shows he can perform under pressure but struggles within certain distances.
LaFleur reassured that his conversations with McManus have been positive, citing proper practice performance and readiness for game day as indicators of his confidence. The decision to keep McManus isn’t made lightly, especially considering the potential options within the roster.
Interestingly, the Packers also have Lucas Havrisik on their 53-man roster, which might seem unusual given the team’s apparent commitment to McManus. However, LaFleur highlighted Havrisik’s potential as a talented, up-and-coming kicker and explained that the Packers’ roster flexibility allows them to carry two kickers without rushing into a quick replacement.
This situation sparks a broader question about how teams balance performance, potential, and long-term planning when it comes to special teams. Would you, as a fan or analyst, prefer to see the team replace a struggling kicker quickly or give them more time to recover and prove themselves? Share your thoughts—are teams justified in sticking with a veteran despite shaky results, or is it a risky gamble that can cost crucial points in close games?
