Maybe Mason Crosby solved the problem with his kicking early in training camp.
Advertisement
Crosby was only 29 of 39 on live field-goal attempts in training camp going into Tuesday, including a 6-for-9 on Monday low-lighted by a 28-yard miss. The common factor? Nine of his 10 misses were wide right.
So Crosby and special-teams coach Shawn Slocum scrutinized practice videotape and determined hed been lining up too wide for his soccer-style windup, and pushing the ball a little too far right. [img_r]http://www.footballdiner.com/masoncrosby.jpg[/img_r]
On Tuesday morning, in live field-goal drills that simulated a late drive and kick at the and end of a half or game, Crosby crushed the ball while going 3-for-3 on long kicks that had several yards or more to spare: a 53-yarder, a 58-yarder and a 53-yarder.
Just a little alignment, Crosby said. We looked at a couple things, tightened it down, then when out there and hit the ball well.
The Packers have been surprised at Crosbys erratic kicking early in camp, though he said hes been striking the ball well. Along with technical flaw, Crosby also is adjusting to changes at holder this year because of the Packers uncertainty at punter.
Most NFL teams use the punter as the holder because they can work on their timing almost any time during practice, whereas a regular position player has individual, group and team drills. The Packers dont know who their punter will be Jeremy Kapinos and Durant Brooks are in a tight competition, and if neither performs well the Packers could end up with a player released by another team.
With that unknown, theyre using backup quarterback Matt Flynn as the primary holder, and Brooks as the No. 2. Crosbys 28-yard miss Monday came with the backup holder and snapper, though there were no obvious errors on the play. The Packers now are occasionally pulling Flynn from quarterback drills to get in a few holds before live kicking.
Were figuring out ways to get (Flynn) out, get reps, and make sure we feel consistent and comfortable, Crosby said.