Packers: Predictions for top training camp battles in 2019

Kicker

Participants: Mason Crosby, Sam Ficken

Mason Crosby is under a bit of pressure at training camp, and that’s only increased with a new head coach.

Crosby’s field goal percentage over the past two seasons has been lower than expected — he finished with 78.8 percent in 2017, and was only slightly improved at 81.1 percent in 2018. Crosby also missed a potential game-winner against the Minnesota Vikings in a game the Packers eventually a tied, a game-tying kick against the Arizona Cardinals in the final few seconds, and he missed a total of five kicks in a loss to the Detroit Lions.

Enter Sam Ficken, who gives Crosby competition for the job at training camp.

Ficken has far less NFL experience than Crosby, having only played in four games over two seasons. And his results haven’t been great. Ficken has only converted 50 percent of his field goal attempts, converting three of six attempts. It’s a small sample size, however, so a strong performance at training camp will give him a chance.

Despite that, it would be a risky move to make a change at kicker, going from the experienced and usually reliable Crosby to an inexperienced kicker who has struggled so far in his career.

The last thing the Packers need is to get into trouble at the kicker position. Just ask the Chicago Bears.

That’s why Crosby should win the battle.

Prediction: Crosby wins the job