Packers 2022 roster preview: Will Mason Crosby bounce back?
Mason Crosby has bounced back from bad seasons in the past. The Green Bay Packers‘ longtime kicker will be aiming to do it again in 2022.
Green Bay’s special teams unit was a disaster throughout the 2021 season, including the kicking game.
Crosby didn’t get much help from the players around him, but there is no doubt he also needs to get back to his best in 2022.
2021 stats
Crosby played all 17 games in the regular season for the Packers.
On field goal attempts, Crosby went 25/34. He was 49/51 on extra-point tries. Crosby’s field goal percentage of 73.5 percent was his lowest since 2012.
On kickoffs, Crosby’s touchback percentage of 45.7 percent was his lowest since 2018.
2021 season review
Crosby started the season strong, making six out of six field goal attempts over the opening four weeks.
In Week 5 at Cincinnati, the problems began when Crosby missed three field goals. However, he did eventually convert the game-winner in overtime.
Crosby then regularly missed field goals throughout the season. He did convert all seven attempts in the Packers’ five games but then crucially had one blocked in the divisional round defeat to the San Francisco 49ers.
Some of Crosby’s misses were due to blocks. Not his fault. The protection up front was embarrassing. Other times, poor blocking seemed to cause Crosby to drag his kicks wide. Had those kicks gone straight, they may have been blocked anyway.
But there’s no doubt that the Packers’ veteran kicker also missed plenty when the protection, snap, and hold were all fine.
Will he make the roster?
The Packers do have two kickers on the roster, but Crosby is very much the frontrunner to win the job. As long as he looks comfortable over the summer, it will likely be his job.
What to expect in 2022
Crosby bounced back from a career-worst 2012 season. He can do it again.
The hope is that with improved play from the field goal operations around him, he will have enough confidence to get back to his best. Building some continuity with his snapper and holder will help.
Signing veteran punter Pat O’Donnell was a smart move by the Packers. He has plenty of experience holding on field goals, especially in cold weather.
If the Packers can do enough to give Crosby good protection and a smooth operation on field goals, I have no doubt he will bounce back in 2022.