It wasn't long ago that Green Bay Packers fans saw Lucas Havrisik set a franchise record by banging through a 61-yard field goal. That was last season.
Havrisik is gone. Rookie Trey Smack is here, and he is gunning to break the franchise mark.
The sixth-round pick, the only kicker drafted this year, has quieted all concerns after a rough training camp by blasting the stitches off the ball in the preseason. Officially, he has made three 50-plus-yard field goals in two games, plus another one voided by a defensive penalty.
Smack hasn't missed thus far. His field-goal makes, in addition to a 3-for-3 mark on extra points: 37 yards, 38, 38, 43, 58, 58 (void), and 59.
After his performance against the Denver Broncos, it's safe to say that Havrisik's record isn't anywhere near safe from being broken at some point this season.
Trey Smack continues drilling everything in sight
Friday's game saw the Packers execute a two-minute drill to perfection before halftime not once, but twice. After Smack converted a 59-yarder, Green Bay got the ball back in time for him to boot another from 43 with the clock showing zeroes.
Similarly, his 58-yarder last week came at the end of the first half. He made another, from 38, with just over a minute to go in the game. Just for good measure.
Smack already looks like a weapon. The range he showed in his college career at Florida has come out of hiding. In each of his three seasons kicking for the Gators, Smack drilled one through for at least 54 yards, peaking with a long of 56 as a senior.
Of course, he's shown some of that in Packers practice. The problem was consistency. Smack might convert from 58 yards away, then botch a 35-yarder in windy conditions. He'll have to get used to overcoming the elements if he's going to make kicks in December at Lambeau Field.
In Green Bay's two preseason games, neither distance nor location has mattered. At home against the Steelers? Perfect. On the road in Denver? Perfect. Cupcake from 38? No problem. Crush one from just inside the 60? Got it.
While preaching an "even-keeled" mindset, special teams coordinator Cam Achord said he ascribes more meaning to Smack's performance in real stadiums, in gameday-like conditions. Smack performed well at Packers Family Night and has carried that strong showing into the preseason. Those are good signs.
Havrisik only just set the franchise mark, but don't expect it to hold up for long. Smack might just do it this year.
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