The biggest storyline to come out of Sunday’s Green Bay Packers versus Detroit Lions game was definitely the controversial penalties called. There were plenty of calls made by the officiating crew that created an uproar on social media. Even coach Matt LaFleur was heated on the sidelines, but remained quiet in his post-game press conference.
However, arguably the second worst storyline from the Packers’ side of things revolved around rookie kicker Trey Smack. Sure, the Packers lost a lot of free yardage because of the eight penalties called on them during the game, but Smack cost the team multiple points by missing some kicks.
Smack got off to a rough start. After failing to convert a touchdown on the first drive of the game, the Packers chose to trust Smack to make a 26-yard field goal. But, Smack’s kick went far right.
The worst moment came on the Packers’ final drive of the game. Green Bay and Detroit sat tied at 17 each with 4:50 left on the clock. The Packers had a quick drive and didn’t make it far down the field, but they were already in a good spot when the drive started since the Lions ended theirs on downs. Green Bay set Smack up for a 35-yard field goal that would’ve put the Packers up 20-17 with 3:25 left in the game.
The Lions blocked Smack’s field goal attempt, making him go 1-of-3 on the night. Smack did make the two extra point attempts, though. Smack’s the first kicker since Patriots kicker Mike Nugent on Oct. 27, 2019 to miss two field goals from 35 yards or shorter in the same game, the Associated Press’ Josh Dubow reported.
The Lions ended up winning 20-17 thanks to their last-second field goal made.
Fans wondered if Smack’s job would be in jeopardy moving forward after the rough outing. Other NFL teams have released their kickers because of poor performances like the one Smack had on Sunday. But, LaFleur fully plans on keeping Smack as the team’s kicker moving forward.
“Certainly, you never want to go through it, but Trey’s a guy that I think he’s proven that he can do it, and I know he can do it,” LaFleur said after the game. “We’ve got to wipe this one clean and got to move on and hopefully we can be a little bit better.”
Through seven games in his rookie season, Smack’s missed seven kicks: five field goals and two extra points. The other three missed field goals were from the 40-49-yard range. He’s made both attempts from 50 yards or more with his longest of the season being a field goal from 59 yards.
Smack’s clearly capable of making field goals from mid-range as he made it to the NFL for a reason. But, it’s clear something’s off with him right now. If he continues missing, there’s a chance LaFleur will change his mind.