It’s been nearly a week since the Green Bay Packers were eliminated in the Divisional Round against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Packers actually out-played the Niners for long stretches of the game and you could very easily make the argument that they deserved to win.
Of course, Anders Carlson’s missed 41-yard field was a big reason why Green Bay lost the game.
It’s been a rough season for Carlson – which is why not many eyebrows were raised FOX Sports’ Tom Rinaldi reported during the broadcast that Packers head coach Matt LaFleur told him in the lead-up to the game that “when (Carlson) goes out there, I just pray.”
The Tom Rinaldi story about how Matt LaFleur feels every time Anders Carlson attempts a kick was crazy, “when he goes out there, I just pray.”
If that's truly the case, no reason Carlson should have been the kicker in the playoffs. #Packers #Kickers pic.twitter.com/LceUQmcQSX
— John Breech (@johnbreech) January 21, 2024
However, that comment was apparently NOT meant to be broadcasted it the world.
LaFleur made it clear that he was angered by Rinaldi violating his trust and reporting the harsh words on FOX’s broadcast.
“That was extremely disappointing that that’s how that message got portrayed,” LaFleur said. “I’ve been a part of production meetings ever since I became a coordinator, and I’ve never had an experience like that.”
“But it is what it is. I talked to Anders about it. I think any time something’s out of your control, kind of saying it in jest and having fun with it, but it got portrayed that way and it’s a learning lesson for me,” he added.
Matt LaFleur is not happy with Tom Rinaldi: “That was extremely disappointing that that’s how that message got portrayed. I’ve been a part of production meetings ever since I became a coordinator and I’ve never had an experience like that.”
LaFleur talked to Carlson about it. pic.twitter.com/fDYqp4GKUp
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) January 22, 2024
Rinaldi had shared the controversial quote after Carlson, a sixth-round rookie from Auburn, missed the crucial 41-yard field goal attempt in the fourth quarter.
The missed kick, if successful, would have given the Packers a seven-point lead over the 49ers.
On the subsequent possession, 49ers running back Christian McCaffery scored a six-yard touchdown, securing a three-point lead that ultimately led to the Packers defeat.
The game ended with a late-game interception thrown by Packers quarterback Jordan Love.
Jordan Love with a BRUTAL interception 😬pic.twitter.com/2t2bBG9cHI
— Footballism (@FootbaIIism) January 21, 2024
For the regular season, Carlson missed six field goals and five extra points.
What do you think of the Lafleur-Rinaldi drama?
Did Rinaldi indeed cross the line?
Whose side are you on???