Mike McCarthy won't kick Packers Mason Crosby to curb


By Kevin Patra
Published: Dec. 17, 2012 at 07:01 a.m.

Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy still isnâ??t punting his kicker, Mason Crosby.

â??Weâ??re not changing our kicker, so you can write that down right now,â??â?? McCarthy said, via the Green Bay Press Gazette. â??Heâ??s our guy. He needs to make those kicks. He knows that. Weâ??re at that time of year.â??â??

Itâ??s commendable for McCarthy to stick up for his kicker, but as the playoffs approach Crosbyâ??s shakiness must be eating at the head coach. Crosby is 17-for-29 for the season for a pathetic 58.6 percent â?? the next closest is David Akers at 71.4 percent.

Crosby has also missed a field goal in each of the last six games. Including 43 and 42-yard field goals in Sundayâ??s 21-13 victory over the Chicago Bears.

Itâ??s gotten to the point where the Packers rarely try long field goals. On fourth-and-6 to start the third quarter at the 26-yard line they went for it instead of attempting a 43-yard field goal. The decision was obvious: McCarthy trusts Aaron Rodgerâ??s arm more than Crosbyâ??s leg.

â??I canâ??t sit and sulk, think about missed kicks, because I have to make kicks and weâ??re going to get to the playoffs and thereâ??s going to be some big ones down the line here,â?? Crosby said.

The Packers clinched the NFC North Sunday, but in the playoffs, against good defenses, they wonâ??t have the luxury to pass on points. Crosby will have to turn it around and get back to being the kicker he has been in previous seasons, or his coachâ??s loyalty might ultimately cost his team.