The Patriots have settled in enough this season that their next opponent feels less daunting than it might have looked in September. Still, when Green Bay comes to Foxboro in Week 9, there’s one Packers issue New England would probably love to see linger: rookie kicker Trey Smack’s shaky start.
Smack has already been part of a costly Week 8 escape for the Packers, who beat the Panthers in a game that was likely tighter than they expected. His roughest moment came earlier against the Lions, when he missed two field goals - one from 26 yards and another from 35 - that would have put Green Bay ahead before Detroit got the ball back and won the game.
That kind of swing can change everything, and it’s exactly the sort of opening the Patriots would welcome if it shows up again Sunday.
Through eight games, Smack has missed a league-high eight kicks. Five of those have been field goals, including two from under 40 yards, and he’s also missed three extra points. For a team trying to squeeze out every edge, that’s the kind of weakness that can decide a game.
New England doesn’t need to count on it, but it can certainly lean into it. If the Patriots can create pressure on field goal tries and extra points, or simply be ready to pounce on another miss, they could steal a little extra value in a matchup that figures to be difficult even at home.
That matters even more with the Patriots dealing with so many injuries this late in the season. Any small advantage is worth chasing. Their special teams should be up to the task, but it will still require focus and execution.
A win here would put New England at 6-3 heading into its international game against the Lions, a huge step for a team that opened 1-3. If that win comes with help from a struggling kicker, the Patriots won’t be complaining.
A win is a win, after all.
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