Mason Crosby: 2015 Packers Player Report Card

Mason Crosby

  • Age: 31
  • Ht./Wt: 6'1", 207lbs
  • College: Colorado
  • NFL Experience: 9 years

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Expectations coming into the season:  Except for his anomaly of a 2012 season, when his field-goal accuracy percentage dropped to a career-low 63.6 percent, Mason Crosby has been an incredibly consistent kicker for the Packers and was expected to perform at his usual high level heading into the 2016 season. Because he had two kicks blocked in 2015, one of many low spots for Green Bay's special teams last season, he was also expected to correct that aspect of his game in 2016. 

Player’s highlights/low-lights: Crosby didn't kick any field goals to win a game, but in terms of highlights, he did hit a long 56-yarder against the Denver Broncos in the Packers' first game back from the bye, one of the few bright spots on a game the team would otherwise like to forget. But speaking of game-winners, Crosby's lowlight on the season came in the one game his leg could have won for the team. In Week 9 against the Detroit Lions, Crosby missed a 52-yard attempt that, if successful, would have won the game 19-18 in the Packers' favor. "I flat missed it," Crosby said afterwards. It was one of only four misses in the regular season (24-of-28).

Level of Expectations met: Aside from the heartbreaking miss, Crosby met and possibly exceeded expectations in 2016. His 85.7 percent accuracy on field-goal attempts was the second highest of his career, and he had zero kicks blocked, a huge improvement from 2015. The Packers have come to expect an average of about 80 percent on field-goal attempts from Crosby given the numbers over his entire career, and he surpassed that threshold this season. 

Grade: A

Player’s contributions to team success: Unfortunately, as previously mentioned, Crosby didn't come through on his biggest opportunity to help the team in a big way, missing what would have been a game-clincher against the Lions in Week 9. However, most importantly, he didn't allow that blunder to mess with his head and maintained a high level of play afterward. He was also 4-of-5 on field-goal attempts of 50 or more yards in 2016 and a perfect 36-of-36 on point after attempts. Still, game-winning field goal attempts are a huge opportunity for kickers to contribute to team success, so Crosby's grade in this category has to reflect that. 

Grade: B

Player’s contributions in the playoffs: Crosby had an excellent postseason, going a perfect 4-of-4 on field-goal attempts and 5-of-5 on extra points. His kickoffs averaged 64 yards and none were returned for more than 19 yards. 

Grade: A

Intangibles/misc: A veteran presence on the team, Crosby has been one of the league's better kickers since he was drafted in 2007. He is set to become a free agent in March, and of all the team's impending free agents, he's the biggest must-sign. 

Grade: A

 

Overall Grade:  A-

 
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Comments (7)

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ray nichkee's picture

February 13, 2016 at 12:02 pm

I give cow an A for asshole.

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Denver's picture

February 13, 2016 at 12:19 pm

That may be a tad strong, but yeah, he is beyond tedious.
Re: Crosby, wouldn't it be nice to look back on a season and think of a couple of game-winning kicks he made? Next year, if he's re-signed, would be fine by me.

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lou's picture

February 13, 2016 at 11:27 am

YES, we have an "A" player in Crosby. I was on the band wagon 2 years ago to replace him and I was dead wrong. That year he not only missed badly but in every possible direction, based on his talent level it had to be between his ears and many pro's especially the baseball fielders with the "yips" throwing to first never are the same. Crosby got his head straight and is still at the top of his game, one of only four to make every extra point, strong enough on kickoffs, and deadly accurate inside 45 yeard plus, I have played on several levels and grew up near the original City Stadium and he is by far the best on sides kicker I have ever seen - no one close (plus he is not afraid to make a tackle). Now Cow, that is an A player.

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Tundraboy's picture

February 13, 2016 at 10:22 pm

Like his tackling.

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Predictor's picture

February 13, 2016 at 12:51 pm

Crosby is a B grade at best. You get paid to make the clutch kicks and not miss them. The most important game winning kick of the year against Detroit, he missed. He has a history of missing important 4th quarter kicks.

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4thand1's picture

February 13, 2016 at 03:37 pm

It was 52 yards in shit weather. Probably tried to kick it to hard and just miss hit it. Could be worse, could be a viqueen kicker.

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mrtundra's picture

February 14, 2016 at 08:10 am

Crosby has to be re-signed. He was pretty solid this past season.

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