Packers Settle Kicking Debate, Lean on Brandon McManus for Crucial NFC North Clash
Green Bay has officially named Brandon McManus as its primary kicker, releasing Lucas Havrisik, as the team prepares for a pivotal Thanksgiving showdown against the Detroit Lions.
- Glenn Catubig
- 4 min read
The Green Bay Packers have struggled to find consistency at the kicker position for much of the 2025 season. After experimenting with multiple options and keeping the battle open, head coach Matt LaFleur has made a definitive choice. Veteran Brandon McManus will handle all kicking duties moving forward, leaving the younger Lucas Havrisik off the roster.
Havrisik impressed during his brief appearances, connecting on all four field-goal attempts and six extra points, including a franchise-record 61-yard kick. Despite this hot streak, LaFleur and the Packers opted to go with experience, valuing McManus’ proven track record over a hotter leg in the short term.
McManus, who has returned from injury, has missed three of seven field-goal attempts this season, two of them under 50 yards. Still, LaFleur is betting on McManus’ ability to regain rhythm and stabilize a position that was a point of weakness for the team last year. The decision was formalized with Havrisik’s release ahead of the team’s crucial Thanksgiving matchup in Detroit.
The move underscores the Packers’ focus on reliability in high-pressure situations, both on special teams and across the roster. With McManus handling the kicking game and defensive star Micah Parsons stepping into a leadership role, Green Bay is setting the tone for the final stretch of the season.
1. McManus Chosen Over Hot-Hand Alternative
The competition between McManus and Havrisik had been intense, with both players showing potential at different times. Havrisik, 25, displayed a strong leg and consistency, giving the Packers hope for a long-term solution. His record-setting 61-yard kick showed he could perform under pressure, providing excitement for the fan base. Despite Havrisik’s performances, LaFleur leaned on McManus’ experience. The veteran kicker has a history of making clutch kicks in high-stakes games, a quality the Packers felt was essential as the playoff push nears. McManus’ prior reliability outweighs Havrisik’s short-term hot streak in the coaching staff’s eyes. The decision reflects a broader philosophy in Green Bay, where experience and proven performance take precedence in critical moments. McManus’ knowledge of game situations and previous success in pressure-filled contests gave him the edge. By releasing Havrisik, the Packers eliminated uncertainty at the position, signaling confidence in McManus and allowing the coaching staff to focus on other areas as the team heads into a pivotal NFC North matchup.
2. Special Teams and Defensive Identity
Green Bay isn’t just focusing on its kicking game. Defensive star Micah Parsons has been carving out his own identity at Lambeau Field, becoming a force in crucial situations. Parsons, inspired by the idea of closers in other sports, has embraced a “shutdown” persona when the team needs to end a game decisively. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley noted that Parsons enjoys making a statement on the field, likening his approach to entering a stadium to the iconic “Enter Sandman” walkout of Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. This mentality aligns with the Packers’ emphasis on clutch performance in key moments. Combined with McManus’ role, the team has clearly outlined who they trust in critical situations—whether it’s putting points on the board or preventing the opponent from scoring. These moves signal Green Bay’s intent to rely on proven performers as they approach the latter half of the season. With special teams stabilized and defensive leadership established, the Packers hope to carry momentum into their Thanksgiving matchup against the Lions and beyond.
3. Pressure Builds Ahead of Detroit Clash
The Thanksgiving game against the Lions carries significant playoff implications for the Packers. Sitting in a competitive NFC North, every win matters, and Green Bay is making sure its key players are in place for high-pressure moments. By solidifying the kicking situation with McManus, LaFleur has removed a potential point of vulnerability. Meanwhile, Parsons’ growing presence as a defensive leader provides confidence that the team can close out games effectively. The combination of stability on special teams and defensive firepower gives the Packers a clearer blueprint for success in late-season matchups. It also sends a message to the rest of the roster about accountability and trust in players who can deliver under pressure. With the NFC playoff race tightening, Green Bay’s emphasis on experience and leadership may prove pivotal as the schedule intensifies.