Packers coach Matt LaFleur ‘admits he PRAYS when kicker Anders Carlson heads onto the field’ in shock confession shortly before missed 41-yard attempt in three-point 49ers loss

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur has apparently confessed that he prays whenever kicker Anders Carlson takes the field.

During their divisional playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers, LaFleur admitted his situational need for confidence, as reported by Fox Sports commentator Matt Rinaldi.

“When we talked to head coach Matt LaFleur about this, he basically said, ‘When he (Carlson) goes out there, I’m just going to pray,’” Rinaldi said on the broadcast.

LaFleur’s prayers went unanswered as Carlson had a costly miss when it mattered most. The Packers led 21-17 in the fourth quarter when Carlson had a chance to extend their lead to seven. Unfortunately his attempt went wide and he narrowly missed the target from 41 yards.

The Packers could have put the close game to bed with the field goal. Instead, the 49ers rallied from behind to secure a 24–21 victory and advance to the NFC Championship.

Carlson entered this season with a field goal percentage of 81.8. The Auburn alum completed both attempts from the 20-29 yard range before the horrible miss at crucial time.

San Francisco rallied behind star running back Christian McCaffrey, who had 17 carries for 98 yards and two crucial touchdowns. Meanwhile, tight end George Kittle led the 49ers in receiving yards with 81 and a touchdown.

Quarterback Brock Purdy completed 23 of 39 attempts for 252 yards and a touchdown.

The Packers entered the game on a four-game win streak, including a wild-card win over the Cowboys. On the other hand, the top-seeded 49ers lost their season finale against the Rams and took a week off before overcoming Green Bay.

The 49ers will face the winner of Sunday’s game between the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC title.