The highly anticipated matchup between Green Bay and Houston came down to the final seconds last Sunday. Green Bay kicked a field goal in a walk-off win to move to 5-2. Here’s a look at some of the highlights that put the Packers on top.
Defense Got to Stroud
The performance from the defense Sunday was arguably the best we’ve seen this season so far. C.J. Stroud put up some of the worst numbers of his career. Stroud threw the ball 21 times and only completed 10 of those 21 passes. Not only was the defense making it hard for Stroud to find anyone open, they also were able to get to him and register four sacks.
Joe Mixon, who finished the game with 115 yards on 25 carries and two touchdowns, was really the only impactful player on the Texans offense. The aggressiveness and poise of the defense kept the Packers in the game when the offense struggled to get anything going. Jordan Love threw an interception early in the first quarter that was returned to Green Bay’s 11-yard line. The defense managed to hold Houston to a field goal.
It was clear that C.J. Stroud was extremely uncomfortable the entire game. Jordan Love seemed impressed with the defense stating, “The defense played phenomenal”. The defense played so well that Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley was awarded a game ball from Matt LaFleur.
New Kicker Delivers
Newly signed veteran kicker Brandon McManus earned the win for Green Bay last Sunday. McManus kicked three extra points with ease before his game winner. With three seconds left in the game McManus’ number was called, and he delivered – making a 45 yarder for the win as time expired.
With the recent struggles at kicker, the game winner from McManus was a breath of fresh air for Packers fans. Matt LaFleur commented “He’s a vet and you can see it”. While McManus has only kicked in one game for the Packers, it was an encouraging performance.
Flipping the Field
While the performance by special teams on punt returns was underwhelming, punter Daniel Whelan had himself quite a day. Whelan punted five times for an average of 56.8 yards per punt. Whelan punted from inside the 15 three times and put the Texans on the opposite side of the field at their own 25-, 32- and 38-yard lines. His ability to pin the Texans back was a major game changer.
While Whelan is quite the punter, he is also a great holder. Whelan arguably saved the day by handling a poor snap on the game winning field goal attempt. Despite the low snap, Whelan had the ball in place for ready for McManus to win the game.
Two Minute Offense
While Jordan Love’s performance on Sunday was not his best, he commanded the offense on the final drive. Love completed 24 of his 33 passes for 220 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions on the day. With 1:44 left in the game, the offense steadily made their way into Houston territory leaving kicker Brandon McManus with 3 seconds to win it.
Running back Josh Jacobs stated, “We was on the sideline, and I was telling everybody like man you know these are the moments where you create your legacy”. Despite the inability to move the ball earlier in the game, the offense moved the ball when it mattered.
Moving Forward
The Packers take on the Jaguars in Jacksonville this Sunday. If the defense remains aggressive, the offense has a better day, and the special teams continues to deliver, Green Bay will have the opportunity to move to 6-2.
