The storyline of the Green Bay Packers’ offseason was forged in the wildcard loss to the Chicago Bears, who overcame a 21-3 deficit to win in overtime. That storyline, of the inability to finish games, continued in 2026 as the Minnesota Vikings scored 22 unanswered points in the 4th quarter to win 39-22. The Packers’ improbable win against the New York Jets turned the tables and ended their 7 game losing streak.

Muddy, sloppy football

The first challenge for the Packers began when they stepped out of the bus at MetLife stadium. It was a rainy gameday to be played on a notorious field, making a repeat performance from Jordan Love unlikely if things went south.

Things did indeed go south. In the first offensive series for the Packers, a three and out, wide receiver Jayden Reed was carted off the field on a backboard and was quickly followed by Zach Backo-Bewele with his leg in an air cast.

Backo-Bewele was not the only offensive line player to leave the game with an injury. Aaron Banks, in his first game back from injury, left with a new toe injury and Donovan Jennings left with a hand injury. Matt Lafleur said after the game that the staff was considering putting Tucker Kraft in at tackle if any more players got hurt.

More changes in the offensive line and a slippery, hard to catch football limited the Packers offense to 63 net yards and one touchdown in the first half. This extremely poor start meant that the road to victory only laid through a Packers’ improbable win.

Muddy jerseys were the least bothersome laundry for the team. They were penalized 14 times for a total of 133 yards, by comparison, they only finished the game with 199 total yards on offense, including overtime. While the Jets also dealt with a lot of flags, 13 for 156 yards, the Packers have now been flagged an unacceptable 26 times in their first two games.

Flipping the script

Looking back at the worst losses of the Lafleur-Love era usually points to two factors: the defense failing to get stops at critical moments, and special teams mistakes. Against the Jets, however, the Packers’ improbable win would not have been possible without major contributions from the defense and special teams.

Firstly, the defense was both consistent and clutch. The Jets were held to less than 300 total yards and only 17 points, with no points being scored after the 3rd quarter. A 4th down tackle for loss by Lucas Van Ness stopped the Jets from retaking the lead after the Packers tied the score at 17. Additionally, the Jets first drive of overtime was a three and out created by 2 quick sacks of Geno Smith.

On special team, Skyy Moore was the most effective player for the Packers at moving the ball. His kick and punt return yards totaled 208 yards, 9 more than the Packers offense, and included a punt return of 63 yards that set up the tying field goal.

Finally, the game was ended by rookie kicker Trey Smack hitting a 29 yard field goal for a walk-off win. It’s early in his NFL career, but, Smack has been  the kicker that the Packers have needed ever since moving on from Mason Crosby.

All of these factors combined in a one-of-a-kind win for the Packers. After a slough of mind-boggling losses, Cheeseheads were the ones celebrating their Packers’ improbable win demonstrated by this tweet.

There is plenty to worry about this season for the Green and Gold including a disjointed offense and a shocking number of injuries and changes on the offensive line. However, amid these worries, fans should echo Kevin’s quote from The Office and say “It’s just nice to win one.”