In a thrilling back-and-forth game, the Green Bay Packers edged out the Houston Texans, 24-22, thanks to a 45-yard field goal by newly signed kicker Brandon McManus. The kick, coming as time expired, sealed a dramatic win in a game that saw seven lead changes and tested both teams’ resilience.
McManus Steals the Spotlight in Packers Debut
Brandon McManus’ week got off to a dramatic start when he signed with the Packers to replace Brayden Narveson, who had struggled. His first moment of pressure in 287 days? Nailing a game-winner at Lambeau Field. For a veteran like McManus, stepping into a high-stakes moment felt like destiny.
As the ball sailed through the uprights, McManus made his first Lambeau Leap, soaking in the energy of the home crowd. The Packers, who struggled with three first-half turnovers, found redemption in their new kicker’s reliability.
- McManus’ Game-Winning Stats:
- 45-yard field goal as time expired
- Signed with the Packers just days before the game
- First career game-winning kick as a Packer
What a start for McManus, and what a game for the Packers, as they not only won but also got a critical performance from their newest addition.
Packers Overcome Turnovers to Secure Win
Green Bay didn’t have an easy path to victory. Jordan Love threw two first-half interceptions, and the team turned the ball over three times before halftime. Despite this, the Packers managed to keep the game close, rallying when it mattered most.
With under two minutes left in the game, after a Ka’imi Fairbairn field goal gave the Texans a 22-21 lead, it was Love’s chance to redeem himself. The Packers started their final drive deep in their own territory, but Love quickly got his team into field goal range. From there, McManus did the rest.
This wasn’t the Packers’ best game, but it showcased their ability to fight through adversity. Love’s mistakes could have sunk the team, but instead, his final drive set up a huge win.
Key Moments Define the Game’s Flow
The game wasn’t all about the final kick. It was a seesaw battle where each team had chances to take control, but key plays kept the outcome uncertain until the very end.
- Texans’ Ka’imi Fairbairn’s Field Goal: Fairbairn’s go-ahead 35-yard field goal with just under two minutes remaining looked like it might seal the win for Houston. The 13-play, 45-yard drive that led to it chewed up over six minutes of game time.
- Eric Wilson’s Crucial Sack: Late in the third quarter, with the Texans driving into Packers territory, linebacker Eric Wilson delivered a critical sack on C.J. Stroud. The play not only stopped the Texans from potentially taking the lead earlier but also energized the Packers defense for the remainder of the game.
- Josh Jacobs’ Impact: Josh Jacobs had been quiet most of the game but came alive when needed. A 27-yard run earlier in the third quarter helped set up his first career receiving touchdown, which temporarily gave the Packers the lead again.
In a game full of crucial moments, every play seemed to have a ripple effect on the outcome.
Texans Struggle to Capitalize Despite Packers’ Mistakes
Despite forcing three first-half turnovers and controlling the clock for much of the second half, the Texans were unable to put the Packers away. Their offense, led by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, showed promise but was ultimately inconsistent when it mattered most.
- Stroud’s Second-Half Struggles: Stroud, though composed for much of the first half, couldn’t sustain drives in the second. He finished with just 44 passing yards at halftime and failed to lead the Texans to a single touchdown after the break.
- Joe Mixon’s Dominance Fades: Joe Mixon started the game strong, piling up 81 rushing yards in the first half, including two touchdowns. However, the Packers’ defense adjusted, limiting Mixon to just 20 yards in the second half.
Though the Texans managed to take the lead twice in the fourth quarter, they couldn’t capitalize on their chances, allowing Green Bay to hang around and ultimately steal the win.
