Brandon McManus gets it done again as the Packers defeat the Jaguars
Brandon McManus kicked a game-winning field goal on the final play for the second straight week as the Packers defeated the Jaguars 30-27 on the road to improve to 6-2 on the season.
The Packers took a 10-0 lead in the second quarter and took a 13-10 lead at halftime. The lead changed hands in the third quarter, and Malik Willis stepped in for an injured Jordan Love before leading the Packers to the go-ahead score. Jacksonville tied it at 27-27 late in the game before Willis found Jayden Reed for a 51-yard pass play, eventually setting up the winning field goal for the victory.
Thoughts about this win:
Jordan Love tried to toughen it out, but he suffered a groin injury, which led to Malik Willis once again. Willis did a great job leading the offense, mixing up the run and pass. When the game was tied, he was going to have to pass the ball to get anywhere, and he did just that in one play, the 51-yard catch and run by Reed. They got closer when Chris Brooks ran for a 1st down but went down before reaching the goal line. A few kneeldowns later and the stage was set for McManus to drill the winning field goal.
It was apparent that Jacksonville was going to let Brooks score so that they could get the ball back with time to drive down the field themselves. It’s always a risk when you go down before reaching the goal line, because a lot has to go right for them to make even a routine FG attempt, let alone one in a pressure situation, but if you can’t do something like make a routine FG, you don’t really deserve to win anyway.
Xavier McKinney got his 6th interception of the season, setting up the Packers’ first touchdown. He has almost as many interceptions by himself as the whole team had last season. (7 in the regular season)
Josh Jacobs had quite a day once again, rushing for 127 yards and a pair of touchdowns. With Willis in for Love, they were going to have to run the ball effectively in order to get this win, and they did just that.
The defense played well at times, but they didn’t end either half very well as they allowed 20 of the Jaguars’ 27 points in 4 drives, 2 to end each half. They will need to be much better if the Packers are going to make any noise in January and possibly February.
A win is a win though and the Packers have swept the AFC South Division. They will have a much better week than the Bears for example, who lost on a tipped Hail Mary Pass by Jayden Daniels of the Commanders.
The Packers will have their work cut out for them next week as they host the Detroit Lions late afternoon next Sunday. The Lions destroyed the Titans 52-14. Whether it’s Love or Willis, the Packers will need to be ready. They will probably be underdogs either way, but they’ve beaten the odds before.
Right now, it’s another victory for the Packers. They have a lot of work ahead of them to prepare for next week’s game, but they have a day or two to enjoy this one. Have a great week Packer fans!
Go Pack Go!
@DieHardPackersFan #DHPF #GregGoshaw @gg901
