Packers defeat 1st-place Texans with game-winning FG on final play

The Packers improved to 5-2 after defeating the Houston Texans 24-22 on Sunday afternoon.

This game went back and forth as there were 8 lead changes overall. Jordan Love overcame 2 interceptions to throw for 3 touchdowns and engineered a drive in the final few minutes to get close enough for newly-signed kicker Brandon McManus to kick a 45-yard field goal on the final play of the game.

Thoughts about this victory:

The Packers turned the ball over 3 times, including on special teams, and did not record a takeaway for the first time this season. Finding a way to win the game despite being -3 in the turnover category was a huge morale boost for this team.

The Packers had 3 different players with a TD reception, Tucker Kraft, Dontayvion Wicks, and Josh Jacobs. Jacobs had the first TD reception of his career. The long drought is over for him.

The defense allowed less than 200 yards of offense by the Texans. They had their moments, but they did give up 142 yards rushing. Perhaps their biggest play was stopping Houston’s 2-point conversion attempt. The game ended up being decided by 2 points.

McManus was brought in to address the Packers’ kicking woes, but until the final play, all he was able to kick were extra points, which doesn’t bother me at all. Even after they tried to ice the kicker in this “Winter Wonderland” game, he still calmly drilled the game-winner and did a Lambeau Leap to celebrate his winning kick.

It was an excellent win for the Packers against a tough opponent. They keep pace in a division where the Lions defeated the Vikings on a field goal late in the game, handing Minnesota their first loss of the season. The Bears were idle this week.

The Packers now have an opportunity to sweep the AFC South division next Sunday as they visit Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars, who defeated the New England Patriots in London. Enjoy this win Packer fans and have a great week!

Go Pack Go!

@DieHardPackersFan #DHPF #GregGoshaw @gg901