GREEN BAY, Wis. — In a thrilling finish, Brandon McManus successfully converted a 45-yard field goal as the clock expired, securing a 24-22 victory for the Green Bay Packers against the Houston Texans on Sunday in his first game with the team.
The Packers improved their record to 5-2, overcoming a challenging game that featured three turnovers and achieving their third consecutive win. Meanwhile, the loss ended the Texans’ three-game winning streak.
Green Bay made a bold move earlier in the week by releasing rookie Brayden Narveson and signing the 33-year-old McManus, who had been unemployed since the summer. His previous team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, faced legal troubles when two former flight attendants accused him of sexual assault during a trip to London last year. The NFL concluded its investigation last month, stating there was no sufficient evidence to confirm any violation of the league’s personal conduct policy. The civil claims have since been resolved as reported by lawyers representing both parties.
McManus was recruited to the Packers due to his strong track record from within 50 yards, and he did not disappoint. His game-winning kick marked his first attempt since joining the team, and he celebrated by performing a “Lambeau leap” into the stands.
The Packers’ quarterback, Jordan Love, completed 23 of 31 passes for 214 yards, tossing three touchdowns but also throwing two interceptions.
On the opposing side, Joe Mixon from Houston had a standout performance, rushing for 115 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Ka’imi Fairbairn contributed significantly as well, successfully making all three of his field-goal attempts, including a crucial 35-yarder that briefly placed the Texans ahead as the game neared its conclusion.
C.J. Stroud struggled, completing just 10 of 21 passes for a career-low of 86 yards, and he was sacked four times during the game.
In the final moments, the Packers orchestrated a drive that began at midfield. Love connected with Romeo Doubs for a 13-yard gain, and an offside penalty on the Texans’ Will Anderson moved the chains further. A subsequent six-yard completion to Doubs brought the ball to the Texans’ 26, leading Green Bay to take a timeout with just three seconds remaining to set up McManus’s kick.
Josh Jacobs made headlines for the Packers when he caught his first career touchdown pass, marking a notable moment in his career as it occurred on his 212th reception. This triumph broke the record for the most career catches in the NFL without a touchdown reception. Jacobs scored during a second-and-goal from the 8-yard line with a well-executed screen pass that he carried into the end zone.
Despite the early momentum, the Packers struggled in subsequent possessions, unable to gain momentum which allowed the Texans to rally.
Houston went into halftime with a 19-14 advantage, capitalizing significantly on the Packers’ turnovers.
Injury concerns arose for Green Bay when linebacker Quay Walker departed the game for evaluation after teammate Kingsley Enagbare accidentally struck him in the head during a play.
Looking ahead, the Texans will host the Indianapolis Colts next Sunday, while the Packers are set to travel to face the Jacksonville Jaguars.
