Brandon McManus secured his first field goal as a Green Bay Packer, clinching a 24-22 victory against the Houston Texans as time expired on Sunday.
GREEN BAY, Wis. — McManus had not intended to perform a “Lambeau Leap” following a potential game-winning kick, but once he made a 45-yard field goal, the excitement took over. He leaped into the stands at the end zone to celebrate with fans at Lambeau Field.
“It felt cool to do that,” McManus reflected. “I definitely need to work on my hops. I don’t practice jumping that much anymore.”
With this win, the Packers improved to 5-2, overcoming three turnovers and extending their winning streak to three games while halting the Texans’ own three-game win streak.
“It wasn’t perfect, definitely was not perfect,” noted Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who completed 23 of 31 passes for 214 yards, earning three touchdowns but throwing two interceptions. “A lot of mistakes. But we found a way to win, and that’s what it’s all about.”
McManus’ field goal capped a challenging year for the veteran kicker. He was without a team since the summer following a civil lawsuit that accused him and the Jacksonville Jaguars of sexual assault, which the NFL later found insufficient evidence to support. The civil case has since been resolved.
The Packers made a roster change before this game, releasing rookie Brayden Narveson and signing McManus, known for his accuracy with over 90% of his career field goals made from under 50 yards.
On Sunday, McManus did not let the pressure affect him. Despite a timeout called by the Texans before his first kick attempt, he remained focused, successfully converting second time around after a low snap was handled adeptly by holder Daniel Whelan.
In the game, the Texans’ Joe Mixon rushed for 115 yards and two touchdowns. Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn was perfect on the day, converting all three of his field-goal attempts, including a 35-yarder that put Houston ahead 22-21 with 1:44 remaining.
C.J. Stroud struggled offensively, finishing with only 86 yards on 10 of 21 passes and faced constant pressure, being sacked four times during a game filled with seven lead changes.
“Obviously, we didn’t pass the ball well all day,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We ran the ball well, but we needed to throw it better. If we can’t protect, then it’s challenging for the quarterback.”
Despite missing several key defensive starters and injured offensive players, the Texans battled hard, aiming for their first four-game winning streak since 2018.
Leading 19-14 at halftime after capitalizing on three Packers turnovers, Houston saw Green Bay take the lead in the third quarter with Josh Jacobs catching his first career touchdown pass, ending a record streak of 212 receptions without a touchdown.
However, after going three-and-out on subsequent possessions, Green Bay found themselves trailing again. With one timeout remaining and only seconds left, the Packers advanced down the field efficiently, setting up McManus for the game-winning kick.
“For a two-minute drive, we knew we needed a field goal,” Love said. “The mindset is just to go win the game.”
Green Bay moved the ball to Houston’s 26-yard line with three seconds left, allowing McManus to take the final kick.
“He’s a vet,” commented Packers coach Matt LaFleur. “You can see it. The moment’s not too big for him. Obviously that was a big-time kick.”
Injuries affected both teams, with Packers linebacker Quay Walker leaving the game in the first half for a concussion evaluation.
Next up for the Texans is a home game against the Indianapolis Colts, while the Packers will travel to face the Jacksonville Jaguars.