Yesterday felt like a playoff atmosphere at Lambeau Field. The Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans had tempers flaring before and during the game. It was intense all afternoon. However, it was a Brandon McManus field goal as time expired to lead the Packers past the Texans 24-22. Green Bay improves to 5-2 while handing Houston their second loss of the year. Here are three takeaways from yesterday’s win.
The Green Bay Packers Defense Won this Game
The Packers defense was incredible yesterday. C.J. Stroud is a top 10 quarterback in the NFL and has all the tools to be one of the greats. Jeff Hafley and this defense attacked him early and often yesterday. Stroud ended the day 10-21 for 86 yards and three sacks.
The Green Bay Packers offense and special teams put this defense in some horrible spots. Twice off a turnover Houston began a drive on the Green Bay 11 yard line. 16 of the 22 points from Houston was off a Packers turnover, The defense only allowed three points in the second half. A big game ball goes to this unit. It’s been a breath of fresh air because Hafley has mentioned since day one he wants to attack the quarterback. Through seven games, this defense is doing that.
The Offense Has Not Hit their Stride Yet
It was another slow start for Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers offense. Love threw an interception on the fourth play of the game. Luckily, Houston only got a field goal out of it. Love would throw an interception in the second half too.
At some point, I’m confident this offense will be clicking on all cylinders. It’ says something about your quarterback an offense when they have multiple C graded games and still come out with a win, The Texans were down multiple defensive starters, but it was still a formidable group. If Green Bay can have a tough offensive game against a top three defense, imagine what they can do when they are in sync.
Special Teams is Still an Issue
This has nothing to do with kicker Brandon McManus and punter Daniel Whelan. Green Bay doesn’t win without these two. Whelan averaged just under 57 yards a punt and had an incredible hold on the game winning kick following a terrible snap from Matt Orzech.
There was a bad snap by Orzech and then there was a terrible decision from Keisean Nixon. He decided to let a punt go in the first half, but didn’t appear to let his teammates know. It ended up hitting Corey Ballentine and resulted in a turnover.
Those plays are not on special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, but it still his unit and his phase of the team. It’s his third year in Green Bay and this special teams unit is still one of the worst special teams units in the NFL. There has been little to no improvement since Bisaccia arrived in 2022. He is the assistant head coach and is getting paid a ton of money and it has not paid off. Right now, Green Bay needs to consider moving on at the end of the season Bisaccia. It is what it is the rest of the season, but a change likely needs to made in the off-season.
For More Great Football Content
Follow me on Twitter at @DylanBuboltz more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional football, click here!