Texans Fall Short as Packers' McManus Seals 24-22 Victory with Last-Second Field Goal

The Texans fell just short of victory at Lambeau Field, as Brandon McManus' 45-yard field goal lifted the Packers to a dramatic 24-22 win over Houston on Sunday. The veteran kicker, newly signed by Green Bay, celebrated the game-winner with a Lambeau Leap into the crowd, a move he hadn't initially planned. "I figured it’d be cool to do that," McManus said. “I definitely need to work on my hops. I don’t practice jumping that much anymore.”

The loss snapped the Texans' three-game winning streak, dropping their record to 5-2, while the Packers (5-2) earned their third straight victory despite committing three turnovers. Quarterback Jordan Love acknowledged the struggles, stating, "It wasn’t perfect, definitely was not perfect. A lot of mistakes. But we found a way to win, and that’s what it’s all about." Love finished 23-of-31 for 214 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions.

McManus' signing had come just days before the game, following the release of rookie kicker Brayden Narveson. The veteran’s experience proved crucial, as he converted the decisive field goal after the Texans iced his first attempt with a timeout. "I always want a practice kick if I can," McManus said. "It was a little windy today, just seeing where the wind might move the ball." Packers holder Daniel Whelan also played a key role by securing a low snap.

Despite a difficult day for the Texans' passing game, Joe Mixon led the offensive charge, rushing for 115 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. Ka’imi Fairbairn connected on all three of his field-goal attempts, including a 35-yarder that gave Houston a 22-21 lead with just under two minutes remaining. C.J. Stroud struggled, completing only 10-of-21 passes for a career-low 86 yards while being sacked four times. "Obviously, we didn’t pass the ball well all day," head coach DeMeco Ryans said. "We needed to pass it. It was not good enough, starting with the protection."

The Texans were without several key players, including five defensive starters and top receiver Nico Collins. The defense managed to capitalize on three Green Bay turnovers to help Houston build a 19-14 halftime lead, but couldn't hold on. Emotions ran high early, with Stefon Diggs getting into a pregame skirmish with Packers cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Keisean Nixon.

Josh Jacobs’ first career touchdown reception gave Green Bay a 21-19 advantage in the third quarter, ending his NFL record for most career catches without a touchdown. However, three consecutive three-and-outs kept Houston in the game, setting the stage for McManus’ last-second heroics after a quick two-minute drive led by Love.

Up next, the Texans return home to host the Indianapolis Colts, while the Packers will face the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road.