What we learned from Sunday's games

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Eric Edholm's insights:

1. Brandon McManus scores the game-winner in his Packers debut. The Packers have been dealing with kicking questions for several seasons, but their most recent attempt to address them is now 1 of 1 on game-winning attempts. In a close, back-and-forth game that featured eight lead changes, recently signed McManus was called for a 45-yard field goal with three seconds left – his first attempt of the 2024 season. He made his first practice attempt (after the Texans made a had called a timeout) and made the retry (which counted), made his first Lambeau jumper and helped the Packers make it 5-2. In fact, it wasn't even a perfect snapshot; Credit to the owner Daniel Whelanwho got the ball well in time for the game-winning free kick. McManus also made all three of his extra point attempts and the Packers needed every single one of them. They scored on their first possession of the second half, but faded offensively before the final drive and trailed 22-21. Jordan love brought Green Bay within reach with four completions, the last two through Romeo Doubs. With seconds left, Doubs' clutch error made the attempt easier for McManus.
2. The Texans need to solve their problems protecting CJ Stroud. Kudos to Stroud, who endured a heavy rush from the Packers the entire game and still managed to put the Texans in position to win. The 13-play, 45-yard field goal push that gave Houston a 22-21 lead with less than two minutes left ate up more than six minutes of game time, but the Texans' undermanned defense couldn't make another stop achieve. Honestly, it was a miracle the Texans were even able to win considering how they blocked their passes. Stroud completed just 11 of 20 passes for a career-low 86 yards. He was sacked four times and pressured on nearly half of his dropbacks. Late in the game he tried to get the Texans moving, but it wasn't enough. Joe Mixon ran for 115 yards and two TDs, but four of his last five carries went for negative yards as the Packers finally adjusted on defense. But throughout the game, they stunned Stroud and the Texans' offensive line with kitchen-sink looks, bringing the house down one play and leaving everyone out the next. The Texans appear to have addressed some of their guard concerns in recent weeks, but Sunday was a step backwards.
3. The Packers were inconsistent offensively but came through when needed. Love's first two TD throws were truly beautiful. They scored on consecutive drives in the second quarter to give Green Bay a 14-10 lead. But Love also threw two first-half interceptions — both arguably his fault — that gave the Texans 10 points on a day when they struggled to move the ball through the air. A botched punt also led to a Houston touchdown and a 19-14 halftime lead. Love led off a strong touchdown in the third quarter that gave the Packers the lead again, and they delivered on the final, first possession. But there were too many fits and delays in between, even with a good game Josh Jacobs He scored a touchdown for the first time in the NFL. It shouldn't have been so difficult against a Texans defense that was missing starters at every level early in the game – DT Mario Edwards Jr., LBs Azeez Al-Shair and Henry To'oTo'o and DBs Jimmie Ward and Kamari Lassiter. The Packers nearly ruined a strong defensive performance thanks to their three turnovers, but it was just enough for a big win.

Next-Gen Stats for Texans-Packers (via NFL Pro): Josh Jacobs totaled 76 rushing yards on 12 carries in Week 7 against the Texans, generating +21 rush yards above expectations. Jacobs has now posted a +79 RYOE in his first season with the Packers, which ranks eighth among running backs entering Week 7 PMs. Jacobs also added five receptions for 16 yards and a touchdown through the air, recording 32 yards after the catch.

NFL Research: Josh Jacobs scored his first career touchdown in Week 7 after totaling 211 receptions and 1,556 yards to start his career. Only Thomas Jones had more career receptions before getting his first career touchdown in NFL history.