For the second consecutive week, the Green Bay Packers won on a field goal by Brandon McManus on the final play of the game. This week, the veteran booted a 24-yard kick as time expired to help the Pack defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars 30-27. Jordan Love left the game due to a groin injury but Malik Willis managed to lead the team to the winning field goal after the Pack blew a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter. The win improved the Packers record to 6-2 while the Jaguars fell to 2-6. Here are 10 things we learned in the Packers 30-27 win over the Jaguars in Week 8:
Ten Things We Learned from the Packers Win Over the Jaguars, Number One: Malik Willis Got the Job Done Late
Love started limping early in the game. He left the contest in the third quarter after being collided with after throwing a pass. Willis came in and got the job done. He completed 4-of-5 passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. The backup signal caller also ran four times for 23 yards.
Willis may not always be conventional or pretty, but he has found a way to get the job done whenever he’s been in the lineup. The Packers have won all three games he was inserted into the lineup with the exception of the two snaps he took late in Week 1. He has also yet to throw an interception this season.
Willis kept his cool and came through in the clutch for the Pack.
Willis may have to be ready to go Sunday against the Lions depending on Love’s status entering the game.
Number Two: Josh Jacobs Carried the Offense
Running back Josh Jacobs provided the Green Bay offense with their most consistent weapon. Jacobs finished the game with 127 yards on 25 carries on the ground. His long run was 38 yards, and he scored two touchdowns.
In a game where the Packers starting quarterback was playing hurt and was eventually replaced by the backup, having a strong running game was critical. Jacobs provided the Pack with a workhorse back they needed in a game where they didn’t have their usual weapons in the passing game.
Ten Things We Learned from the Packers Win Over the Jaguars, Number Three: Injuries Mounting
The Packers suffered several injuries in the game. In addition to Love’s groin, rookie safety Evan Williams left the game early with a hamstring injury. Williams has been making plays and earning more playing time in recent weeks as a result.
Late in the game, Jaire Alexander seemed to be limping after the Jaguars scored their final points. His status is not clear as of postgame. We hope to have an update by Tuesday.
The Packers came into the game relatively healthy, but these injuries could have a big impact going forward.
Number Four: Brandon McManus Comes Through Again
McManus has played two games for the Packers, and he’s kicked two game-winning field goals on the final play. He came through in the clutch and that’s huge for the Packers.
In this game, the veteran made all three extra points and all three field goals he tried. His consistency has been a major upgrade for the Packers in the last two weeks.
Ten Things We Learned from the Packers Win Over the Jaguars, Number Five: Defense Gave Up a 10-Point Lead in the Fourth Quarter
The Packers held a 27-17 lead early in the fourth quarter, but the defense couldn’t hold the lead. Jacksonville scored 10 unanswered points on two long drives before the Pack came up with the winning field goal.
Allowing an 8-play, 51-yard drive followed by an 8-play, 87-yard drive while protecting a lead is hardly encouraging. Trevor Lawrence completed 10-of-12 passes on those two drives. The Packers didn’t get any pressure on the quarterback and couldn’t contain the Jaguars depth receivers who were on the field due to injuries to the starters.
It was a disappointing performance for Jeff Hafley’s group with the game on the line.
Number Six: Edgerrin Cooper Made Some Big Plays
Rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper made some big plays on defense. He was second on the team with eight total tackles. He also recorded the Packers only sack of the game, forced a fumble on the play which led to a key turnover when Devonte Wyatt fell on the loose ball.
Cooper also added a quarterback hit, a tackle for loss and broke up a pass.
Seeing Cooper get better each week is a positive development for the defense and he came up with big plays this week when the Packers needed them.
Ten Things We Learned from the Packers Win Over the Jaguars, Number Seven: Tucker Kraft, Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed Had Big Catches
The Packers receivers are a diverse group and there is no clear-cut number one target. Green Bay quarterbacks find the open man depending on matchup and circumstances.
In this game, different receivers took turns coming up with big catches. Romeo Doubs was the go-to guy early and caught three passes for 72 yards or 24.0-yards per catch.
Tight end Tucker Kraft caught a 67-yard touchdown pass. That was an impressive run after the catch which has become Kraft’s specialty.
Then, Jayden Reed came up big late in the game. Reed had only one catch for four yards until the final drive when he caught a key 51-yard pass from Willis that set up the winning field goal.
Each of these receivers came up big when called upon. Effectiveness by committee has been typical of the team’s receiving corps this season.
Number Eight: Third Down Defense
The Packers third-down defense was outstanding in this game. The Jaguars finished the game just 1-of-9 on third down. Their only successful conversion came late in the game.
This strong play on the key defensive down bodes well for the defense going forward.
Ten Things We Learned from the Packers Win Over the Jaguars, Number Nine: Xavier McKinney Back Another Pick
After two games without one, safety Xavier McKinney intercepted his league-leading sixth pass of the season.
The pick came early in the second quarter and got the Pack the ball back after Love threw his only interception of the game. The Packers scored three plays later on a three-yard run by Jacobs.
McKinney continues to prove he was a great pickup by GM Brian Gutekunst this past offseason.
Number Ten: Tough Part of the Schedule Awaits
This win was critical for the Packers who stand at 6-2. Now, the Packers host the division rival Detroit Lions this Sunday before their bye week.
After that, the Packers visit the Bears, host the 49ers and Dolphins and then visit the Lions. These next five games will be critical to see whether the Packers win their division or even qualify for the playoffs.
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