Week 8 Recap: Another Last Second Field Goal Wins It

In Week 8 of the NFL season, the Green Bay Packers traveled to Jacksonville, Florida, to take on the Jaguars. Through a tense, nail-biting game, the Packers secured a victory, advancing to a 6-2 record and maintaining their hold on second place in the NFC North.

While the Packers should have win by at least three scores (not necessarily touchdowns but three scoring drives nonetheless), they allowed the Jaguars to stay within reach. With just 1:48 left on the clock, Jacksonville managed to tie the game. Backup quarterback Malik Willis then led the offense, connecting with Jayden Reed on a 51-yard pass to bring the Packers to the Jaguars' 15-yard line. After moving the ball to the 6-yard line with two remaining timeouts, Willis took a couple of kneel-downs to run the clock down to two seconds.

The Packers then sent out Brandon McManus, who delivered a game-winning field goal for the second consecutive week, securing the win as fans collectively held their breath.

Positives

• Brandon McManus: A Newfound Reliability in Kicking
  The Packers may have finally addressed their kicking issues. Since joining the team, McManus has been flawless, making every attempt thus far. Packers fans can breathe a sigh of relief.
  

• Josh Jacobs' Dominance
  Starting running back Josh Jacobs turned in a stellar performance, rushing for 127 yards and two touchdowns. This strong showing keeps him in the NFL's top five for rushing yards this season.
  

• Malik Willis Steps Up Again
  When Jordan Love aggravated a groin injury early in the third quarter, Malik Willis stepped in seamlessly. With solid support from Jacobs on the ground, Willis made the throws he needed to and delivered big plays under pressure to help clinch the win.
  

• A First-Quarter Defensive Masterclass
  The Packers' defense looked formidable in the first quarter, with FOX Sports analysts lauding their “violent” play. They forced five 3-and-outs, three of which came in the Jaguars' first five drives. Safety Xavier McKinney recorded his league-leading sixth interception, and Edgerrin Cooper forced a fumble on a strip sack, which led to a Packers touchdown.
  

Negatives

• Jordan Love’s Injury
  Love was sidelined after re-aggravating an injury sustained in Week 1. While initially diagnosed as a groin injury, it may be connected to his previous knee issue. His health remains uncertain at the time of this writing, which is concerning for the Packers' long-term prospects.
  

• Second-Half Defensive Slump
  Although not terrible, the Packers’ defense showed a noticeable drop in intensity during the second half. Missed assignments in the secondary allowed the Jaguars to score points that made the game far closer than it should have been. The secondary seemed out of sync, particularly during Trevor Lawrence's fourth-quarter drives.
  

This game was another emotional rollercoaster—exciting in moments but more stressful than it needed to be. My final rating: five satisfying beers and three nerve-calming shots of whiskey. Next week, the Packers face the Detroit Lions at Lambeau with a chance to claim the top spot in the NFC North. Go Pack Go!