The error-filled win over the Texans should pay dividends for the Packers

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Live by billing, die by billing.

usually

The Green Bay Packers entered Sunday’s game against the Texans with an NFL-best plus-9 in turnovers. They were minus-3 against Houston but won anyway, 24-22.

“It’s hard to get over losing the battle for three turnovers in this league; I don’t know if we’ve ever done that and still come out and find a way to win the game,” coach Matt LaFleur said.

The Packers were minus-3 or worse in turnovers just three times under LaFleur. The first time was in Week 6 of the 2019 season, when the Packers trailed by 3 against the Lions, but won on a Mason Crosby field goal.

Giving away the ball like it’s Halloween candy but not taking it like a neighborhood bully with a candy bar is usually a surefire recipe for losing. Teams that were minus-3 or worse this season were 0-10. Last year, they were 4-44. In 2022, they were 1-37.

On the first possession, Jordan Love telegraphed a third-down pass to Dontayvion Wicks and was intercepted. The Texans took over at Green Bay’s 11, but only managed a field goal.

Early in the second quarter, Keisean Nixon couldn’t throw a punt. The ball bounced in front of Corey Ballentine, and the Texans once again took possession at the Green Bay 11. This time, Joe Mixon scored and Houston went up 10-7.

Late in the first half, Love overthrew Christian Watson and was intercepted again. Starting at his own 45, Mixon’s second touchdown of the day put the Texans ahead 19-14 just before halftime.

After three turnovers, the Packers were lucky to even be in the game.

“I have to give the Texans a ton of credit,” LaFleur said. “I know they were poor defensively today. They absolutely kicked our ass.”

Green Bay’s offense was ineffective for most of the second half. But at least he didn’t give the Texans any more gifts.

The Packers desperately need to find some kind of happy place between Love’s big plays but big mistakes. Even if he misses two games, Love will be no worse than second in the NFL with 15 touchdown passes in Week 7. On the other hand, he will likely have the dubious league lead with eight interceptions.

If you’re looking for love to retreat from its aggressive nature, forget it.

“You just have to play the game. You have to go out there and play,” he said. “You can’t try not to be aggressive and make checks all day. You have to be out there and be aggressive and go win those games. I will always play like myself, learn from mistakes and believe from them.”

LaFleur had Love’s back, though he noted that “the No. 1 job of the quarterback” is to prevent turnovers.

The Packers won the game, anyway. While great teams don’t make stupid mistakes, great teams also find ways to win when they don’t play their best game.

No takeout? no problem

“That was a playoff game right there,” running back Josh Jacobs said. “This is a good team on the other side of the ball. In every phase, we knew it was going to be a battle. We haven’t had it easy, but it feels good when you don’t play your best and still come out and get a win.”

The defense limited Texans star quarterback CJ Stroud to just 10 of 21 passing for 86 yards. The maligned pass rusher came into play with four sacks.

“I thought we put immense pressure on him,” LaFleur said.

Star receiver Stefon Diggs was a non-factor with five catches for 23 yards.

Joe Mixon rushed for 115 yards, but Green Bay limited him to 34 yards on 14 attempts in the second half.

Punter Daniel Whelan had a sensational day averaging 56.8 yards on five punts and the game-saving hold on the final play.

And Love, for all its big mistakes, also made the big plays. His 14-yard touchdown pass to Tucker Kraft was the equivalent of a 100 mph fastball. His 30-yard touchdown pass to Dontayvion Wicks was thrown perfectly.

And when it came time to win the game, Love led the Packers into position for Brandon McManus’ game-winning field goal.

With that, the Packers managed to win a game they probably should have won relatively easily, given the Texans’ injury report.

But a win is a win, and this one should pay big dividends.

“I think it can build a lot of confidence,” LaFleur said. “You can never take winning for granted in this league. As sloppy as some of the play was today, I loved the effort of our guys, the resilience of our guys. I think the ability to respond to some adversity is huge. This is obviously a playoff-caliber football team, I think one of the best teams in the league. We’re never going to apologize for winning.”

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