The Green Bay Packers lost quarterback Jordan Love to a groin injury and twice gave up leads in the second half, but Malik Willis and Brandon McManus teamed up to help Matt LaFleur’s team escape Jacksonville with a 30-27 win over the Jaguars on Sunday at EverBank Stadium on Sunday.
Willis entered the game in the third quarter, and the Packers immediately scored back-to-back touchdowns to take a 27-17 lead. After the Jaguars stormed back late to tie the game at 27, Willis hit Jayden Reed for a 51-yard completion to set up McManus’ 24-yard game-winning field goal as time expired.
The Packers are now 6-2 and heading into a showdown with the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field next Sunday. The status of Love, who exited with a groin injury, is unclear for next week.
The backup quarterback and kicker delivered again Sunday. Willis, who was acquired in a trade with the Titans before the season, won both of his starts earlier this season and now has a game-winning drive. McManus, who replaced Brayden Narveson last week, has back-to-back game-winning field goals. He hit a 45-yard game-winner to beat the Houston Texans last week.
Josh Jacobs rushed 25 times for 127 yards and two touchdowns. Tucker Kraft had a 67-yard catch to set up a score and caught a 3-yard touchdown pass from Willis, and Romeo Doubs produced three catches for 72 yards.
Willis finished the game with four completions on five attempts for 56 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed four times for 23 yards, including a 20-yard scramble.
The Packers completed the sweep of the AFC South. Willis played a huge part in wins over the Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans, his former team.