Josh Jacobs scored the game-winning touchdown with under two minutes remaining, lifting the Green Bay Packers to a 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in a thrilling NFL matchup on Sunday. The Packers overcame a sluggish start and multiple adversities to secure their first road win of the season.
The game began with the Packers facing unexpected challenges, as travel delays due to mechanical issues with their airplane left the team stranded on the tarmac for hours before arriving in Arizona. This disruption seemed to carry over onto the field, with Green Bay falling behind early. The Cardinals capitalized on their home advantage, taking a 3-0 lead after Chad Ryland’s field goal on the opening drive and extending it to 13-6 by halftime, thanks to a touchdown pass from Jacoby Brissett to Trey McBride.
Despite the deficit, the Packers showed resilience in the second half. Josh Jacobs, who was a game-time decision due to a calf injury, ignited the comeback with a seven-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. However, Arizona responded quickly, with McBride catching his second touchdown pass to push the lead to 20-13. The Cardinals’ offense, led by Brissett in place of the injured Kyler Murray, seemed poised to secure another narrow victory.
The fourth quarter saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Green Bay’s defense, spearheaded by Micah Parsons, began to dominate. Parsons recorded a career-high three sacks, including crucial plays that disrupted Arizona’s rhythm. Meanwhile, the Packers’ offense found its footing, with Jordan Love connecting with Tucker Kraft for a touchdown and Lucas Havrisik nailing a franchise-record 61-yard field goal to keep the game within reach.
With just under six minutes left and trailing 23-20, the Packers’ defense came up with a pivotal stop on fourth-and-1, denying Brissett a first down on a quarterback sneak. This turnover on downs gave Green Bay the ball at the Arizona 48-yard line, setting the stage for the game-winning drive. The Packers methodically moved down the field, converting a key fourth-and-2 with a pass to Kraft.
On the tenth play of the drive, Josh Jacobs powered through for a one-yard touchdown run with 1:50 remaining, putting the Packers ahead 27-23. Jacobs, who finished with 55 rushing yards and two touchdowns, demonstrated his toughness and playmaking ability despite his injury. His performance underscored why he has been a vital asset to the Packers’ offense this season.
Arizona had one final chance to win the game, but the Packers’ defense held firm. Parsons sacked Brissett on the final drive, and the Cardinals’ last-ditch effort on fourth-and-11 fell incomplete in the end zone with six seconds left. This sealed the victory for Green Bay, highlighting the team’s ability to close out games under pressure.
The win improves the Packers’ record to 4-1-1, keeping them competitive in the NFC North. For the Cardinals, the loss extends their frustrating streak of five consecutive defeats by a combined 13 points, emphasizing their struggles in close games. Brissett, while throwing for 279 yards and two touchdowns, acknowledged the need for better decision-making in critical moments.
Looking ahead, the Packers will face a tough test on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday, while the Cardinals travel to Dallas for a Monday night matchup. This victory provides Green Bay with momentum as they navigate the mid-season, relying on key players like Jacobs and Parsons to lead the way.