East Rutherford, N.J. — The Green Bay Packers spent most of Sunday afternoon searching for answers.
When the game reached the fourth quarter, they finally found them.
Trey Smack drilled a 26-yard field goal in overtime, and the Packers erased a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to stun the New York Jets 20-17 on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Green Bay improved to 1-1, snapping a six-game losing streak while overcoming a sloppy performance that included 14 accepted penalties.
For much of the afternoon, however, it was the Jets who appeared to be in control.
New York’s defense kept Jordan Love and the Packers’ offense bottled up for long stretches, while Geno Smith and the Jets offense built a lead that appeared capable of sending Green Bay to its second straight loss.
Instead, the Packers rallied when they needed it most.
Jets Control the Game
New York established the tone defensively, consistently disrupting Love and limiting Green Bay’s opportunities.
The Jets also forced four Packers fumbles, although they recovered only one of them.
Green Bay finally got on the scoreboard with 9:35 remaining in the second quarter when Love found MarShawn Lloyd on a short dump-off pass. Lloyd did the rest, weaving his way into the end zone for a 6-yard touchdown and the first touchdown of his NFL career.
Lloyd, a 2024 third-round pick, had appeared in only one game during his first two seasons because of injuries.
The Jets answered immediately.
Braelon Allen scored on a 6-yard run on New York’s next possession, tying the game at 7-7.
New York then took control in the second half.
With 2:30 remaining in the third quarter, Smith connected with Garrett Wilson on a 5-yard touchdown pass to put the Jets ahead 14-7.
Green Bay appeared to be in serious trouble when Kingsley Enagbare forced Lloyd to fumble early in the fourth quarter. Harrison Phillips recovered for New York, giving the Jets another opportunity to extend their advantage.
The Jets moved into scoring position but couldn’t find the end zone.
Jason Sanders converted a 32-yard field goal with 11:04 remaining, putting New York ahead 17-7.
That was when the Packers finally woke up.
Green Bay’s Fourth-Quarter Comeback
Two plays after an apparent Jordan Love rushing touchdown was erased by offsetting penalties, Love went back to the air.
He found Christian Watson for a 3-yard touchdown on a play-action fake, cutting New York’s lead to 17-14 with 7:58 remaining.
Green Bay’s defense then forced the Jets to punt, giving the Packers another chance.
Skyy Moore provided the spark.
Moore returned Austin McNamara’s punt 63 yards to the New York 19, immediately putting Green Bay in position to tie the game.
Smack converted a 34-yard field goal with 2:59 remaining, making it 17-17.
The Jets had one final opportunity to win in regulation but couldn’t capitalize.
That sent the game to overtime.
Packers Finish the Comeback
New York won the overtime coin toss and elected to receive.
It quickly became a nightmare possession.
Smith was sacked on consecutive plays, first by Barryn Sorrell and then by Lukas Van Ness. A false-start penalty on Isaiah Williams pushed the Jets backward again, leaving New York facing third-and-30.
Kenyon Sadiq caught a 12-yard pass, but the Jets were forced to punt.
Green Bay needed only one productive possession to end it.
Kaleb Johnson broke off runs of 11 and 3 yards before Love connected with Chris Brooks for a 15-yard gain.
The Packers received another boost when Jarvis Brownlee Jr. was flagged for unnecessary roughness after a late hit on Brooks.
Matthew Golden then caught a 14-yard pass, moving Green Bay to the New York 8-yard line.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur elected not to take any chances.
He sent Smack onto the field.
The kicker calmly drilled the 26-yard field goal, sending Green Bay to a dramatic 20-17 victory.
Love Makes Enough Plays
Love finished 16 of 29 for 145 yards and two touchdowns.
His scoring passes went to Watson and Lloyd.
The numbers weren’t spectacular, but Love made the necessary plays during the fourth-quarter rally and overtime possession.
Smith had a stronger statistical afternoon for New York, completing 27 of 41 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown.
His connection with Wilson gave the Jets the lead in the third quarter, but New York couldn’t finish the job.
The Jets also hurt themselves with 13 accepted penalties.
Combined, the two teams committed 27 accepted penalties, contributing to a game that was often difficult to watch but highly competitive.
A Rough Start for Green Bay
The Packers also had to overcome an alarming opening drive.
Wide receiver Jayden Reed and right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele were carted off the field on consecutive plays.
Reed suffered a neck injury, while Bako-Bewele sustained a knee injury.
The Packers later lost Aaron Banks to a toe injury, while his replacement, Donovan Jennings, injured his hand. Defensive tackle Anthony Campbell suffered an ankle injury in the first half, and Bo Melton left in the third quarter with a stinger.
New York also dealt with injuries after halftime, losing linebackers Marcelino McCrary-Ball and Kiko Mauigoa, along with defensive lineman David Onyemata.
Jets Let One Slip Away
For New York, the loss was particularly frustrating.
The Jets controlled much of the game, held Green Bay’s offense in check and entered the fourth quarter with a 17-7 advantage.
They also had the opportunity to put the Packers away after forcing Lloyd’s fumble.
Instead, New York settled for a field goal.
Then Green Bay scored a touchdown, tied the game and ultimately won in overtime.
The Jets dropped to 1-1 after their home opener, while the Packers avoided falling to 0-2.
Green Bay now heads home with its first victory of the season and a significant confidence boost after overcoming a difficult afternoon.
What’s Next:
The Packers return to action Thursday night when they host the Atlanta Falcons.
The Jets travel to Detroit next Sunday to face the Lions.
For Green Bay, the comeback was messy, physical and far from perfect.
