The Green Bay Packers pulled off a dramatic comeback Sunday afternoon, rallying from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the New York Jets 20-17 in overtime at MetLife Stadium.
The Jets appeared to be in control for much of the afternoon and held a 17-7 lead with just over 11 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. New York’s defense had kept Jordan Love and the Packers’ offense from finding much consistency throughout the game.
Green Bay finally found its breakthrough when Love connected with Christian Watson for a 3-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 17-14. The Packers then got another opportunity after a huge kickoff return by Skyy Moore set up the offense in excellent field position.
Rookie kicker Trey Smack tied the game with a 34-yard field goal, sending the matchup to overtime.
The Jets had a chance to win the game in overtime but couldn’t move the ball. Geno Smith was sacked twice on consecutive plays, forcing New York to punt and giving Green Bay another opportunity.
The Packers took advantage.
Green Bay moved into field-goal range, and Smack delivered again, drilling a 26-yard field goal with 5:23 remaining in overtime to give the Packers the 20-17 victory. It was Smack’s first game-winning field goal as an NFL player.
The victory was particularly impressive considering the adversity Green Bay faced. The Packers lost wide receiver Jayden Reed and right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele to injuries on consecutive plays during the opening drive, with both players ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Green Bay also struggled with penalties, committing 17 penalties for 133 yards, but the defense repeatedly made crucial stops when the Packers needed them most.
For New York, the loss was a brutal missed opportunity. The Jets were just minutes away from starting the season 2-0 before watching their 10-point advantage disappear.
Instead, the Packers leave New Jersey with their first victory of the season and plenty of momentum after one of the wildest comebacks of the young NFL season.
