Houston Texans vs Green Bay Packers Match Player Stats (Oct 20, 2024)
Houston Texans vs Green Bay Packers match player stats from October 20, 2024, read like fiction, but every number is real. Brandon McManus, signed just days earlier, split the uprights from 45 yards out as the clock hit triple zeros. Packers 24, Texans 22. Game over. Lambeau Field erupted.
Table of Contents
Box Score Breakdown: Packers Win Despite Three Giveaways
Green Bay handed Houston three turnovers on a silver platter. Zero turnovers for the Texans. That’s usually a recipe for a blowout loss. Not this time.
Week 7 Game Statistics
| Statistical Category | Houston Texans | Green Bay Packers |
|---|---|---|
| Points Scored | 22 | 24 |
| Total Offense | 197 yards | 277 yards |
| Giveaways | 0 | 3 |
| Possession Time | 31:17 | 28:43 |
| Third Down Success | 4/13 (30.8%) | 4/10 (40.0%) |
| Red Zone Scores | 2/4 TDs | 2/2 TDs |
| Yards per Snap | 3.4 | 4.9 |
C.J. Stroud managed just 86 passing yards. Joe Mixon carried 25 times. Jordan Love threw three touchdown passes and two picks. Seven times the lead changed hands. This game had everything except predictability.
Quarterback Performance Analysis
Jordan Love: Three TDs, Two Picks, One Win
Love’s afternoon started poorly when linebacker Neville Hewitt snagged his pass for Houston’s first turnover. The Packers quarterback responded by marching his team 92 yards for a touchdown. That’s what Matt LaFleur meant when he called resilience Love’s “superpower.”
Jordan Love Statistical Performance:
- 24 completions on 33 attempts (72.7%)
- 220 passing yards
- 3 touchdown passes
- 2 interceptions (Hewitt, Calen Bullock)
- 95.5 quarterback rating
- Sacked 3 times, lost 25 yards
The game hung in the balance with 1:44 remaining. Love took over at his own 30, trailing 22-21. Eight plays later, McManus lined up for the winner. Love’s completions on that drive: 8 yards to Tucker Kraft, 12 to Dontayvion Wicks, a 12-yard slant to Romeo Doubs. Then Will Anderson Jr. jumped offside. Five free yards. Love found Doubs again for 6 more. Clock management, precision passing, ice in his veins.
C.J. Stroud: Pocket Pressure Creates Career Low
The sophomore slinger endured 60 minutes of hell. Green Bay’s pass rush lived in Houston’s backfield, sacking Stroud four times and forcing hurried throws into tight windows.
C.J. Stroud Game Statistics:
- 10 completions on 21 attempts (47.6%)
- 86 passing yards (career low)
- 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
- 58.8 quarterback rating
- Sacked 4 times, lost 31 yards
- 5 scrambles for 19 yards
Stroud’s protection crumbled repeatedly. Eric Wilson blew up two third-down plays with sacks. Xavier McKinney and Rashan Gary added one each. His receivers, missing injured stars Nico Collins and Robert Woods, couldn’t create separation. Tank Dell saw four passes sail his way. He caught none. Stefon Diggs hauled in five balls for a measly 23 yards. Only Dalton Schultz’s 28-yard grab prevented total aerial futility.
Running Back Statistics and Impact
Joe Mixon Powers Houston’s Ground Attack
With the passing game grounded, Mixon became Houston’s entire offense. He touched the ball 27 times and produced 124 yards from scrimmage.
Joe Mixon Rushing Performance:
| Statistical Category | Production |
|---|---|
| Carries | 25 |
| Rushing Yards | 115 |
| Yards per Attempt | 4.6 |
| Touchdowns | 2 |
| Long Gain | 32 yards |
| Catches | 2 for 9 yards |
Both Mixon touchdowns came from inside the 5-yard line. The first capped a two-play “drive” after Green Bay’s muffed punt. The second followed Bullock’s interception, though Houston’s failed two-point try afterward proved costly.
Josh Jacobs’ Efficient Production
Green Bay’s lead back maximized limited touches, averaging 6.3 yards every time he carried the rock.
Josh Jacobs All-Purpose Stats:
| Category | Production |
|---|---|
| Rush Attempts | 12 |
| Rushing Yards | 76 |
| Per-Carry Average | 6.3 |
| Long Rush | 27 yards |
| Receptions | 5 for 16 yards |
| Receiving TDs | 1 |
That receiving touchdown? First of his career, ending an NFL record for most catches without finding paydirt. Jacobs picked the perfect time for a milestone, giving Green Bay a 21-19 lead they’d protect until the final minutes.
Receiver and Tight End Production
Green Bay Passing Distribution
Love spread the ball around Lambeau, finding eight different targets throughout the afternoon.
Packers Receiving Statistics:
| Pass Catcher | Targets | Receptions | Yards | TDS | Notable Plays |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Romeo Doubs | 10 | 8 | 94 | 0 | Two catches on game-winning drive |
| Dontayvion Wicks | 6 | 3 | 48 | 1 | 30-yard TD in second quarter |
| Tucker Kraft | 4 | 3 | 33 | 1 | 14-yard TD capped 92-yard drive |
| Josh Jacobs | 5 | 5 | 16 | 1 | First career receiving TD |
Doubs functioned as Love’s safety valve, particularly on the final drive. His 8 catches led all players and his 94 yards paced both teams. Wicks provided the home run ball with his 30-yard score. Kraft proved reliable near the goal line.
Houston’s Aerial Attack Grounded
The Texans’ passing game produced video game numbers. Unfortunately, they resembled a game played on expert difficulty.
Texans Pass Catching Numbers:
| Receiver | Targets | Catches | Yards | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stefon Diggs | 7 | 5 | 23 | Season-low yardage |
| Tank Dell | 4 | 0 | 0 | Couldn’t connect with Stroud |
| Dalton Schultz | 2 | 1 | 28 | Team’s longest reception |
| Joe Mixon | 3 | 2 | 9 | Check-down option |
| Others | 5 | 2 | 26 | Minimal impact |
Houston’s 86 team passing yards marked their lowest output since drafting Stroud. The absence of Collins and Woods left Diggs facing constant double coverage. Dell’s zero-catch day on four targets highlighted the passing game’s complete breakdown.
Defensive Player Statistics
Eric Wilson Leads Packers’ Pass Rush Clinic
Jeff Hafley dialed up pressure all afternoon, and Wilson delivered the goods filling in for injured Quay Walker.
Individual Defensive Performances:
| Defender | Team | Total Tackles | Sacks | TFL | INTS | Game-Changing Plays |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eric Wilson | GB | 4 | 2.0 | 4 | 0 | Both sacks on third down |
| D’Angelo Ross | HOU | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Led all players in tackles |
| Derek Stingley Jr. | HOU | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Blanketed Packers receivers |
| Xavier McKinney | GB | N/A | 1.0 | N/A | 0 | Third-down sack |
| Rashan Gary | GB | N/A | 1.0 | N/A | 0 | Consistent backfield presence |
| Neville Hewitt | HOU | N/A | 0 | 0 | 1 | First pick, set up FG |
| Calen Bullock | HOU | N/A | 0 | 0 | 1 | Second pick, led to TD |
| Will Anderson Jr. | HOU | 1 | 1.0 | N/A | 0 | Costly late penalty |
Wilson’s performance deserves special recognition. Both his sacks came on third down, pushing Houston backward and out of field goal range. His four tackles for loss disrupted Houston’s rhythm whenever they tried establishing the run.
Turnover Creation vs. Turnover Points
Houston’s defense created three takeaways but watched their offense squander golden opportunities:
- Hewitt picked Love at the GB 11: Result? 23-yard field goal
- M.J. Stewart recovered Nixon’s muffed punt at GB 11: Mixon TD two plays later
- Bullock intercepted Love: Led to Mixon’s second TD (failed 2-point try)
Despite starting two drives inside Green Bay’s 15-yard line, Houston managed just 10 points off those possessions. Green Bay’s defense bent but refused to break when backed against their own goal line.
Special Teams Statistics and Impact
The Kicking Game: Perfect Until It Mattered Most
Both kickers posted flawless stat lines, but only one got to play hero.
Placekicker Performance:
| Kicker | Team | Field Goals | Distances | PATS | Clutch Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon McManus | GB | 1/1 | 45 yards | 3/3 | Game-winner at 0:00 |
| Ka’imi Fairbairn | HOU | 3/3 | 23, 52, 35 | 1/1 | Go-ahead FG with 1:44 left |
McManus joined Green Bay’s roster earlier that week. Talk about instant impact. Houston tried icing him with a timeout. He made it. The officials made him rekick. He made it again. Ice water in those veins.
Fairbairn couldn’t have played better. His 52-yarder in the second quarter showcased his range. The 35-yarder with 1:44 remaining gave Houston a 22-21 lead. Just left too much time for Rodgers… err, Love.
Field Position Battle
Punting Statistics:
| Punter | Team | Attempts | Gross Average | Long Kick | Hidden Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Whelan | GB | 5 | 56.8 yards | 66 | Three 50+ yarders in Q3 |
| Tommy Townsend | HOU | 6 | 51.2 yards | 66 | Consistent but overshadowed |
Whelan earned his paycheck when Green Bay’s offense went cold. Three straight three-and-outs in the third quarter? No problem. His punts traveled 54, 58, and 61 yards, pinning Houston deep and preserving Green Bay’s two-point lead.
Oh, and that low snap on McManus’ game-winner? Whelan scooped it cleanly and got the hold down perfectly. Unsung hero material right there.
The Seven-Point Swing
Keisean Nixon will have nightmares about his muffed punt. The ball hit his hands at the Green Bay 11. M.J. Stewart pounced on it for Houston. Two plays later, Mixon crossed the goal line. Seven free points in a game decided by two.
Scoring Summary and Game Flow
How 46 Points Were Scored:
First Quarter:
- HOU: Fairbairn 23 FG after Hewitt INT (3-0)
Second Quarter Madness:
- GB: Love to Kraft 14 yards, capped 92-yard drive (7-3)
- HOU: Mixon 2-yard run after muffed punt (10-7)
- GB: Love to Wicks 30 yards (14-10)
- HOU: Fairbairn 52 FG (14-13)
- HOU: Mixon 4-yard run, 2-pt try fails (19-14)
Third Quarter:
- GB: Love to Jacobs 8 yards, 71-yard drive (21-19)
Fourth Quarter Drama:
- HOU: Fairbairn 35 FG after 13-play drive (22-21)
- GB: McManus 45 FG as time expires (24-22)
Green Bay’s touchdown drives covered 92, 70, and 71 yards. Each one required sustained execution against a tough Houston defense. Meanwhile, Houston scored 10 of their 22 points on drives starting inside Green Bay’s 15-yard line. Field position mattered, but execution mattered more.
Game Statistics in Context
Teams winning while losing the turnover battle by three? According to Pro Football Reference, it happens less than 10% of the time. Green Bay joined exclusive company.
The efficiency gap explains the unlikely outcome. Green Bay averaged 4.9 yards per play compared to Houston’s 3.4. The Packers recorded three plays of 20+ yards. Houston managed one. When you’re gaining an extra yard and a half per snap, turnovers become less fatal.
ESPN’s NFL statistics show teams allowing fewer than 200 total yards while recording 4+ sacks win approximately 85% of their games. Green Bay’s defense hit both benchmarks, holding Houston to 197 yards while sacking Stroud four times.
What This Game Means
Both teams sit at 5-2, but they’re heading different directions. Green Bay proved they can win without playing clean football. That’s championship DNA. Houston learned their offense disappears when Stroud faces consistent pressure.
For advanced metrics, check NFL Next Gen Stats. Their pressure rate data shows Green Bay disrupted 28.6% of Stroud’s dropbacks compared to Houston affecting Love on 21.2% of his attempts.
Want more Packers analysis? Read our breakdown of New Orleans Saints vs Green Bay Packers player statistics. Texans fans might compare this showing to our Houston Texans vs New York Jets statistical analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Texans vs Packers game?
Green Bay defeated Houston 24-22 on Brandon McManus’ 45-yard field goal as time expired.
How many turnovers occurred in the game?
Green Bay committed 3 turnovers (2 interceptions, 1 fumble). Houston had zero turnovers.
What were the rushing statistics for each team?
Houston: 142 yards (Mixon 115). Green Bay: 82 yards (Jacobs 76).
How did C.J. Stroud perform?
Stroud completed 10 of 21 passes for 86 yards with a 58.8 rating. Both the yardage and rating were career lows.
Who recorded sacks in the game?
Green Bay: Wilson (2), McKinney, Gary. Houston: Anderson Jr. and two others.
What happened on the game-winning drive?
Love completed 4 of 7 passes for 39 yards in 1:44, moving Green Bay 44 yards to set up McManus’ kick.
Final Statistical Takeaway
Houston Texans vs Green Bay Packers match player stats prove football defies logic sometimes. Three turnovers typically equal defeat. Not when your defense holds opponents to 3.4 yards per play. Not when your kicker nails the biggest kick of the season. Green Bay’s 277 yards won’t impress anyone. Neither will Love’s two interceptions. But those three touchdown passes? The perfect red zone efficiency? McManus drilling a 45-yarder with the season on the line? That’s how you steal victories in the NFL. October 20, 2024, goes down as the day Green Bay learned winning ugly beats losing pretty every single time.
