Packers beat Jets 20-17 in overtime to snap six-game losing streak

Packers end six-game losing streak with dramatic overtime win

The Green Bay Packers ended a six-game losing streak with a 20-17 overtime victory over the New York Jets, overcoming a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit and a penalty-filled performance. The win, secured by rookie kicker Trey Smack’s 26-yard field goal in overtime, marked the Packers’ first victory since December 2025 and kept their season alive at 1-1.

Lukas Van Ness dominates as Packers’ defense rises

Edge rusher Lukas Van Ness delivered a career-defining performance, recording two sacks, nine pressures, and a critical 4th-and-1 stop. His impact was instrumental in keeping the Packers in the game despite a struggling offense. Van Ness, who had three sacks through two games in 2025, now appears poised to anchor the Packers’ defense as they navigate injury challenges. His performance also highlighted the team’s trade of a 2013 first-round pick for him, a move that has paid immediate dividends.

The defense’s resilience was evident in its ability to hold the Jets to 17 points despite allowing 285 total yards. Linebacker Isaiah Williams and defensive end Barryn Sorrell also contributed sacks, while the unit forced three fumbles, recovering one. However, the Packers’ pass rush alone may not be enough to compensate for the offensive line’s fragility.

Offensive line turmoil threatens playoff hopes

The Packers’ offensive line faced a catastrophic collapse, with starting right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele carted off with a potential season-ending knee injury. His absence, combined with Aaron Banks’ toe injury and inconsistent play from backups, left quarterback Jordan Love under constant pressure. Love was sacked three times and faced 25% of his dropbacks under duress, though he avoided turnovers and threw two touchdowns.

The line’s struggles were exacerbated by 14 penalties, including a 38-yard pass-interference call that extended a Packers drive. Matt LaFleur acknowledged the line’s instability, noting that the team “may simply be a fatal flaw” for the season. With key players like Micah Parsons expected to return later in the year, the Packers’ ability to stabilize the line will determine their playoff viability.

Jets’ late-game collapse squanders golden opportunity

The Jets entered the fourth quarter with a 17-7 lead, having outgained the Packers 285-199 and holding Green Bay to 1-of-9 on third downs. However, a series of critical errors derailed their chances. A forced fumble by linebacker Kingsley Enagbare led to a 32-yard field goal, but the Jets failed to capitalize on subsequent drives. A 63-yard punt return by Skyy Moore set up a 34-yard field goal, and a 3-yard touchdown pass from Love to Christian Watson tied the game with 2:59 remaining.

The Jets’ decision to go for it on fourth-and-1 at midfield instead of punting backfired when Braelon Allen was stuffed. In overtime, Geno Smith was sacked twice, and a false-start penalty forced a 3rd-and-30 situation. The Packers then marched 58 yards, aided by a 15-yard penalty on Jarvis Brownlee Jr., to set up Smack’s game-winning kick.

Special teams provide crucial spark

Skyy Moore’s 63-yard punt return in the fourth quarter proved pivotal, giving the Packers the ball at the Jets’ 19-yard line. His 43-yard kickoff return in the first half also kept the Packers in the game. Kicker Trey Smack, a rookie, converted both field goals, including the game-winner, and boomed 10 punts with two muffed returns by the Jets.

The special teams’ performance contrasted sharply with the offense’s struggles. While the Packers’ return game was revitalized by Moore’s acquisition, the Jets’ penalties and missed opportunities in the kicking game compounded their woes. The Jets’ failure to secure their first 2-0 start since 2015 left fans stunned, with many questioning how a team that outplayed the Packers could collapse so dramatically.

The Packers’ victory sets up a critical Week 3 matchup against the 2-0 Bills, while the Jets face a must-win game against the 1-1 Dolphins. For Green Bay, the focus now shifts to stabilizing the offensive line and building on Van Ness’s breakout performance. For New York, the loss raises questions about whether the team can recover from its late-game collapses and avoid a second consecutive 0-2 start.