Packers Overcome LaFleur’s Risky Decisions to Edge Cardinals 14-11
GREEN BAY (AP) — Despite a series of questionable fourth-down calls by head coach Matt LaFleur, the Green Bay Packers held on for a narrow 14-11 victory over the winless Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Green Bay (4-2) leaned on its defense and the running of David Montgomery, who finished with 109 yards and two touchdowns, to escape with the win.
LaFleur’s aggressive decisions left points on the board, as the Packers went for it on fourth down three times instead of attempting field goals. All three attempts failed, putting extra pressure on the defense to keep Arizona (0-6) from capitalizing.
“We’ve got to play fearless,” LaFleur said when asked about the decisions. “We’re not going to second-guess ourselves. The process was right, even if the result didn’t go our way.”
The Packers' defense rose to the occasion, led by Kylie White’s two timely interceptions, which helped stifle Arizona’s offense. White’s first pick set up Montgomery’s opening touchdown, and his second came in the fourth quarter, denying the Cardinals a potential game-tying drive.
Arizona struggled to generate offense throughout the game, but Kyler Murray led a late push to make things interesting. A fourth-quarter field goal cut Green Bay’s lead to 14-11, and the Cardinals had a chance to drive for the win with under two minutes left. However, Green Bay’s defense stood tall, forcing a turnover on downs to seal the victory.
“Those situations shouldn’t come down to the defense, but we made the stops when we had to,” White said.
With the win, Green Bay improves to 4-2, staying in the thick of the NFC playoff race, while Arizona remains winless at 0-6.
Texans' Defense Shines in 41-14 Blowout Over Patriots
FOXBOROUGH (AP) — The Houston Texans pulled away from the New England Patriots with a commanding 41-14 victory on Sunday, fueled by a stifling defensive performance. Two critical pick-sixes—one by veteran Tyrann Mathieu and the other by newly signed cornerback Desmond King II—helped the Texans (5-1) break open what had been a close game early.
Patriots quarterback C.J. Stroud struggled against Houston’s opportunistic defense, throwing four interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. Mathieu’s pick-six came late in the second quarter, shifting momentum firmly in Houston’s favor. King added his own score in the third quarter, all but sealing the Patriots' fate.
“We thrive off each other’s energy,” Mathieu said. “Everyone’s flying to the ball, and when we get opportunities, we capitalize.”
Despite a solid start by New England, which trailed just 10-7 midway through the second quarter, the Texans took control with their defensive pressure. Stroud, who had been relatively sharp in earlier games, appeared rattled as Houston’s secondary blanketed receivers and forced him into poor decisions.
On offense, Houston quarterback Drake Maye managed the game efficiently, taking care of the football and keeping drives alive. Maye didn’t need to throw for huge numbers thanks to the defense’s dominance, as Houston leaned on short fields to build their lead.
“The defense gave us every opportunity,” Maye said. “When they’re scoring points, it makes life easier for us.”
Texans head coach David Shaw credited his team’s preparation. “We knew if we could get pressure and make them throw into tight windows, we’d have a chance to change the game,” Shaw said. “That’s exactly what the guys did today.”
The Texans improve to 5-1, looking like one of the top teams in the AFC, while the Patriots drop to 0-6 with lingering questions about Stroud’s development and protection in the passing game.
Jordan Love Shines as 49ers Defeat Seahawks 31-17 on Thursday Night Football
SEATTLE (AP) — Jordan Love delivered a dynamic performance, accounting for four total touchdowns as the San Francisco 49ers cruised to a 31-17 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football. Love threw for 262 yards and two touchdowns while adding two more scores on the ground, leading the 49ers (5-1) to a key road win.
“Coach [Kyle] Shanahan gave me the green light, and we just executed,” Love said. “It’s always tough to play here, but we stayed focused and got the job done.”
Love’s go-to target, CeeDee Lamb, hauled in six passes for 106 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown that gave San Francisco a comfortable lead. Lamb's ability to find space consistently frustrated the Seahawks' defense throughout the game.
“We’re building something special with this group,” Lamb said. “Jordan makes it easy to trust the process. He was in complete control tonight.”
Seattle (1-5) kept things competitive early, with Geno Smith throwing a touchdown pass and the Seahawks staying within striking distance at halftime. But San Francisco's defense tightened after the break, limiting Seattle to just one second-half field goal.
The loss adds to the Seahawks’ struggles, as they fall to 1-5 and continue to search for answers. Meanwhile, San Francisco improves to 5-1 and looks poised to remain a contender in the NFC.
Justin Tucker’s Five Field Goals Lift Chargers to 15-13 Win Over Broncos
DENVER (AP) — Justin Tucker was the difference-maker on Sunday, drilling five field goals to power the Los Angeles Chargers to a narrow 15-13 victory over the Denver Broncos. In a game where touchdowns were hard to come by, the Chargers (4-1) leaned on Tucker’s reliable leg and a dominant performance from running back Najee Harris to secure the road win.
“Every point mattered today,” Chargers head coach Bobby Slowik said. “We knew it would be a grind, and Justin was money, as always.”
Harris carried the offensive load for Los Angeles, rushing 18 times for 158 yards, including several critical runs to keep drives alive and set up Tucker’s field goals. Despite Harris' efforts, the Chargers couldn’t find the end zone, but Tucker’s perfect day—capped with a 47-yard game-winner in the fourth quarter—proved enough.
“He’s a luxury to have,” quarterback Will Levis said of Tucker. “When you know you’re getting three points every time you get close, it gives you confidence.”
The Chargers’ defense was equally impressive, holding Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix to just 99 yards through the air and limiting Denver’s offense to 13 points. While the Broncos (2-4) managed a fourth-quarter field goal to briefly take a 13-12 lead, Los Angeles answered with a late drive to position Tucker for the game-winning field goal.
“Defense stepped up big,” Slowik said. “We kept the pressure on them, and even when they scored, we knew we had enough time to respond.”
With the win, the Chargers improve to 4-1 and remain in the thick of the AFC playoff race. Denver, meanwhile, drops to 2-4, struggling to find consistency on offense as Nix continues to adjust to NFL defenses.
