#803 Packers Unscripted: Showdown with H-town

·31 min·3 clips

The Packers abruptly cut rookie kicker Brayden Narveson to sign veteran Brandon McManus, signaling a win-now move for a 4-2 team.

The episode opens with hosts Mike Spofford and Wes Hodkiewicz announcing from Lambeau Field that the Packers have signed veteran kicker Brandon McManus, replacing rookie Brayden Narveson. They explain this move reflects the team's 4-2 record and heightened expectations, contrasting it with last year's patience with rookie Anders Carlson. Hodkiewicz dives into McManus's statistics, revealing he is 91% on field goals inside 50 yards, addressing the Packers' recent kicking issues. The hosts then shift to previewing the Houston Texans, who are 5-1 with their only loss to the undefeated Minnesota Vikings. They highlight quarterback C.J. Stroud, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, and defensive end Will Anderson, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, noting Anderson's three-sack game the previous week. The discussion covers the Texans' defense, which held Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen to 9-of-30 passing, and the return of defensive tackle Denico Autry from suspension. Offensively, the Texans are without wide receiver Nico Collins due to a hamstring injury but still have Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, plus running back Joe Mixon providing balance. The hosts identify stopping Mixon as a key for the Packers' defense. On offense, the Packers' offensive line, coming off its best game against Arizona, faces a challenge from Houston's pass rushers like Anderson and Danielle Hunter. They praise Packers right tackle Zach Tom's Pro Bowl-level play. Later, the hosts briefly discuss other Week 7 games, including the Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings, debating which outcome benefits the Packers more in the NFC North race. They also mention the Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl rematch and the New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game featuring Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson. The episode ends with promotional content about the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay.

As heard by us

A steady Packers-Texans preview centered on the kicking change and Houston's balanced offensive threat.

Packers Unscripted previews Green Bay's home game against Houston by asking whether the Packers can find a steadier footing around Jordan Love.

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Why you'd press play

You get the kicker change, Nico Collins' absence, and the Joe Mixon question before kickoff.

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