Placekicker Brandon McManus nearly lost his career following the sexual assault allegations bestowed against him. While that issue is already in the past, the Washington Commanders released him at the height of the investigation.
However, the Green Bay Packers gave him another lease this month by signing him to a contract. It’s an opportunity he hasn’t wasted based on his first two games with the NFC North squad.
In Week 7 of the 2024 NFL season, McManus converted a game-winning field goal against the Houston Texans. A week later, his boot helped the Packers defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road. That’s two game-winning field goals for McManus in his first two games with Green Bay.
Clutch pic.twitter.com/xQQebvnWvf
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) October 30, 2024
More importantly, his kicking accuracy helped the Packers extend their winning streak to four games, improving their record to 6-2. McManus is yet to miss for the season, converting all four field goal tries and six extra points. However, he hasn’t converted a field goal from at least 50 yards.
A tough test awaits McManus and the Packers in Week 9 when they face their divisional rivals, the Detroit Lions. The NFC North-leading Lions have a 6-1 record and are on a five-game winning streak. With this pairing primed to be a tightly contested battle, McManus being on target could make a difference.
-Lance Fernandez