GREEN BAY, Wis. — On Wednesday, Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst said one of the reasons the Packers signed veteran kicker Brandon McManus was that he had been in pressure situations and could perform in the clutch. 

On Sunday, McManus connected on a 45-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Packers to a 24-22 victory over the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field. 

Certainly, McManus was not the only reason the Packers won. Jordan Love led the Packers into field goal range. His offensive teammates helped him do that. Punter Daniel Whelan capped his brilliant day by handling a snap on the winning field goal that was challenging.

And the Packers defense held the talented C.J. Stroud to a paltry 86 yards passing. They sacked him four times and pressured him all day long.

We can debate the circumstances that led McManus to Green Bay. What’s not up for discussion is that the Packers upgraded a key position. I don’t know if Anders Carlson or Brayden Narveson makes that kick. They may have. I just know McManus did and the Packers are 5-2.

McManus said after the game that he’s kicked a million kicks. Yet for an incredible welcome to Green Bay moment, Sunday’s may have been the most important of them all.