Packers Defeat Panthers 27-19 as Rookie Kicker Trey Smack Continues Struggles
Green Bay secured a home victory on Thursday Night Football despite ongoing kicking woes from rookie Trey Smack.
The Green Bay Packers defeated the Carolina Panthers 27-19 on Thursday Night Football at Lambeau Field, improving their record as quarterback Jordan Love delivered a stellar performance with 288 yards and three touchdowns. While the Packers defense amassed six sacks and pivotal stops to seal the win, the team's special teams unit continued to face scrutiny regarding rookie kicker Trey Smack.
Smack's struggles persisted early in the game when he hit the left upright on an extra-point attempt following Green Bay's opening touchdown drive. The missed point-after added to a rough stretch for the young kicker, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft as the first kicker off the board. His season conversion rates have dipped to 11 of 16 on field goals and multiple missed extra points.
The rookie's recent difficulties were highlighted during the Packers' Week 7 loss to the Detroit Lions, where he finished 1-for-3 on field goals. His second miss against Detroit was officially logged as a blocked attempt after Lions defensive end D.J. Wonnum tipped the 35-yard kick with under four minutes remaining in a tied game.
Addressing the media prior to the matchup against Carolina, Packers special teams coordinator Cam Achord evaluated Smack's recent performance without offering excuses. Achord noted that it was difficult to tell if the blocked kick against Detroit would have been good otherwise, emphasizing the need for cleaner contact with the football.
"You'd like it to be a little straighter there, and then you wouldn't have no doubt about it," Achord stated to reporters. He added that the coaching staff is continuing to work with the rookie to recapture the consistent form he displayed earlier. Head coach Matt LaFleur previously pointed to windy conditions during an earlier game against the Chicago Bears to explain some of Smack's difficulties, though weather was not a factor at Ford Field.
Despite the kicking game complications, Green Bay's offense and defense managed to control the contest against Carolina. Running back Josh Jacobs scored two touchdowns, and wide receiver Matthew Watson contributed significantly before temporarily leaving the game due to a chest injury that required precautionary hospital evaluation. Watson was later cleared and returned to the stadium.
Carolina mounted a second-half challenge, capped by a 50-yard field goal from Ryan Fitzgerald and a late touchdown pass from Bryce Young to Jalen Coker. However, the Green Bay defense halted the Panthers' final efforts, forcing a turnover on a laterals play as time expired to secure the 27-19 victory.
The 5-3 Packers will look to maintain their momentum when they travel to face the New England Patriots on Sunday, November 8. Meanwhile, the 3-4 Panthers prepare to host the Denver Broncos on the same date.