It sure is nice to have a reliable kicker, isn't it? It was vastly different watching Brandon McManus trot out for that game-winning field goal than watching Anders Carlson or Brayden Narveson even try to warm up. This was a huge move by Gutey that helps solidify a troublesome area. OK - that's the end of kicker talk.

As for the rest of the Green Bay Packers, let's appreciate Jaire Alexander for a moment. His trash talk, playing ability, and energy he brings to the defense is unparalleled. Not only is he going to run his mouth, but he's going to clamp up anyone in front of him. Including Stefon Diggs, who still must have some Minnesota in him which when it comes to winning... probably not something you want to have!

And yes, while Jordan Love's interceptions aren't ideal, his insane touchdowns are. I had a hard time accepting it, but a lot of dialogue this week altered my view of him. He's a risk taker. And he's confident. And it won't always work out, but it sure will more often than not. I'm happy to root for a quarterback like that.

So with that, let's close the book on the Houston Texans, as another AFC South opponent lurks, this time away from Lambeau. So let's raise up the Periscope and dive into the past, present and future of the Packers and the Jags.

The Past

The Packers lead the all-time series with Jacksonville 5-2, with the last three going to the Cheeseheads, but only one of those in the Jags' home stadium, which was in 2016 (remember that sweet Davante TD?). What's interesting is that in all of their 7 matchups, the Packers scored between 24 and 30 points in every game except 1 (only 16). And really, every game has been a single-digit winning margin either way, except for one.

And that one took place on September 24, 1995 in the Jags' inaugural season. Brett Favre and the Packers made the trip down to Jacksonville for the first time, for a Sunday Night affair on TNT (legitimately had no idea TNT ever televised the NFL).

In a 24-14 win, the Packers dominated until a late rally by the Jaguars came up short. Craig Hentrich got them on the board from 49 yards out and a 3-0 lead. Then later in the second, Favre hit Robert Brooks from 6 yards out to make it 10-0 at the break. Then, late in the third, Dorsey Levens found pay dirt from 2 yards out fr a 17-0 lead entering the fourth.

But the Jags wouldn't go quietly. Two Willie Jackson touchdowns sandwiched a Favre-to-Anthony Morgan connection to wrap things up at 24-14, keeping it a tad closer. Peep the highlights below, if for nothing other than the amazingly 90s logo at midfield.

The Present

Matt LaFleur said it best. If the Jags get a couple bounces, they're a 5-2 football team, just like Green Bay. But, fact of the matter is, they're not. And it's mostly because of their 31-st ranked scoring defense. Only the Panthers have allowed more points than the Jags' 194.

But the Jaguars do a nice job against the run, only allowing 102.6 a game, good for 6th in the NFL. But on the back end, they are a sieve allowing nearly 275 passing ypg, 31st in the league. So while it may be a tough stroll for Josh Jacobs, Jordan Love has to be licking his chops this week.

On the other side of the ball, Trevor Lawrence has not yet been able to back up his beefy contract extension this offseason. As a whole, the Jags are only scoring 20.7 ppg, putting them in the bottom half of the league. They're certainly a run-first team, ranking in the top half. And Tank Bigsby is more than capable of hitting a home run, so the run defense for the Packers will need to be on its toes.

Overall, there's plenty of talent on the Jacksonville roster to make things tough for the Packers. But what'll be interesting is how the Jags adapt to being back in Florida after back-to-back games in London. That's a lot of time away and a long flight without a bye week after.

The Future

Noon kick Lombardi Time, EverBank Stadium (gross name), Jacksonville. With temperatures expected in the mid-80s, it'll be a somewhat toasty affair for the boys from Wisconsin. But at least it's 80s and not 90s, like the last couple trips to Jacksonville.

I went over the stats above. The Jags, while certainly formidable, just haven't shown it yet and we're nearing the halfway point of the season. At this point, you pretty much are who you are. And this is just not a great Jaguars team in spite of its talent.

While the Packers run-first approach may hit some struggles against a formidable run D this week, this is an opportunity for Love to make some plays while protecting the football. He's shown he can do it, on the team's run last year. But he's got to improve in that area, and this may just be the week to do it.

And with the Lions on the other side of this week's game, the Packers can't afford to look ahead and underestimate this opponent. Here's to the Pack continuing their upward trajectory and handling business Sunday down in Florida.