Rarely is the punter a headline story in a come-from-behind win in the NFL, but Green Bay Packers punter Daniel Whelan helped save the day in Green Bay’s 24-22 win over the Houston Texans on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
Not only did Whelan consistently flip the field as a punter, but he had a game-saving hold on Brandon McManus’ game-winning field goal as time expired.
Coach Matt LaFleur gave Whelan a game ball in the victorious post-game locker room.
“He definitely had a huge impact in the game today,” LaFleur said. “Today we needed him and he certainly came through in a big way.”
LaFleur admitted anxiety as he watched the final snap on McManus’ 45-yard field goal try. The snap from Matthew Orzech was off line, sent low and to the right, but Whelan made the tough catch and got the ball down in time for the kick.
“Really, really good job by him,” LaFleur said. “Not only is he a great punter, but he’s a hell of a holder too.”
Whelan averaged 56.8 yards per punt across five punts, with three straight punts over 60 yards. During a three-punt stretch in the second half as the two teams traded punts, Whelan hit punts of 62 yards, 66 yards and 61 yards to flip the field.
LaFleur said Whelan’s ability to mix distance with hang time separates him from other punters he’s had as coach.
“Definitely the best I’ve ever been around,” LaFleur said.
The Texans returned four of his punts but managed only 26 yards. Whelan’s net average was 51.6 yards — a new team record for a single game with at least four punts.
McManus, who was signed on Wednesday, connected on his only field goal attempt — the game winner — and all three extra points. Whelan held for all four attempts.
