Packers surge late to win preseason finale

On Friday night, the host Green Bay Packers emerged victorious in a high-scoring preseason game against Arizona, finishing with a 42-38 win at Lambeau Field. The game marked a special encounter as Matt LaFleur, the Packers' head coach, coached alongside his younger brother Mike, who was leading the Arizona team in their first year. In the end, the Packers secured a 2-1 preseason record.

Quarterback Kyle McCord spearheaded the Packers' offensive efforts, tossing four touchdown passes, including two within the final four minutes. McCord, a second-year player from Syracuse, completed 22 of his 35 passes for 226 yards without an interception. He was the only Packers quarterback to take action in a game featuring mostly reserve players.

McCord connected with Kisean Johnson on a 28-yard scoring play with 3:19 left on the clock. He directed a 44-yard scoring drive in the closing seconds, connecting with Johnson again from 10 yards out and then once more from 10 yards with 20 seconds remaining.

Defensive end J. Michael Sturdivant contributed significantly to the Packers' victory, pulling in six passes for 112 yards and a 29-yard touchdown in the second quarter after a 36-yard connection with McCord. Wide receiver Will Sheppard had a touchdown catch and returned a punt 81 yards for a score for the Packers. Kicker Trey Smack converted two more field goals, achieving a perfect 9-for-9 performance in the preseason.

On the Arizona side, running back Evan Hull rushed for 107 yards and scored two touchdowns on 16 carries, while Simi Fehoko contributed 94 yards and two touchdowns on five catches. The game's significance lay in the coaching brothers' matchup, as Matt LaFleur led the Packers and Mike, his brother, managed the rebuilding Arizona squad.