The Green Bay Packers (0-1) will attempt to bounce back from a season-opening defeat when the Indianapolis Colts (0-1) come to Lambeau Field for the home opener on Sunday.
Both teams are coming off close losses to legitimate contenders. The one big difference: the Colts have a healthy quarterback. Jordan Love is dealing with a knee injury and is unlikely to play Sunday.
Can the Packers — with or without Love — even their record against an uncommon AFC opponent?
Here’s a closer look at the Colts entering Week 2:
Last week (Loss, 29-27 to Texans)
The Colts got three total touchdowns from quarterback Anthony Richardson, including an impressive 60-yard bomb to Alec Pierce, and the offense averaged 7.0 yards per play, but Shane Streichen’s team fell behind at halftime and twice trailed by nine points in the fourth quarter of a 29-27 loss at home to the rival Texans. The Colts gave up 213 rushing yards, and C.J. Stroud completed 24 of 32 passes in an efficient performance from Texans offense. Indy’s offense produced a pair of touchdown passes over 50 yards. The Texans held the ball for 40:00 of game clock, finished more first downs and total yards and converted both fourth downs tries and all three trips into the red zone.
Quarterback play
Richardson was erratic but also dynamic in the season opener. He completed only nine passes but still finished with 212 passing yards — thanks in large part to touchdown passes of 60 and 54 yards. He also led the team in rushing with 56 yards and a score. Richarson is a Cam Newton type quarterback — huge frame, big arm and dynamic running ability. He might not be a pinpoint, timing-based passer at this stage, but he can hurt a defense in multiple ways, and his style is to ruthlessly hunt big plays — making him a danger on every play. The Packers must rush with discipline, tackle well when the quarterback breaks contain and protect against deep routes down the field.
Line of scrimmage
The Colts offensive line has the chance to be one of the NFL’s best in 2024. In Week 1, the Colts ranked fourth in pass-blocking grade at Pro Football Focus (allowed only five pressures), but the offense also struggled to get the run game going (Jonathan Taylor averaged 3.0 yards per carry over 16 attempts). The Colts have two veteran tackles and Pro Bowl players at center (Ryan Kelly) and guard (Quentin Nelson). Defensively, the Colts must rebound after giving up over 200 rushing yards and 5.0 yards per carry in the opener. Last season, the Colts allowed 2,105 rushing yards and 22 rushing scores. Gus Bradley’s defense did sack C.J. Stroud four times. DeForest Buckner is the star up front — he’s a massive interior defender (6-7, 295) who can disrupt the run and pass.
Turnovers
The Colts lost the turnover battle 1-0 in the opener. Richardson threw an interception late in the first half with the Colts driving deep in Texans territory, providing a key moment in a game that ended with the Texans securing a two-point win. Last season, Richardson threw only one pick and fumbled three times in four starts before his injury. The Colts were one of nine teams that failed to get a takeaway in Week 1. Last season, safety Julian Blackmon led the team with four interceptions and two fumble recoveries last season. The Colts were middle of the pack in interceptions (15, 14th in NFL) and total takeaways (24, 16th) in 2023.
Injury situation
Three injuries to watch for the Colts this week: safety Julian Blackmon (shoulder), defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (back) and defensive end Kwity Paye (hamstring) all missed practice on Wednesday. All three are important defensive starters for the Colts.
Players to know
WR Michael Pittman Jr.: He caught only four of eight targets in the opener, but Pittman has averaged almost 100 total catches per year over the last three season. He’s a true No. 1. Jaire Alexander must rebound after A.J. Brown got the best of him in Week 1.
CB Kenny Moore: One of the NFL’s underrated slot defenders. He’s a fearless run defender and a sticky, pestering coverage player. Moore vs. Jayden Reed could be an excellent matchup.
DE Laiatu Latu: The Colts’ first-round pick was highly disruptive over 31 snaps in the opener. He has the look of a top pass-rusher. Rasheed Walker will have his hands full on the left side.
