After a disappointing week 1 performance against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Green Bay Packers bounced back in week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts. The Packers held on to defeat the Colts 16-10 last Sunday to even their record at 1-1.
With starting quarterback Jordan Love out on Sunday, the Packers were left to rely on newly acquired backup Malik Willis to lead the way for Green Bay. Malik Willis did an excellent job taking care of the football as he completed 12 of his 14 passes for 122 yards and threw for his first career touchdown pass.
Not only did Willis do a stellar job, but Green Bay’s run game had a very successful day as well. With Malik Willis joining the squad just a few weeks ago, the Packers relied heavily on running back Josh Jacobs as he rushed 32 times for 151 yards.
“You’ve got to put your head down and get results, and that’s what this business is” Jacobs stated. The run heavy offense totaled 261 rush yards on 53 total carries. Of course, Jacobs was given the majority of the carriers but players Jayden Reed, Emmanuel Wilson, MarShawn Lloyd and Bo Melton contributed to the running game as well. Quarterback Malik Willis even had 6 carries for 41 yards.
“53 rushes, that’s what we wanted to do coming into this game” said Head Coach Matt LaFleur. Out of the 261 rushing yards, 164 of those yards came from the first quarter alone. Despite his early fumble near the goal line, Jacobs ultimately proved that he is capable of playing within a run heavy offense when needed.
Not only was the game plan for the offense successful, but the defense was able to contain the Colts offense quite well. Xavier McKinney grabbed yet another interception this week early in the 1st quarter. Along with McKinney, Eric Wilson and Evan Williams each grabbed an interception of their own.
Anthony Richardson completed 17 of his 34 passes for 201 yards, one touchdown and 3 interceptions. The Packers defense did an excellent job making the young quarterback uncomfortable.
Punter Daniel Whelan did his part as well, pinning the Colts inside the 20 three times on Sunday. All three phases of the team seemed to be on the same page Sunday. Games like this show just how outstanding Head Coach Matt LaFleur is.
The Packers take on the Tennessee Titans in week 3. With the status of Jordan Love still in the air, Head Coach Matt LaFleur will likely have to piece together another well executed game plan in hopes of moving Green Bay to a 2-1 record.
