The Week 2 matchup of the Green Bay Packers vs Indianapolis Colts game features two teams that lost their opening matchups to start the 2024 NFL season. Each team is certainly looking to rebound with a win in Week 2, but only one team can emerge victorious.
Athletic, yet inexperienced quarterbacks will mark this game. That could mean an equal amount of mistakes and explosive plays for both offenses. Which team can establish their plan and impose their style on the game?
Key Players for the Packers
Due to injury, Malik Willis should get several starts at quarterback for the Packers. This will be an adjustment, as Willis only has 67 career pass attempts during the regular season. So far, when Willis has been on the field, his teams have taken a very run-heavy approach. This fits Willis’ skill set as his rushing ability may be his best football trait.
Signing Josh Jacobs was a signal that the Packers would approach the run differently. Gone is a running back who was excellent in the outside zone scheme. Jacobs joins Green Bay as a superior interior runner, one who can absorb a lot of carries and still be effective. Expect a heavy dose of Jacobs.
The rushing game is not just limited to their running backs. Matt LaFleur has been known to give carries to wide receivers. Jayden Reed and Christian Watson have both been involved on the ground during their time in Green Bay. Just last week, we saw Reed take a rushing attempt 33 yards to the end zone, showcasing his speed and his instincts with the ball in his hand.
A strong commitment to the run could also benefit some young players on the offensive line. While Sean Rhyan started at right guard in Week 1, rookie first rounder Jordan Morgan rotated into the game.
Initially, Morgan entered the contest as a sixth offensive linemen, but eventually he replaced Rhyan at right guard. However, rookie struggles in pass-protection led to Rhyan’s return. In theory, a most run-centric offense should help Morgan’s integration.
Whoever gets the nod at right guard, they will have the advantage of playing next to stalwart right tackle Zac Tom. In addition, excellent left guard Elgton Jenkins will often get the one-on-one matchups inside. These are the key players for the Packers in this pivotal Week 2 game.
Key Players for the Colts
From an experience standpoint, the two quarterbacks in this game are not so different. Colts signal-caller Anthony Richardson only has 103 career pass attempts in five NFL games. However, what he lacks in experience he makes up for in pure athleticism. He is almost a perfect match of rushing quarterback styles. Richardson is fast enough to pile on yards in open space, but strong enough to be a threat in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Speaking of the goal-line, Indianapolis posses one of the best backs in the league. Jonathan Taylor combines great running technique, with elite athleticism, and fantastic field vision. For opposing defenses, Taylor is a problem both in open space, and between the tackles. Defensive discipline is a must. Between Taylor and Richardson, there are two elite rushing threats in the Colts backfield. If defenders focus too much on one, the other can break off an explosive play at any time.
In addition Richardson’s running ability, he possesses a very a strong arm. He can make all the throws in the playbook. The real question is how often will he actually drop back to pass. In order to make the Indianapolis offense multi-dimension, unlocking the connection with Michael Pittman Jr. is a must. The Colts top wide receiver can win at all levels of the route tree. Pittman can be a downfield threat for Richardson, but can also win in the short passing game.
Defensively, the Colts are led by Zaire Franklin. Manning the middle linebacker spot, he is the defensive signal-caller in Indianapolis. Franklin is an incredibly intelligent player, and an equally skilled tackler. If the Packers do employ a run-heavy approach, expect a lot of tackles from Franklin.
Keys to Win the Game for the Packers
In the 21st century of football, it is rare to say that the rushing attack is the key to win the game for any team – let alone the Packers. However, considering the quarterback situations of both squads, the ground game could generate the victory.
The Packers are turning to their backup due to injury. A backup, who only joined the team after training camp. Willis enters this week having barely any practice reps with his receivers. Expect the LaFleur game plan to feature the run game even more prominently than usual.
Defensively, a key for the Packers is containing the quarterback. Kenny Clark can be a true game wrecker from the defensive tackle spot. If he can dominate one-on-one matchups, Clark can disrupt both the run and pass game by getting into the backfield quickly.
On the outside, the defensive ends have to stay disciplined and contain Richardson. If they get up field too aggressively, it could create lanes to escape. Richardson can be dangerous when extending plays outside the pocket. In Week 1, Rashan Gary played the quarterback contain perfectly. And he was still able to get pressure while maintaining his run lanes. If Gary can repeat his performance, it could go a long way for the Green Bay defense.
Defensive line depth will be critical. Two weeks in a row against a physically imposing quarterbacks can be quite taxing for defenders. There will be stretches of play when the starting defensive linemen will be resting. While the Packers can be pretty comfortable with the backup defensive ends, the interior is a larger concern. Who will step up next to Clark?
From the Colts perspective, a key component will be unlocking the arial attack. Can Richardson and Pittman get on the same page. The matchup between Pittman and cornerback Jaire Alexander will be integral to the outcome of the game.
