Three Ways the Packers Can Secure a Win Against the Colts
The Packers are going head-to-head against the Colts in the home opener. While there is a unique excitement to Packers football at Lambeau Field, it comes with some doom and gloom due to quarterback Jordan Love’s likely absence. Love, recovering from an MCL sprain, has yet to practice and is expected to be unavailable, though he has not been officially ruled out. Despite his injury, the Colts are a much more favorable opponent than powerhouse teams like the 49ers, Chiefs, or Ravens. While the Colts might not be as intimidating as those teams, they still will not go down without a fight after losing their season opener against the Texans by only two points. Here are three key things the Packers must do to secure the win without Love.
Target Jayden Reed
While Packers fans were already aware of Jayden Reed’s potential, the league has now taken full notice of him as a dynamic offensive playmaker. Last week, Reed showcased his ability to shift the momentum, catching four of six targets for 138 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown reception. He also scored a 33-yard rushing touchdown, showing he does not need a perfect throw to make plays on offense. He’s the game-changing, explosive player the Packers have been anticipating. With quick-developing plays, Malik Willis, Love's mobile backup, won’t need to be a flawless passer—though that would be ideal, it's not a realistic expectation. Instead, these plays will allow playmakers like Reed to maximize their yardage, so yeah, just get him the ball in any way possible.
Additionally, Colts’ cornerback JuJu Brents was not as lucky as Jordan Love, facing a season-ending injury in last week’s game. The Colts’ safety Julian Blackmon was also ruled out. With the Colts’ major injuries in the secondary, their depth behind them is thin. This Colts’ injury-ridden weak secondary will ease the pressure on the passing game. It also will allow Reed to cause some serious headaches for the scrubs.
Good Defense
In the season opener, the Packers could not stop the run for their life with linebackers committed to the wrong gaps. Saquon Barkley exploited this weakness, dominating the game. Indianapolis' big offensive line is similarly talented, so the Packers must address their gap issues, or running back Jonathan Taylor will have a field day. With this being just Anthony Richardson’s sixth NFL start, pressuring the young quarterback can heighten his inconsistencies and force more mistakes. Last week, Richardson struggled with timing and decision-making, missing open receivers. Effective pressure could capitalize on these issues and disrupt his rhythm.
Feed Josh Jacobs
The Packers' defense wasn't the only one to struggle against the run last week, as the Colts' defensive line had its own issues too. Texans’ running back Joe Mixon capitalized on the Colts’ defensive weaknesses, rushing for 159 yards and a touchdown. Like Mixon, who averaged 5.3 yards per carry, Josh Jacobs averaged 5.4 yards per carry last week. The Colts particularly struggled with outside runs, forcing their safeties to make up for the defensive line’s shortcomings. Linebackers Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed were ineffective and lacked physicality. If Josh Jacobs can take advantage of the Colts' weak run defense, it will reduce the need for Malik Willis to perform at Love’s level. Jacobs is no stranger to tough quarterback situations, having played with both Jimmy Garoppolo and Aidan O’Connell as his quarterbacks last year.
Will Green Bay make the needed adjustments this Sunday? The Packers have won 11 consecutive home openers, the longest active streak in the NFL. Will they extend their streak this season? How will the Packers fare Love-less? Which team will fall to two losses? Catch the game on September 15th, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX to find out.
