Green Bay Packers (1-1) – Indianapolis Colts (0-2): 16-10
The Packers played to scare themselves against a lackluster Indianapolis team, but they were able to maintain a lead acquired in the first half and get their hands on possession of the ball. Behind a Malik Willis who provided the bare minimum and a monstrous Josh Jacobs who crushed everything in the first period, Green Bay pocketed an important victory in the absence of Jordan Love.
For the Colts, the performance was rather disappointing. Anthony Richardson was responsible for taking the game into his own hands, and he failed heavily with three interceptions that nailed Indianapolis' hopes. The defense, even if it adapted in the second half, still got walked all over. And Jonathan Taylor's 100 yards on the ground were not enough to change the course of the game.
Josh Jacobs Festival
Deprived of Jordan Love (QB) for a few weeks, the Packers decided to compensate by relying on their ground game rather than forcing things in the air. Right from the start, Josh Jacobs (RB, 151 yards) and his fellow runners imposed themselves with big gains and allowed Green Bay to open the score on a field goal on the first series, before Malik Willis (QB, 12/14, 122 yards, 1 TD) made the score worse by finding Dontayvion Wicks (WR, 26 yards, 1 TD) in the paint. The defense got into tune, as Anthony Richardson (QB, 17/34, 204 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT) was intercepted on a long pass attempt, and the cheeseheads ended the first quarter firmly in the lead.
Yet the first hitch comes a few yards from a new touchdown. Jacobs loses the ball just before crossing the line and gives Indianapolis the opportunity to catch its breath. But the Colts are out of rhythm and can't get into the game. Too one-dimensional, dependent on the breakthroughs of Jonathan Taylor (RB, 103 yards), they can't be really threatening. Thus, the two teams return to the locker room without scoring points during the second quarter. Green Bay produced 237 yards on the ground for only 25 yards passing in the first half. With 25 minutes of possession, the trend is clear.
A tighter decision than expected
Back on the field, Richardson still can't find the solution, while Willis produces just enough without forcing. The Packers add 3 points and calmly establish their lead. It is necessary to wait until the last minutes of the third quarter to see the Colts approach the red zone, but still lacking decisive actions they only pocket 3 points.
Despite everything, one could have believed in a late awakening, but like their match, the visitors approach the end zone again to miss a field goal. The match remains within reach, yet Indianapolis does not manage it in attack. However, the defense has finally taken the measure of Jacobs and decides to let Willis try to make the difference with the pass. A bet that only partially works, because Green Bay scores another 3 points and maintains its lead. And as Richardson throws a second interception, the Packers remain calm.
Pushed to the limit, the Colts attempt a last-ditch comeback with three minutes left. Richardson finds Antonio Pierce (WR, 56 yards, 1 TD) in the paint with less than two minutes to play, timeouts tick by, and Indianapolis recovers one last possession with its destiny in its own hands. 30 seconds to play, 90 yards to go, 6 points difference, the contract is on the table. But there is no miracle: Richardson's final attempt is intercepted again, the Packers have played to scare themselves but victory is at the end.
