The Indianapolis Colts have dropped to 0-2 following a loss to the Green Bay Packers in a game, where very little went right.
Just like last week, the Colts run defense couldn’t stop the opponent and the outcome on the ground was even worse than it was against Houston. However, unlike last week, the offense didn’t have the explosive passing plays to offset the issues on defense.
So with the game having wrapped up, here is a recap of what happened with everything we know at this time.
Sep 15, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) throws a pass under pressure from Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Rashan Gary (52) during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
It came down to the last play following a late touchdown by the Colts, but the Packers came away with the win 16-10.
Sep 15, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) rushes with the football during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Porous run defense: Ultimately, the Colts’ inability to stop the run doomed them from the start. The Packers ran wild against Indianapolis, totaling over 250 yards on the ground. This allowed Green Bay to control the game from both a play and time of possession standpoint and made it more difficult for the Colts’ offense to find a rhythm. This is officially a massive problem for the Colts.
Passing game couldn’t consistently get going: Not to absolve the Colts’ offense, but as mentioned, it’s not easy to find a rhythm when the other team is controlling the ball. But in addition to that, dropped passes by the Colts pass catchers certainly didn’t help things, and the Packers put an emphasis on limiting the big play, which forced the Colts to have to string together long drives, something they haven’t yet been able to do this season.
Jonathan Taylor provided the juice: The success that the Colts did have today was often due to Taylor. He had a big day on the ground and had a big play in the passing game as well.
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
When Richardson’s Hail Mary was intercepted. The Packers were in control for much of the game, but the contest did come down to the final play of the game. I mentioned this in my instant analysis, while things didn’t go well overall for Richardson and the passing game, he seemed to will them down the field in the fourth quarter to at least give the Colts somewhat of a chance of pulling this one out.
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) gets warmups in before the start of game action at EverBank Stadium on Sunday, Oct 15, 2023, in Jacksonville.
This, unfortunately, is a bit of a short list for the Colts.
Jonathan Taylor: It was a big day for Taylor who broke 100 rushing yards and averaged over 8.0 yards per attempt. It was Taylor’s success that gave the Colts’ offense any sort of ability to move the ball.
The offensive line: We’ll include the offensive line in this category as well. In addition to the big day Taylor had, the Colts’ front did well giving Anthony Richardson time in the pocket.
Colts’ defensive tackle DeForest Buckner exited the game with an ankle injury. He was seen being carted to the locker room. Defensive end Laiatu Latu was ruled out in the second half with a hip injury. We do not have any further updates at this time.
Aug 17, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen stands on the sidelines during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
The Indianapolis Colts are back at home next Sunday to take on the Chicago Bears. At 0-2, it goes without saying, but the Colts have to find a way to win that one. Defensively, whatever it is, a big change to the game plan is going to have to be made in an effort to improve their run defense.
