The Green Bay Packers will attempt to even their record at 1-1 when the Indianapolis Colts — who are also 0-1 — arrive at Lambeau Field for the home opener in Week 2 of the 2024 season.
How can Matt LaFleur’s team avoid the dreaded 0-2 start?
Here are five keys to the Packers beating the Colts in the home opener in Week 2:
Make life easier for Malik Willis
Let’s assume Willis is the quarterback on Sunday. To beat the Colts, Matt LaFleur and the Packers must find ways of making his life easier. Remember, Willis has played in only 11 career games and has been in Green Bay for fewer than three weeks. He’s not only inexperienced, but completely new to the scheme, so LaFleur must have plays — and combination of plays — that create easy throws, provide opportunities for Willis to use his legs and keep the offense out of bad situations. If the Packers aren’t winning on first and second down, Willis is going to get eaten alive on third-and-long. The run game, the quick passing game and even the screen game must all help Willis on Sunday. Expect a few gadget plays to Jayden Reed and Christian Watson, too.
Limit big plays
Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson completed only nine passes but still finished with 212 passing yards in the season opener. He hit touchdown passes of 60 yards and 54 yards and also a 57-yarder, showcasing the big-play potential within the Colts passing game. Alec Pierce, who has serious deep speed, caught two of the three deep shots. Can the Packers limit big plays and force Richardson to be methodical moving the ball? Richardson’s big arm will force the Packers to protect every inch of the field. Safeties Xavier McKinney, Javon Bullard and Evan Williams must play a disciplined, mistake-free game or Richardson will make the Packers pay.
Create a couple of short fields
A takeaway or an impact special teams play might be required for the Packers to score enough points to win Sunday. Nothing helps a backup quarterback score points more than a short field coming off a momentum-changing play. The Packers got three takeaways in the opener, and Richardson’s inexperience as a quarterback might provide a few more opportunities on Sunday. The defense must convert every chance. Also, field position will be crucial, especially in what could be a defense-controlled game, so getting something like a blocked punt or a big return could be huge in determining the outcome. To win, the Packers need a coordinated three-phased performance, and the defense and special teams likely need to provide a big assist for the offense.
Win the run game battle
Two things: Can the Packers get Josh Jacobs early and often, potentially setting up better play-action opportunities for Malik Willis? And can the Packers defense keep Jonathan Taylor from controlling the game on the ground for the Colts? It’s tough to imagine the Packers winning the game if the Colts are the better running team on Sunday. Jacobs and the Packers found some success in the gap run scheme in the second half vs. the Eagles. Expect Willis to get a few designed runs as well. Almost certainly, the Colts will prepare all week to take away Jacobs and force Willis to win the game with his arm. Defensively, the Packers front will be facing a big, experienced offensive line, and Taylor is an elite back — creating another big test for the defense after Saquon Barkley went over 100 yards rushing in Week 1.
Be aggressive
There will be temptation to play conservatively with a backup quarterback under center. The Packers can’t fall into the trap. Willis is green, but he’s surrounded by talent, and LaFleur’s scheme is designed to be quarterback-friendly. The Packers are at home and fancy themselves as contenders. Go prove it. Situational aggressiveness will also be important. Don’t be surprised if LaFleur pushes the envelope on fourth down and hunts big plays with misdirection and disguise. In the past, LaFleur’s Packers have been terrific in these adverse injury situations. Replacing a quarterback is a different challenge, but staying confident and aggressive around Willis will give the Packers the best chance to pull off the upset.
