Historically speaking, beginning a season 0-2 doesn’t bode well for a team’s playoff chances. Both the Colts and Packers are looking to avoid that potential fate.
While past results aren’t indicative of what the future holds for either team, neither the Colts nor Packers want to have to take on the challenge of digging themselves out of an 0-2 hole.
The Packers are an uncommon opponent for the Colts, so let’s take a closer look at the Week 2 opponent with all the key information you need to know.
Last week (Packers lost to Eagles 29-34 in Brazil)
On both sides of the football for the Packers, they found success against a good Eagles team. The offense was able to generate explosive plays and in the second half, Josh Jacobs and the run game really got going. Defensively, meanwhile, the Packers forced three turnovers and, for the most part, contained Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and the Eagles run game. The biggest issue, however, was too many self-inflicted mistakes, whether that be penalties, red zone woes, not capitalizing on turnover opportunities or just flat-out poor decisions. Ultimately, those miscues were too much to overcome.
What’s happening at quarterback?
All week, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has not shutdown the idea of Jordan Love playing on Sunday. Love did not practice on any of the three days but is still listed as questionable. Obviously if Love plays that changes the entire complexion of the game–but let’s start with Willis.
Willis has been in Green Bay less than three weeks since being traded there by the Tennessee Titans. He also has just 67 career pass attempts in his two-plus NFL seasons. Success for the Colts defense begins with slowing running back Josh Jacobs, which will help put Willis and the offense in long down-and-distance situations, where the pass rush can pin its ears back.
If the Colts struggle against the run, that leads to short down-and-distances for the Packers, opening up the playbook for Green Bay and putting the defense at a disadvantage having to defend the entire field. This scenario also won’t bode well for the shorthanded Colts secondary against a loaded group of Packers’ pass catchers.
If it’s Love who plays, the Colts have to be extremely concerned about their shorthanded secondary against Love and the litany of pass-catchers that the Packers have.
Key Matchups
I recently went into greater detail on three key matchups to watch in this game. Rather than repeating myself, you can click here to see what those matchups are and why they’re going to be important when it comes to Sunday’s game.
What to know about the Packers
Similarly to what I just mentioned, I also recently detailed five stats to know about this Packers team from their Week 1 performance. While one game is a very small sample size, these figures provide good insight into who the Colts are up against this week. For more on that, click here.
Packers players to know
WR Jayden Reed: I’ll mention Reed here because of the massive Week 1 performance he had, totaling 138 receiving yards. The Packers also will use Reed in the run game as well. With that said, it seems like every week a new receiver steps up for this team, so be aware of Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks as well.
RB Josh Jacobs: As already mentioned, with a backup quarterback likely starting, success for the Green Bay offense likely begins and ends with Jacobs ability on the ground.
S Xavier McKinney: The Packers signed McKinney earlier this offseason to a free agent deal. McKinney fills the do-it-all role in the Packers defense at safety and is all over the field, making plays in both the passing and running games.
DT Kenny Clark: Around the NFL, Clark’s impact seems to fly a bit under the radar, but he is the engine of this Packers interior defensive line, able to impact both the run and passing games. His presence and the attention he draws helps free up opportunities for his teammates as well.
Injury report
The Packers are listing three players as questionable: Jordan Love, MarShawn Lloyd, and Jayden Reed. Lloyd did not play in the opener still working his way back from a hamstring injury, while Reed popped up on Friday’s injury report with a calf/shin injury. With Love, the Packers have kept the door open all week when it comes to his availability.
