The Green Bay Packers used a dominant effort from Josh Jacobs and the run game, a terrific performance from Jeff Hafley’s defense, three field goals from Brayden Narveson and a sprinkle of big plays from Malik Willis to escape with a 16-10 win over Anthony Richardson and the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
Without Jordan Love, the Packers stole a win and evened their record at 1-1.
Here is an instant analysis of the Packers’ win over the Colts in the home opener:
Final score: Packers 16, Colts 10
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F | |
| IND (0-2) | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 10 |
| GB (1-1) | 10 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 16 |
Live scoring
First quarter
GB 3, IND 0: Brayden Narveson 46-yard FG (10:30)
GB 10, IND 0: Dontayvion Wicks 14-yard catch (3:18)
Third quarter
GB 13, IND 0: Brayden Narveson 42-yard FG (8:25)
GB 13, IND 3: Matt Gay 34-yard FG (4:32)
Fourth quarter
GB 16, IND 3: Brayden Narveson 34-yard FG (10:50)
GB 16, IND 10: Alec Pierce 4-yard catch (1:47)
It was over when…
… Packers rookie Evan Williams intercepted Anthony Richardson’s Hail Mary attempt as time expired. Williams also recovered the Colts late onside kick attempt.
Game balls
Offense — RB Josh Jacobs: His fumble near the goal line was a damaging play early, but Jacobs mostly carried the Packers offense, turning 32 carries into 151 of the Packers’ 261 rushing yards.
Defense — DL Devonte Wyatt/LB Eric Wilson: Wyatt had a tackle for loss against the run, a sack of Anthony Richardson and probably a half-dozen pressures overall, while Wilson had a key stop on third down before a missed field goal and an interception of Richardson.
Special teams — P Daniel Whelan: All three of his punts pinned the Colts inside the 20-yard line, including a 59-yarder and a late punt that put the Colts at the 5-yard line to start the final drive.
Key stat
The Packers finished 10-for-17 converting on third down, while the Colts were 3-for-11 on third or fourth down. While limited offensively, the Packers stayed on schedule and moved the football consistently.
Deciding factor
The Packers attempted 53 runs and rushed for 261 yards, including 237 yards in the first half. The time of possession difference? The Packers held the ball for 40:11 on a hot, humid day in Green Bay. At 85 degrees at kickoff, Sunday was the second-hottest game in Lambeau Field history. The run game helped wear out a diminished Colts defense.
Malik Willis watch
The Packers didn’t ask Willis to do much, especially as a passer, but he rose to the occasion in his first start in place of Jordan Love. Willis completed 12 of 14 passes, averaged 8.7 yards per attempt, threw a third-down touchdown pass and didn’t have a turnover. He also rushed for 41 yards and didn’t take a sack. Credit Matt LaFleur for crafting a gameplan that protected and elevated his young, inexperienced quarterback. Willis’ passer rating was 126.8.
Play of the game
Malik Willis throws his first NFL TD pass!#INDvsGB pic.twitter.com/c2ALcrhUN6
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) September 15, 2024
Third down. In the red zone. Malik Willis threw a dart to Dontayvion Wicks, beating corner Kenny Moore along the sideline and allowing Wicks to stroll into the end zone for six. It was Willis’ first career touchdown pass.
Injury updates
First-round pick Jordan Morgan left the game with a shoulder injury and didn’t return. Third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd left with an ankle injury and didn’t return.
What’s next
The Packers head to Nashville next week to take on Will Levis and the Tennessee Titans. Revenge game for Malik Willis and Brayden Narveson?
