Behind Josh Jacobs’ dominant play and running game, Jeff Hafley’s stellar defensive play, three field goals by Brayden Narveson and a couple of substantial plays by Malik Willis, the Green Bay Packers escaped with a 16-10 loss to Anthony Richardson and the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
Without Jordan Love, the Packers stole the win to even the score at 1-1.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the Packers’ home opener victory over the Colts:
Final Score: Packers 16, Colts 10
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F | |
| IND (0-2) | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 10 |
| Great Britain (1-1) | 10 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 16 |
Live results
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 catches ball for 4 yards (1:47)
It was all over when…
… Packers rookie Evan Williams intercepted Anthony Richardson’s Hail Mary attempt as time expired. Williams also intercepted a delayed Colts onside kick attempt.
Balls for the game
Offense — RB Josh Jacobs: His loss of the ball near the goal line proved hazardous early on, but Jacobs mostly led the Packers’ offense, converting 32 attempts for 151 of the Packers’ 261 rushing yards.
Defense — DL Devonte Wyatt/LB Eric Wilson: Wyatt had a sack that caused a loss of a run, brought down Anthony Richardson and probably had a half-dozen pressures overall, while Wilson had a key stop on third down before Richardson’s missed field goal and interception.
Special Teams — P Daniel Whelan: All three of his kicks stopped the Colts inside the 20-yard line, including a 59-yard kick and a delayed kick that put the Colts inside the 5-yard line to start the final drive.
Key Statistics
The Packers finished with 10 of 17 third-down conversions, while the Colts were 3 of 11 on third or fourth downs. Despite the Packers’ offensive limitations, they stuck to their schedule and moved the ball consistently.
The deciding factor
The Packers attempted 53 carries and ran for 261 yards, including 237 in the first half. Time of possession difference? The Packers held the ball 40-11 on a warm, muggy day in Green Bay. At 85 degrees at the start of the game, Sunday was the second-hottest game in Lambeau Field history. The running game helped wear down the Colts’ weakened defense.
Malik Willis’ watch
The Packers didn’t ask much of Willis, especially as a quarterback, but he rose to the occasion in his first start in place of Jordan Love. Willis completed 12 of 14 passes, averaging 8.7 yards per attempt, threw a third-down pass and didn’t lose the ball. He also ran for 41 yards and wasn’t tackled. Matt LaFleur deserves credit for developing a game plan that protected and elevated his teenage, inexperienced quarterback. Willis’ quarterback rating was 126.8.
Game
Malik Willis throws his first NFL TD pass!#INDvsGB photo:twitter.com/c2ALcrhUN6
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) September 15, 2024
Third down. In the red zone. Malik Willis threw a pass to Dontayvion Wicks, beating cornerback Kenny Moore down the sideline and allowing Wicks to walk to 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 did not return. Third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd left the game with an ankle injury and did not return.
What’s next?
The Packers travel to Nashville next week to face Will Levis and the Tennessee Titans. A rematch for Malik Willis and Brayden Narveson?
