The Green Bay Packers have their home opener on Sunday when they host the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field. The Packers and Colts both enter the game at 0-1. The Pack lost their season opener to the Eagles in Brazil 34-29. Meanwhile, Indianapolis fell to the Houston Texans 29-27 in their first game of the season. Here are the keys to victory for the Packers in their Week 2 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts.

The Packers trail the all-time series between these two teams 20-23-1 in the regular season. The series dates back to 1953. The Pack won the only playoff matchup between these two teams, 13-10 back in 1965.

Here are the keys to victory at Sunday’s home opener:

Packers Keys to Victory, Number One: Run the Football Well

With Jordan Love unlikely to play, the Packers ability to run the football against the Colts will be more important than ever.

The good news is, the Colts allowed more yards rushing last week than any team in the NFL. Houston gained 213 yards on the ground in Week 1.

The Packers started slow running the ball against the Eagles but picked things up in the second half.

Now, Josh Jacobs, Emanuel Wilson and possible MarShawn Lloyd (if he’s healthy), will need to run the football when the Colts defense will be prioritizing stopping the run.

The Packers offensive line will also need to do a better job of run blocking. Only Zach Tom and Elgton Jenkins excelled at run blocking against Philadelphia.

Number Two: Don’t Let Anthony Richardson Make Big Plays

Anthony Richardson gives the Colts a talented but inexperienced quarterback. He will be making only his sixth NFL start against the Packers on Sunday.

In Week 1, Richardson completed just 9-of-19 passes, but he also made three big, jaw-dropping completions for big gains. The former University of Florida star gained 212 yards passing on just nine completions an impressive 23.6 yards per completion.

The Packers cannot allow Richardson to make more than one or two big plays throwing the football.

Richardson is also a mobile quarterback who can pick up big gains with his legs. Last week, he gained 56 yards on just six carries and scored a rushing touchdown. The Packers cannot allow Richardson to beat them with his legs. Last week, the defense did a solid job of containing Jalen Hurts when he tried to run.

The Packers need to make Richardson be patient and move the ball downfield without making many chunk plays.

Packers Keys to Victory, Number Three:  Slow Down The Colts Rushing Attack

Jonathan Taylor gives the Colts a talented running back who is tough to slow down when he’s on his game. The former Wisconsin Badger led the NFL in rushing yards in 2021 with 1,811 and in rushing touchdowns with 18.

Injuries have slowed Taylor since then. Last season, he was limited to just 10 games but still gained 741 yards and ran for seven scores.

In Week 1, Taylor was held in check by the Texans. He carried the ball 16 times for just 48 yards, an average of just 3.0-yards per rush. He scored a touchdown.

Taylor tends to start games slowly but breaks off big gains in the second half after wearing down defenses. The Packers defense was worn down last week against the Eagles and allowed a 16-play, 7:25 drive which clinched the win for the Eagles.

The Green Bay defense, led by Kenny Clark, T.J. Slaton, and Quay Walker, will need to contain Taylor and the Colts rushing attack to keep Richardson in third and long situations and control the tempo of the game.

Number Four: Set Up Malik Willis to Succeed

The Packers will start Malik Willis at quarterback barring a miraculous recovery by Love. Willis has only been with the Packers for a few weeks and is working hard to learn the offense. This will also be only his fourth NFL start.

Matt LaFleur will have to call plays that work to Willis’ strengths. That will likely include RPOs, designed quarterback runs, and some high percentage passers to help him gain confidence. Look for some jet sweeps and other gadget plays to keep the Colts defense guessing.

Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley doesn’t do a lot to disguise his coverages, and Willis has game planned for the Colts during his two seasons with the Titans.

LaFleur’s reputation as a great game planner will be put to the test with an inexperienced quarterback at the helm. The offensive line will have to play well, and the receivers and backs will need to step up and make things as easy for Willis as possible.

Packers Keys to Victory, Number Five: Contain DeForest Buckner and the Pass Rush

DeForest Buckner remains a great defensive lineman. He recorded 1.5 sacks last week in the season opener and made six total tackles.

Buckner did not participate in practice Wednesday or Thursday due to a back injury.

If Buckner plays, the Packers interior offensive line led by Josh Myers, Jenkins, and the duo of Sean Rhyan and Jordan Morgan will need to contain Buckner and protect Willis.

Defensive end Kwity Paye has also missed practice Wednesday and Thursday due to a hamstring injury. Paye recorded 8.5 sacks last season and one in Week 1 against Houston.

Willis may need more time to throw since he is not familiar with the offense. LaFleur may make more quick rhythm passes to simplify things for his new quarterback.

Number Six: Clean Up the Penalties and Tackling

Last week, the Packers committed 10 penalties that cost the team dearly in the loss to the Eagles. The team also struggled to make tackles that would have helped the team limit the Philadelphia attack.

This week, the team’s overall play needs to be more consistent and less sloppy in these areas. Yes, it’s early in the season, but the Packers cannot afford to beat themselves, especially if Love is not in the lineup or even if he’s playing but limited.

The Packers need to play a smarter, more efficient game and cut down on obvious mistakes to win the game.

Prediction:

It won’t be easy for the Packers to win without Love under center, but it won’t be impossible either. Willis will have to play an efficient and smart game, and the rest of the team will have to do their jobs well enough to cover for an offense that will be missing its catalyst.

The Packers will have to limit mistakes on their part and limit big plays by the Colts. They will come close but won’t be able to quite pull it off.

Colts 20, Packers 17

 

 

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