Packers get ready for home opener vs Colts probably sans Love
The Packers get ready for their home opener this weekend as they host the Indianapolis Colts with a Noon Central Time start.
Both teams are coming off losses in Week 1. The Packers fell 34-29 in Brazil to the Philadelphia Eagles and lost Jordan Love near the end of the game. The Colts are coming off a 29-27 home loss to the Houston Texans.
For the Colts, Anthony Richardson was their leading rusher and passer in Week 1. Former Wisconsin Badger Jonathan Taylor will be looking to have a big game in the same state he starred in at college. Michael Pittman Jr. was a 1,000-yard receiver a few times in his career, so he is capable of having a big game. The Packers did a decent job taking away the football in Week 1, but there were too many missed tackles. They cannot allow that to happen. Limit the big plays and get off the field and give the offense a chance to do something.
Love is holding out hope that he will play in this game, but realistically, that is not likely to happen. Malik Willis, who the Packers got in a trade with the Titans, is expected to start. It will be very important to get the running game going with Josh Jacobs. Willis and the receivers will need to be on the same page. This is a chance for Willis to show what he can do on the field and reward the team’s confidence in him when they made that trade.
Special teams have always been important, but I have a feeling it will be magnified with the new kickoff rules. We got a taste of it in Week 1 around the league. Kicker Brayden Narveson made some good kicks, but he also clanked one off the right upright. I know he wants to atone for that, and as long as these misses don’t become a habit, he will be fine. It’s just that he missed at a crucial time in the game, and it hasn’t calmed down those who are still upset about the kicking problems the team had last season.
This is a chance for Matt LaFleur to come up big and show his coaching skills. His top QB will likely not be playing and it gives him an opportunity to show that he can win games despite his QB1 being sidelined, and if by some outside chance Love does play, he obviously won’t be anywhere near 100%.
I don’t think this is a “must-win” game as it is only Week 2, but they lost the opener and their franchise QB in the process. I expect Love will be back sooner rather than later and it is up to the team to stay afloat and get some wins while he is sidelined. The defense overall was a bit below average in the Brazil game in my opinion. I’m putting them in the spotlight and challenging them to have a big performance and give the offense a chance to succeed and win the game.
No matter who is in the lineup, Packer home games are always a big deal, especially when it’s their home opener. Lambeau Field will be rocking no matter who is under center. Let’s do our part and cheer the team to victory on Sunday!
Get Loud Lambeau!
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