Good afternoon, everyone. The Green Bay Packers’ next opponent will be the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. The mission for Green Bay is to get out of Indianapolis with their 8th win of the season. Similar to Week 3 against the Saints, the Packers look to get their first road win against the Colts in a while (1974, to be exact. Back then, the Colts were in Baltimore). I am here to give you my thoughts on what the Packers need to do to win on Sunday. Without further delay, let’s get started.
On offense, the key for the Packers is to have a balanced attack while avoiding critical mistakes in the process. The offensive linemen need to create the running lanes for Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams to go through. For Jones and Williams, it is up to them to follow those lanes and get plenty of yards on each carry. Running the ball well can keep the defense honest and help set up the passing game, led by QB Aaron Rodgers. In the passing game, it’s crucial for the O-Line (plus the running backs) to protect Rodgers from any pressures or blitzes. If they are able to keep him upright, then he should have no problem throwing to his receivers, who include Davante Adams, Allen Lazard (hopefully), Marquez Valdes-Scantling, plus the tight ends (Robert Tonyan, Jace Sternberger, and Marcedes Lewis). For the receivers, they need to find a way to get open for Rodgers to throw to them with no problem. I am sure that head coach Matt LaFleur will find creative ways to get the receivers open throughout the game. It is then up to the receivers to catch every pass that is thrown by Rodgers with no drops. What’s very important for the Packers on offense is to limit the mistakes made, whether they be turnovers or missed blocks that could lead to sacks. As always, the Packers need to win the time of possession battle by converting third downs and finishing long drives with touchdowns rather than field goals (especially inside the red zone). This will be a tough task for the Packers offense against a Colts defense that looks to limit explosive plays. As long as little to no mistakes are made (including turnovers), I think that the Packers will be able to put plenty of points on the scoreboard.
On defense, the key for the Packers is to limit the impact of the running game, which is led by RBs Nyheim Hines and Jonathan Taylor. The defensive front needs to plug the holes early and tackle the ball carrier for little to no gain on the play. For the tackling, it is extremely vital that the ball carrier is not able to fall forward for a few more yards after contact. There also cannot be too many missed tackles that could lead to big gains for the Colts on offense. If the Packers defense is able to keep the running game in check, then the pass rush can get after QB Philip Rivers (who signed with the Colts in the offseason after 14 seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers). Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine needs to stay away from rushing only 3 players at the QB, which has not gone well throughout the season. The problem with getting after Rivers is that he can get rid of the ball quick with check downs and screen passes. For this, it is up to the defensive backs and linebackers (including Jaire Alexander and Christian Kirksey) to cover the receivers very well and tackle them as soon as they catch the ball. Similar to the run game, there can’t be any missed tackles by Green Bay’s defense (especially on screen passes to the running backs). Tackling well can help the Packers limit the amount of third downs converted by the Colts’ offense. In the red zone, it is important for the defense to limit the amount of times that the Colts get into the end zone for a touchdown. Holding the Colts to mostly field goals can help increase the Packers’ chances of winning on Sunday. What can also help Green Bay win on Sunday is for the defense to get critical stops and force a turnover or two (whether it be an interception or a forced fumble). Even though the defense has a tough challenge in front of them on Sunday, I think that they will be able to do well against the Colts’ offense.
On Special Teams, the key for the Packers is to not repeat the mistakes made in previous weeks. Last week against Jacksonville, the Packers allowed a 91-yard punt return for a touchdown that was full of missed tackles and bad coverage. Numerous offensive possessions for Green Bay started inside their own 10 yard line due to the players letting the ball bounce to that area of the field. It is important for the Packers to keep those mistakes (plus turnovers) to a minimum against Indianapolis. If there is no chance for a big return on kickoffs or punts, the player fielding the ball (maybe Darrius Shepherd) needs to make smart decisions with the football, including signaling for a fair catch. When a big return opportunity arises, the returner needs to follow the blocks and get downfield for a field-tilting play (assuming there are no penalty flags thrown). On the other side, the Packers coverage unit cannot allow a kick or punt return touchdown like they did last week. Due to a personal matter, punter JK Scott did not travel with the team to Indianapolis. If he is not able to play due to this, it will be up to Drew Kaser to punt for the Packers (as long as he tests negative for COVID-19). Regardless of who gets the call on Sunday, all of his punts need to flip the field and give the Colts terrible field position. Kicker Mason Crosby should have no problem making all of his field goal and extra point attempts (*knocks on wood*). Hunter Bradley needs to snap the ball accurately to make sure that everything goes well with the field goals and punts. During the game, there should not be any blocked field goals or punts that can give the Colts unexpected momentum. On the other end, I still hope for a blocked punt or field goal in Green Bay’s favor. As long as mistakes are kept to a minimum, the Packers will be fine on Special Teams on Sunday.
One thing is for sure on Sunday: the game will be very entertaining. Hopefully the Packers get the win in the end to improve their record to 8-2 on the season. Regardless of the outcome, I will share my post-game thoughts on Monday. Here’s to a game played with no additional injuries or COVID-19 cases for either team. Have a good night, everyone. Go Pack Go!
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