The Indianapolis Colts (0-2) put forth an embarrassing effort in a 16-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers (1-1) on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
Despite the fact that Packers star quarterback Jordan Love was inactive due to a knee injury, the Colts continue to struggle against the run, allowing backup Malik Willis to have a pretty easy day.
The front seven struggled mightily to generate any push as the Packers rumbled their way to 261 rushing yards. Meanwhile, Willis was 12-of-14 for 122 yards, one touchdown and a 126.8 passer rating. It was the best game of his career.
It was a rough outing overall for Anthony Richardson, who had some brutal misses to go along with some flashes. Meanwhile, he got no help from his receiving corps where just about every member dealt with drops.
The Colts fall to 0-2 on the season after this ugly loss, and they're running out of time to turn things around.
Here's everything we know from the Colts' Week 2 loss to the Packers:
Colts vs. Packers game recap NFL Week 2
Final Score: Packers 16, Colts 10
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final | |
| IND | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 10 |
| GB | 10 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 16 |
Keys to the game
- The Colts offense was shutout during the first half of the game. They ran just 15 plays on four drives for 78 total yards.
- Anthony Richardson had a rough game, completing 17-of-34 passes for 204 yards, one touchdown, three interceptions and a 41.8 passer rating.
- The run defense was bullied all game long both on the interior and on the edge.
- The Packers didn't ask Malik Willis to do much, but the Colts made it way to easy on him when his number was called.
3 stars of the game
- WR Alec Pierce: The leading receiver for the Colts, Pierce paced the offense with five receptions on seven targets for 56 yards and a touchdown.
- S Nick Cross: The third-year safety had 15 tackles (10 solo), mostly due to the lack of push from the front seven.
- RB Jonathan Taylor: What happened with Taylor at the end isn't clear, but he had 12 carries for 103 rushing yards and two receptions for 32 yards.
Biggest takeaway
Richardson will be the biggest talking point, but he wasn't even the biggest issue. The Colts defense lacks depth, attitude and now could be without its most important piece after DeForest Buckner's injury. Gus Bradley's run defense has now allowed 213 and 261 rushing yards to begin the season, respectively. Meanwhile, the secondary is in shambles with Jaylon Jones as the CB1 with JuJu Brents out for the rest of the season. Richardson's issues should correctly be pointed out, but this team is going nowhere with this defense.
Quick Hits
- Jonathan Taylor snapped a seven-game touchdown streak.
- The connection between Anthony Richardson and Adonai Mitchell needs major work. Between overthrows, miscommunication and not finishing routes, these two are leaving a lot of plays on the field.
- Matt Gay made his season debut and continues to struggle. He made a 34-yard field-goal but missed a 50-yarder during the second half.
- Shane Steichen had some questionable calls in the second half, and the lack of usage with Jonathan Taylor in the fourth quarter was baffling.
Injuries
- WR Josh Downs (ankle) was inactive for the second straight game.
- DT DeForest Buckner (ankle) left the game on a cart with a brutal injury.
- DE Laiatu Latu (hip) also left the game and didn't return in the second half.
What's next?
The Colts will look to get their first win of the season at home against the Chicago Bears (0-1) at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 22.
