3 Big question marks for the Colts in the duel against the Packers

The Indianapolis Colts travel to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers in Week 2 of the NFL season.

It’s still early in the 2024 NFL season, but this is an important game for both teams, who are currently 0-1. While every situation is different and passing results aren’t indicative of what’s to come, historically, a 2-0 deficit is bad for a team’s playoff chances.

With the Packers without Jordan Love, the Colts are the clear favorite among the experts who have made their predictions for this game. However, as we all know, nothing is certain in the NFL.

Below are three big questions facing the Colts in their Week 2 game. If you want a more optimistic prediction, click here to learn three reasons why the Colts will win this game.

The run defense

Last week against the Houston Texans, the Colts’ run defense was overrun, allowing 213 total rushing yards, including 159 to running back Joe Mixon. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said the defensive plan consisted of lighter boxes to help the secondary, which the Texans took advantage of in the run game. Additionally, there was a world of difference in the Colts’ run defense when Grover Stewart was on the field compared to when he was off the field.

This week, the challenge doesn’t get any easier, as the Colts face Packers running back Josh Jacobs. While there are question marks in the Colts’ secondary — more on that later — the defense’s No. 1 priority must be to limit Jacobs and put the ball in Malik Willis’ hands.

The secondary

The Colts entered the season with big unknowns, and those questions have grown even bigger now, just two weeks into the season. Last week, the Colts placed JuJu Brents on the injured list, while Julian Blackmon was out on Friday with a shoulder injury.

When it comes to the Packers’ receivers – a very deep and dynamic unit – and the Colts’ secondary, Green Bay has a massive advantage in this matchup. The question is whether or not Malik Willis can capitalize on those opportunities. Much like last week, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Packers play with a large 11-man roster to spread the Colts apart.

Ultimately, the Colts will have to choose between supporting their undermanned secondary and playing weak against Jacobs and the running game, or focusing on stopping the running game, which will force their cornerbacks into one-on-one matchups.

Can the Colts bring consistency to their passing game?

In the season opener, it was the great passing that kept the Colts in the game against the Texans. Anthony Richardson and his passing game produced three plays over 50 yards – two of which led to touchdowns and another set up a later touchdown.

However, outside of those spectacular plays, the passing game lacked consistency, and coupled with a running game that couldn’t get going, there were a lot of short drives for the offense. While spectacular plays are important to the success of an offense, they can’t be the only way to score points. The Colts need to find some traction in the running game and on the short to intermediate routes. The return of Josh Downs – who is currently reportedly 50-50 – will be important to provide that element.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 3 Big Question Marks for the Colts in the Duel against the Packers