Green Bay, Wis. — Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis, who acknowledged being unprepared in his previous NFL start, showed significant improvement and readiness on Sunday. Leading the Packers to a 16-10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, Willis demonstrated his growth, poise, and adaptability. Acquired from the Tennessee Titans on August 27, Willis threw his first career touchdown pass in relief of the injured Jordan Love.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur praised Willis’ performance, noting, “You can’t fully grasp the challenge Malik faced. He joined us just three weeks ago and look what he accomplished out there.”
Jordan Love, sidelined with a left knee injury from Green Bay’s season-opening 34-29 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on September 6, missed his first game since becoming the Packers’ starter last season.
With Love out, the Packers (1-1) relied on a balanced effort. Running back Josh Jacobs shouldered much of the offensive load, rushing for 151 yards on 32 carries and contributing to Green Bay’s 261 total rushing yards. The defense also played a crucial role, intercepting Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson three times.
Willis, who had only three career starts in 2022 and had never passed for more than 100 yards in a game, made the most of his opportunity. Completing 12 of 14 passes for 122 yards, Willis connected with wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks for a 14-yard touchdown. Kicker Brayden Narveson added three field goals for the rest of the Packers’ points.
Colts running back Jonathan Taylor rushed for 103 yards on 12 carries but saw limited action in the fourth quarter, while Richardson threw for 204 yards and a touchdown, though he was hindered by the three interceptions. Richardson also rushed for 37 yards on four carries.
“We got off to a slow start, and it hurt us,” Richardson said. “We know we’re capable of more.”
Green Bay’s ground game dominated, as they ran the ball on 53 of their 67 plays. The Packers built a 10-0 lead in the first quarter and extended it to 13-0 by the third. In the first quarter alone, Green Bay rushed for 164 yards, the highest total for an NFL team in the opening quarter since the Denver Broncos had 167 yards in 2011. By halftime, the Packers had accumulated 237 rushing yards on 34 carries.
Jacobs commented, “We knew we had to establish the run today. That was the plan, and we executed it.”
The Colts (0-2), coming off a 29-27 loss to the Houston Texans where they allowed 213 rushing yards, continued to struggle against the run.
“We need to fix our run defense, and that starts with me,” said Colts head coach Shane Steichen. “We’ll review the film and make the necessary adjustments.”
The Packers nearly put the game out of reach early in the second quarter, but Jacobs fumbled near the goal line. Colts’ linebacker Zaire Franklin forced the turnover, recovered by defensive end Laiatu Latu in the end zone.
Although the Colts’ defense tightened in the second half, their offense failed to capitalize on opportunities, coming away empty-handed after reaching Packers’ territory three times.
Richardson connected with wide receiver Alec Pierce for a 4-yard touchdown with 1:47 remaining, narrowing the Packers’ lead to 16-10. However, the Packers recovered the ensuing onside kick.
Indianapolis had one final opportunity, starting from their own 5-yard line with 43 seconds left, but Evan Williams intercepted Richardson’s Hail Mary attempt, securing the win for Green Bay.
