Packers' running game, defense deliver win over Colts

Field Level Media|published: Sun 15th September, 16:12 2024

Sep 15, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) rolls out of the pocket looking to throw a pass during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Malik Willis threw for a touchdown and the host Green Bay Packers benefited from a strong rushing attack to record a 16-10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

Starting in place of the injured Jordan Love, Willis connected on a 14-yard scoring strike to Dontayvion Wicks to cap an 11-play, 82-yard drive in the first quarter.

Willis completed 12 of 14 passes for just 122 yards. He was making his fourth career NFL start and first with Green Bay after being acquired by the club from the Tennessee Titans on Aug. 26 for a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Josh Jacobs had 32 carries for 151 yards and Willis rushed for 41 for the Packers (1-1), who won their 12th straight home opener.

Green Bay held a distinct edge in time of possession (40:11-19:49) and went 10-for-17 on third-down conversion attempts, while Indianapolis was 2-for-9.

Rookie Brayden Narveson kicked field goals of 46, 42 and 34 yards for the Packers.

Indianapolis' Anthony Richardson completed 17 of 34 passes for 204 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions. Jonathan Taylor, who played collegiately at Wisconsin, rushed for 103 yards on 12 carries and Alec Pierce reeled in a 4-yard touchdown grab for the Colts (0-2).

Green Bay ignited its ground game on its initial drive, rushing for 52 yards before Narveson drilled his first field-goal attempt to open the scoring.

The Colts went three-and-out on their ensuing possession before the Packers extended their lead to 10-0 on their next drive. Willis rushed for 12 yards on the 10th play of the drive before finding Wicks, who scooted along the right sideline and into the end zone.

Jacobs nearly gave the Packers a bigger cushion on their next drive before fumbling at the goal line.

Narveson made his second field-goal attempt before Matt Gay answered with a 34-yard kick, trimming the Packers' lead to 13-3 with 4:32 remaining in the third quarter.

Gay was unable to bring Indianapolis closer early in the fourth quarter after he pushed a 50-yard field-goal attempt wide left. Green Bay made the Colts pay after Narveson connected on his third field-goal attempt.

--Field Level Media

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