Indianapolis Colts will face the Green Bay Packers on the road in Week 2. During this matchup, backup quarterback Malik Willis will suit up for the Packers as Jordan Love is dealing with a knee injury. The Colts have an opportunity to get back on track in this matchup and get a win for the first time this season. Coming off a close loss, there were several positive areas that Indy can use during this game. However, there are also some areas that the Colts must improve if they want to get the win. Two crucial elements caused their demise in week one. Therefore, if the Colts want to leave week two with a win, they must improve in these two areas.
The Colts Must Improve in These Two Areas Ahead of Week 2
Run Offense
The Indianapolis Colts finished Week 1 with a healthy Jonathan Taylor and only managed 48 yards rushing by running backs. In total, Indy had 104 yards, but Anthony Richardson accounted for 56 of these yards. Taylor is a back who has thrived against the Texans in his career. However, on Sunday he only managed a three-yard average on 16 carries. It should also be noted that Taylor was the only running back that registered an attempt on Sunday.
The Colts played from behind for most of the game, but they were never so far behind that they couldn’t continue running the football. Taylor is the bell-cow for this Colts rush offense, but Shane Steichen could’ve mixed it up with Trey Sermon or Tyler Goodson to keep the Texans on their heels. Having the quarterback be the leading rusher is not what an offense wants. For the Colts to control the line of scrimmage against the Packers in week two, they must run the football, do it efficiently, and commit to it.
Run Defense
One of the most glaring issues for the Colts in week one was their ability to stop the run. The Houston Texans ran for 213 yards on the day. This was the most yards given up out of all 32 teams. They gave up 5.3 yards per rush which ranks 28th in the league and allowed a 50% success rate on third down which ranks 25th. The Colts put up the worst defensive performances against the run in week one. Going into week two, stopping the run will be a must for the Colts.
With the Packers starting a backup quarterback, it will be assumed that they will rely heavily on their top running back, Josh Jacobs. He is coming off a solid performance with 16 carries for 84 yards. With averaging over 5 yards per carry, Green Bay will look to set the tone by running the football. The Colts have the opportunity, in this Week 2 matchup, to be a physical defense by stopping this running attack.
Defensive coordinator, Gus Bradley is on the hot seat this season. After a less-than-stellar defensive performance last season, he will need his unit to step up and be better. So far, Bradley’s defense has gotten off to a rocky start. However, they have the chance to right the ship and get this Colts team back on track by becoming better at stopping the run.
Main Photo: Bob Self/Florida Times-Union-USA TODAY NETWORK
