We are hours away from Week 2 of the Packers' 2025 Preseason matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. If you're anything like me, you're desperate for some improvements after last week's RUFF outing against the New York Jets.
But despite that feeling of embarrassment, some of you may be feeling, there is hope on the horizon. The Packers have spent the last week mixing it up with the Colts, and there are signs of life from the Green and Gold; on both sides of the ball, I might add. However, I'd give the defense a slight edge in the race to be ready for the season opener.
Last week, I believe we discussed what the defense might be able to do, and I compiled some defensive "Big 3s" that were worthy of consideration for further examination. This week I invite you to take a look at the offensive side of the ball, where I do believe we should see some considerable strides after being MIA against Aaron Glenn's Jets last week. While I don't necessarily have any triplets this go round, there are a couple of notes here and there for each position group.
Quarterbacks
With the injury to Jordan Love, the "Legend" of Malik Willis will continue to grow. Seeing as he's already faced and won against the Colts last year, his confidence ought to be sky high. I know he can run, but PLEASE be careful out there.
Sean Clifford should get an extended look. I know he's a lock for the Practice Squad, but in this game, he is probably playing for a roster spot on a team other than the Packers (perhaps even the Colts themselves). Which means Taylor Elgersma needs to take some steps forward, as he most likely has no guarantees past camp.
Running Backs
Based on the Jets' game, Amar Johnson deserves the start. While Emmanuel Wilson, I'm sure, would love to run over some Colts, I guess that the signing of Tyrion Davis-Price is so that he can sit alongside Marshawn Lloyd and Josh Jacobs. Chris Brooks is probably the first man stashed on the practice squad (and probably already is), but Israel Abanikanda is going to have to produce, or he could find himself gone. Davis-Price should look to be the "thunder" to Johnson's "lightning," (similar style to Wilson but gets stuck in 4th gear) so I'm intrigued to see how they pair against an almost gutless Colts defense in the box.
Wide Receivers
I think we saw Matthew Golden for what....6 plays last week? Hopefully, he has grasped more of the offense, and we might see him play a full quarter with Malik Willis. But who I'm REALLY excited about is athletic freak Isaiah Neyor, possibly being paired with Will Sheppard, who is a smooth operator in the intermediate game. I know everyone is dumping on Mecole Hardman, but I expect him to bounce back in a mighty way. This entire WR Corps, minus Golden and Savion Williams, should still be on notice. Whoever is the most consistent at making plays deserves to be here Week 1 of the regular season. The Colts don't scare anyone in the secondary, so I expect at least four plays of 20+ yards through the air.
Offensive Line
I'm soooo tired of the "let's find our best 5" approach of the last few seasons. But fortunately for the first time since like, Tauscher-Sitton-Wells-Lang-Clifton, we know who those guys are. The first unit should be Morgan-Banks-Jenkins-Rhyan-Tom. The Colts were near the bottom of the league in defensive pressure last year, so I expect this unit to have no problem keeping Willis upright and creating holes in the running game. I would like to see Anthony Belton get some more work at RG and RT, depending on where Rhyan finds himself within the 2nd unit (not C, hopefully). My hope is to see Lecitus Smith on the 2nd team with Trey Hill possibly filling in for the 3rd team. Will Jacob Monk play at all? That's a valid question. Is it too early to call Brian Gutekunst's next "3rd Round Gamble" an interior lineman in 2026?
Tight Ends
Luke Musgrave better start catching some d@mn balls....
The Packers kick off against the Colts at Noon Central, 1 pm Eastern at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Don't miss out as the 2025 roster takes some serious steps to completion.
#GPG