INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Colts have started the new season 0-2 after losing 16-10 to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday afternoon.
Colts’ quarterback Anthony Richardson ran for 11 yards on fourth-and-11 from the Packers’ 15-yardline, then connected with wide receiver Alec Pierce for a four-yard touchdown to cut the Green Bay lead to 16-10 with just under two minutes to play.
The Colts’ offense had the ball at the end of the game, but Richardson’s final heave as time expired was intercepted short of the goal line.
The Colts expected a heavy dose of the Packers’ run game with back-up quarterback Malik Willis, filling in for an injured Jordan Love and that’s exactly what they got on Green Bay’s first drive.
Packers’ running back Josh Jacobs broke free for a 34-yard run on first-and-20 to help set up the first points of the game, a 46-yard Brayden Narveson 46-yard field goal.
After a three-and-out, Green Bay moved right back down the field with an 11-play, 82-yard drive capped by a Willis to wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks 14-yard touchdown.
Looking for a quick response, Richardson threw his second interception of the season as Packers’ safety Xavier McKenney picked off a pass intended for Pierce.
Green Bay appeared on the verge of delivering the knock-out punch, but linebacker Zaire Franklin punched the ball out of Jacobs’ hands right before the goal line. Rookie defensive end Laiatu Latu recovered to keep the score at 10-0, Packers. That was the score at halftime.
The Colts came out of the locker room aggressive, going for it on fourth-and-four from their own 46-yardline, but Richardson misfired to running back Jonathan Taylor. Green Bay converted the short field into a Narveson 42-yard field goal to go on top, 13-0.
The Colts finally got on the scoreboard their next possession with a Matt Gay 34-yard field goal to make it 13-3. They could have chipped into the deficit further, but Gay missed a 50-yard kick.
Narveson made his third field goal of the game to extend the Green Bay lead back to 16-3 early in the fourth quarter.
The Colts offense was on the move after a Richardson to rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell 30-yard connection, but then he threw is second interception of the game to end the threat.
Colts’ defensive end DeForest Buckner, who was listed as questionable before the game with a back issue, had to be helped off the field with an ankle injury in the third quarter.
The Colts return home next week for another NFC North showdown when they host the Chicago Bears at 1:00 p.m. on CBS4.
