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That’s the gist of it

P Daniel Whelan
P Daniel Whelan

James from Clarkston, MI

Whatcha talkin' 'bout Willis!?

Had to get that out of the way.

Terry from Green Bay, WI

Willis posts a 122 rating in his first start. Is there a QB controversy in GB?

That one, too.

Mike from Charlotte, NC

Was that not one of the best coaching jobs you've seen from LaFleur yet? He stuck with the run, gave Willis what he needed to win, and thus closed out a nice 16-10 victory with a backup QB. Players still have to execute, but well done. A lot to still clean up, but I don't see how you could expect much better than that today. Well done Pack.

It has to be such a thrill to see a game plan put into action successfully right out of the gate and never have to deviate from it. The Packers just … kept … pounding … away. First-and-15? Run. First-and-20? Run. Third-and-3? Run. Third-and-2? Run. I was stunned the Colts didn't have a better answer for the run game sooner. It was as though they didn't believe until the second half how stubborn and steadfast the Packers would be with it.

Dennis from Parrish, FL

In the immortal words of Woody Hayes, "4.9 yards and a cloud of dust"!

Somebody in the live blog said, "Three yards and a cloud of horseshoes." I thought that was pretty good.

Ken from New York, NY

Malik Willis was being humble and level-headed when he wouldn't answer "yes" to the question if he was proud of himself. But I know I speak for many when I say I'm proud of him.

He's humble and he's been humbled. His journey is not entirely unusual for this league, but there's something to be said for the focus he has been able to maintain these last three weeks in a difficult spot.

Lynn from Butler, IN

I'm really proud of our team for the way they played. I need to ask what happened to the run game in the second half after such an awesome first half?

The Colts finally adjusted. But LaFleur didn't get out of sorts because they maintained a two-score lead until there was just 1:47 left. The Colts have surrendered 474 yards on the ground in two games. Every opponent is going to test them with the run now until they prove they can stop it without totally compromising their defense.

Jacob from Decorah, IA

Josh Jacobs comes as advertised, Romeo Doubs is a MAN, and the defense might be very good. That was some old-school power football.

Watching Jacobs live, his vision and footwork are incredible. His ability to quickly sidestep a tackler in the hole and re-accelerate is impressive. He's a combination make-'em-miss and power runner. That's rare.

Steve from Surprise, AZ

Daniel Whelan deserved a game ball after his performance against the Colts.

No argument there. Three punts, 46.3 net average, no return yards, pinning Indy at its own 8-, 16- and 5-yard lines. The results of those possessions were punt, missed 50-yard FG, Hail Mary INT.

Paula from Apple Valley, MN

What a great team win. Should have put it away sooner, but they rallied around each other and hung on. The joy in the locker room after the game was evident. I had to watch it three times just to appreciate the looks on all of the faces. But what I really want to know, is it 24 or 36 hours off?

Ha, leave it to Ja. They'll all be reviewing film later today.

James from Asheville, NC

A solid if unspectacular win. Isn't it true that ball control is the best defense? Doubling the time of possession and limiting the big plays is a pretty good blueprint for a win.

You can call it unspectacular if you want, but one play kept the Colts in it – the fumble on the goal line. Truly unfortunate. TOP of 40:11 to 19:49 will certainly play. I thought the defense responded well all game long when it did give up an explosive play. Forcing field-goal tries and getting that fourth-down stop near midfield were great examples. Jonathan Taylor is a stud and I'm sure the Colts are going to look back and wonder how he only had 12 carries when he kept ripping off the runs he did.

Mark from Miami, FL

The results on defense are undeniable from Week 1 to Week 2. So in your view, which was the most influential factor: the players, the scheme, the opponent, or the playing surface? Thanks for your attention to detail!

The opponent and the flow of the game.

Jesse from Columbia, MO

Through two games we have five interceptions and five forced fumbles, although only one recovered. Still a lot of room for improvement, but I like what I'm seeing so far.

The fifth interception should've been Quay Walker's rather than Evan Williams', but at least somebody got it.

Jeff from Montclair, VA

Any idea where the vomit ball is? People would pay top dollar for a piece of history.

This crowd never disappoints.

Erick from Vancouver, Canada

YAC no longer stands for yards after catch.

Moving on.

Jerry from Des Moines, IA

Great win and what I'm most impressed about MW2 was his ball placement passing the ball. The ball was where it needed to be, especially on the TD to Wicks. Even on Romeo's great catch, the ball was in a spot for Romeo to make a play. That bodes well if he starts against the Titans. Surely Tennessee will game plan to stop the run! GPG

Willis made some clutch throws on third down when called upon. He's going to be forced to answer that bell sooner and more often moving forward, but now his knowledge of the playbook can expand, too.

Lori from Heredia, Costa Rica

Hey Spoff, what a great game, a bit of everything and HUGE credit to Malik Willis and Coach LaFleur after working together for 20 days. I couldn't see the game here, but I listened to Wayne and Larry while reading your blog. You are a fast typist being about a minute ahead of their call on the game. Any idea how many words per minute you can type?

I haven't been tested since 10th grade and don't remember how I tested then anyway. But people have told me I'm fast, so I guess I am. Regardless, that was a fun game blog yesterday, even answering those who were trying to nitpick at the strategy as though LaFleur and Willis should've just thrown all caution to the wind less than three weeks after meeting each other. It couldn't have been easy for LaFleur, knowing his nature, to play it that close to the vest all day and not go for the jugular, but he did what he had to do and counted on the other phases to do their jobs.

Tony from Southington, CT

That type of offense is not sustainable for winning football...playing not to lose.

That type of comment completely ignores the challenging context within which the Packers were trying to win a really tough one. If you can't look at this game as a singular event surrounded by uncommon circumstances, I can't help you.

Jeffery from Brooklyn, WI

Besides the fumble in the end zone Jacobs had a great game, Coach LaFleur called a great game and Coach Hafley made good on his promise and had the defense flying to the ball. At least we know Willis can keep the team afloat while Love is healing! What was your favorite play of the game?

The first snap of the fourth quarter. Third-and-1 from the Green Bay 28, Packers leading 13-3. Taylor has 103 rushing yards on a dozen totes but is on the sideline, even after the quarter break. So something's up. Colts get tricky, run a college-type option play they haven't shown all game, and the Packers looked ready as ready could be for it. Multiple defenders all over the play. Loss of four. Not only thwarts the drive, but pushes the field goal back to 50 yards, which is missed. Two-score lead remains intact. Huge moment.

Chuck from Antigo, WI

Where will the Pack finish in the Central?

Hopefully ahead of Tampa Bay.

The Green Bay Packers kicked off their second game of the season against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024.

Dave from Comer, GA

If anyone doubts the importance of kickers, just look at the first two weeks. Week 1: Steelers kick six FGs and win 18-10. Week 2: Washington kicks seven FGs and wins 21-18 over the Giants who missed their first PAT and chased those points all game with two failed two-point tries.

I don't think this audience needed such a reminder, but those games are evidence you never know how any given contest is going to transpire. This league is nuts.

Tom from Woodbury, MN

Lions, Ravens, 49ers, it really is a week-to-week league.

Always. Because everybody predicted the Vikings, Saints, Buccaneers, Seahawks and Steelers would be 2-0 while the Ravens, Jags, Rams and Bengals would all be 0-2. Right? I repeat, this league is nuts.

John from Green Bay, WI

If Malik Willis doesn't play another down for the Packers, does a GM consider the trade of a seventh-round pick for one regular-season win a worthwhile move?

In Week 2 to avoid 0-2? Absolutely.

Eric from Kenosha, WI

Happy victory Monday. Our young QB protected the football, theirs did not.

True that. Those first two picks were terrible decisions, and the first was a bad throw even if he'd been open. Hey, the Packers caught some breaks, too. Richardson's receivers dropped some throws, slipped on a couple others. He's got a rocket for an arm and is learning on the fly. I'm not sure I'd want to face him a month or two from now.

Brendon from San Antonio Tlayacapan, Mexico

What other responsibilities come with wearing the green dot helmet on defense, besides relaying Coach Hafley's call to the other guys on a given play?

That's the gist of it. Once the call is relayed, checks and adjustments at the line can be communicated by and to others. One thing I've noticed through two games is Hafley gets the defensive call in very quickly and doesn't hang his players out to dry with any indecision.

Mike from Geneva, IL

Off topic from the game, but this seems important considering the league's push for player safety. Tua suffered his third known concussion in the last few years Thursday night. If he gets cleared to play, does the league have any power to keep him off the field temporarily/permanently? Should they? Despite his past history of concussions he put himself in harm's way to help his team. You can't remove a player's competitive nature!

I understand the sentiment, but it's not up to the league to make those long-term decisions for a player. There is a detailed concussion protocol that, from what I've read, has been modified in various ways over the years, and the independent neurologists have the player's immediate status in their hands. Beyond that, I would imagine Tua would consult with several experts to get opinions on the risks and potential consequences. How he decides to process all that information is up to him.

Tim from Elmhurst, IL

I'm not willing to give the refs a pass just because we made mistakes too. Why does the NFL not have full-time referees? Every major sport other than football has full time officials. I understand there are 20 games plus playoffs, but this only makes the consequences of bad calls more important. Why can't the multibillion-dollar NFL hire full-time referees. Have them study film during the week to make better calls the following week. Any thoughts?

I honestly don't think it would make an appreciable difference. Many may disagree, but I fail to see how studying more film than they already do (after their games are critiqued) would change live-action performance of an official.

Jon from Guttenberg, IA

Spoff, to add to the discussion on what makes a SB team, after analyzing championship teams over a number of years in a number of sports, there are some constants. Besides having a few stars, a number of players need to have their best years, unsung role players need to contribute in a big game, no crippling injuries, some big breaks that lead to close wins, some advantageous calls, and a helpful schedule. That "simple." Why don't all teams just do this?

Why indeed.

James from Ottawa, Canada

Can I submit a petition for future reference of rock, paper, scissors, lizard, Spock to now be *R*ock, paper, scissors, Biff & Spoff? Much more thematic while organically incorporating the three guys. Although the catch is *R*ock probably always wins. Also, if this idea is accepted I will be filing my TM for future shirts, lunchboxes, mouse pads – you name it.

I want that on a lunch box. Definitely a lunch box.

Mike from Menomonee Falls, WI

"Football is 90% chess, the other half is Candy Land." Thank you very much.

I might've gone with Chutes and Ladders, but the point still stands.

Craig from Elkton, MD

Huh, maybe the season isn't over. Bring on the Titans.

Happy Monday.

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