There’s only been one game, and the ability to generate takeaways is a very volatile stat. However, the Indianapolis Colts’ Week 2 opponent, the Green Bay Packers, did show the ability to create takeaways in their Week 1 opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
In that game, the Packers were able to force three takeaways–two interceptions and a forced fumble. They also let two other interception opportunities slip through their hands. Literally.
Both interceptions came within key parts of the field. The first was by Xavier McKinney, with the Eagles backed up in their own territory, giving the Packers offense a very short field to work with. The next was made by Jaire Alexander, while the Eagles were in the red zone and on the verge of scoring.
The Packers struggled to generate takeaways, specifically interceptions in 2023, but under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, the defense utilizes a more vision-based approach on the back end, along with what is expected to be more press coverage, all of which could lead to more opportunities to make plays on the football.
As we all know, taking care of the football each week is paramount. Oftentimes, if you didn’t watch the game but looked at the turnover battle, you’d probably have a good guess about who won that game.
To state the obvious, turnovers takes points off the board, it means more chances for the opposing offense, and oftentimes comes with good field position as well.
The Colts’ lone turnover against the Houston Texans was on an interception thrown by Anthony Richardson–although if Kylen Granson doesn’t slip coming out of his break then perhaps that play never happens.
However, there have been instances in the relatively limited snaps we’ve seen so far from Richardson and this Colts offense during the preseason and in Week 1 where there was either a miscommunication or errant throw, which either has or could lead to turnover opportunities for the defense.
On the flip side for the Colts, while they didn’t come away with any official takeaways in Week 1, they did have two near interceptions. On one, JuJu Brents was unable to get both feet inbounds, and another was negated by a defensive holding penalty.