Unlike in Week 1, the Indianapolis Colts passing game was unable to generate the explosive passing plays needed against the Green Bay Packers.
According to PFF, Anthony Richardson had six pass attempts that traveled 20-plus yards, but only one of those passes was completed, and it went for 30 yards. Richardson also threw two interceptions–although one was the Hail Mary.
In addition to that, there weren’t a ton of YAC opportunities either created or taken advantage of that could help turn a short or intermediate completion into a big gain.
The week prior, it was a different story in this regard. Richardson and the offense generated three passing plays of at least 50 yards, two of which went for touchdowns, and the other set up an eventual touchdown.
It was those big plays by the Colts passing game that help offset the issues they had on defense against the run, which limited the number of possessions for the offense, and the overall consistency issues in the passing game that week.
However, against the Packers, the Colts dealt with similar issues, but didn’t have that quick score to give the offense–and the team–a jolt.
With the Packers taking away those deep ball opportunities, it forced the Colts’ offense to have to string together longer scoring drives–something that they haven’t shown the ability to do yet this season.
The offense did find some success switching into hurry-up mode, and Jonathan Taylor provided a spark as a ball carrier, but the overall consistency was still lacking, and magnified without the explosive plays. Certainly, getting Josh Downs back will provide a major boost in that regard.
Hitting on big plays is great, and something every team wants the ability to do, but it can’t be the main source of offensive production either.