Packers notes: Halftime adjustments, turnovers key in loss to Colts
By Ryan Hill
Halftime adjustments, turnovers proved key in Packers loss.
It was a tale of two quarters at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, as the Green Bay Packers lost 34-31 to the Indianapolis Colts in a dramatic game that left many fans scratching their heads.
If there’s anything to take away from this game… it’s the importance of halftime adjustments.
The Packers were up 28-14 at halftime, but were outscored 20-3 in the second half — largely due to an offense that couldn’t maintain drives and a defense that couldn’t get off the field. Indianapolis’ offensive attack kept moving the chains consistently as they dominated the time of possession in the third quarter, tiring out the Packer defense in the process.
This, along with four costly turnovers — one in overtime — cost the Packers the game.
I have a love/hate relationship with Marques Valdez-Scantling. I wasn’t a fan of his years ago because he dropped the ball so often, but he has stepped up his game this year as a competent deep threat. I’m grateful for that but… C’MON MAN!!! THAT FUMBLE IN OVERTIME IS BRUTAL.
The drafting of Jordan Love in the first round is becoming harder to accept as a good decision given the Packers’ defensive futility. I wasn’t a fan of the pick then and I’m still not now.
General manager Brian Gutekunst could’ve used the pick on a receiver or defensive player, but instead he chose a player who isn’t going to play at all this season. I don’t understand the decision to not “strike while the iron is hot” and get a player who can help the team get to, and win, a Super Bowl. We can only hope that Love can become as great as a player as Aaron Rodgers is.
The Green Bay Packers play their division rival, the Chicago Bears, next Sunday night, November 29, at 6:20 p.m. CT.