The second half was a different vibe for Green Bay. They cleaned up their play and started moving the ball consistently. The defense stepped up, holding the Colts to just two field goals after halftime.
With Sean Clifford rushing for an 11-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter, Green Bay finally took the lead. But there was still time—1 minute and 31 seconds—for the Colts to respond.
Quarterback Bean quickly connected on three passes for 37 yards, bringing Indianapolis into scoring range. But then came three incomplete passes that left them hanging. Herring’s big play shut down the Colts’ hopes of a comeback.
It was a familiar corner route Green Bay had seen before. Woods had some space, but Herring swooped in to make the play. Cornerback Bo Melton praised Herring’s timing and skill, saying, “For a rookie to step up when it counts, that shows he’s got the drive.”
Herring joined the Packers as a college free agent after playing at Dartmouth and Delaware. His dream was always to shine on a big stage, and he made that happen when it mattered most.
His determination was clear. “I’ve worked my entire life to get here,” Herring said. “When it’s crunch time, you have to make big plays.”
Clifford’s late-game abilities have been a standout since his Penn State days. Trailing by three with less than seven minutes left, he led a crucial 12-play drive, ending with his own 11-yard run for the touchdown. It wasn’t what he initially planned, but sometimes things unfold in unexpected ways.
“I appreciate Johnson for taking one for the team so I could run it in,” Clifford joked after the game.
Green Bay’s ground game was on fire, with 40 carries for 159 yards and three touchdowns—all in the second half. Israel Abanikanda led the charge, pushing hard during a key drive that ended with a 3-yard touchdown.
“My mindset is determination,” Abanikanda said. “I wanted to kickstart our offense.” He earned a game ball for his efforts, showcasing his grit.
Rookie quarterback Taylor Elgersma and running back Amar Johnson kept the momentum going, connecting on important plays, including a crucial fourth-down conversion that led to another touchdown.
As the final whistle blew, Green Bay had tallied 356 total yards, converting 8-of-16 on third downs and a perfect 4-for-4 on fourth downs. Abanikanda was confident. “We were going to fight until the end,” he said. “We have a lot of determination.”
In the first half, penalties plagued the Packers. They committed 11 penalties for 85 yards—many pre-snap. In the second half, they turned it around, limiting themselves to just one holding call. The Colts matched with 11 penalties for 103 yards, which helped the Packers continue their drives.
Right tackle Anthony Belton emphasized the importance of resilience in football. “You can’t lose hope over a rough first half. It’s all about finishing strong,” he said, noting his own earlier mistakes.
Melton, a former receiver turned cornerback, felt the energy from his big pass breakup against the Colts. “It felt like scoring a touchdown,” he said of the moment that earned him cheers from teammates.
To sum it up, Green Bay’s comeback showcased their fighting spirit. As they left the field, it was clear that they had become stronger as a team.
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