The Colts achieved several victories with a solid third game performance, but lost on the scoreboard when a late fourth quarter melt down extended their preseason losing streak to nine games.
“Tonight we had a fine effort against a good football team,” head coach Jim Caldwell said. “There were a lot of guys that did things well.”
After a slow start the offense was very effective through the end of the first quarter and for all of the second behind a balanced attack lead by starting quarterback Curtis Painter, running back Joseph Addai and Pro Bowl receiver Reggie Wayne.
Painter’s improved performance was the story of the evening, especially with all the criticism he’s taken recently and the signing of veteran quarterback Kerry Collins. He controlled the offense and threw the ball well. He ended the second half in true Manning fashion with a five play, 69-yard touchdown drive in the two-minute offense. His totals for the night were 11-21 with 171 yards, two touchdowns and had a passer rating of 111.4.
“He played well. It’s great to see,” Caldwell said.
“I think he did a good job. I was excited to see him. He took over the huddle and made some of his own decisions,” Wayne added about Painter’s play. “That’s what you want to see from your quarterback.”
Wayne, one of Painter’s biggest vocal supporters, was the top receiver with six receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown. Addai lead the efficient run attack with eight carries for 44 yards. Rookie third-round draft pick Delone Carter, who’s being touted as the potential third-down back, had seven carries for 27 yards.
For the exception of a couple drives the defense played very well, tackling much better and flying around to the ball. They held the Packers to 45 rushing yards, 3-16 on third downs and did a great job of pressuring the quarterback. Pro Bowl defensive end Dwight Freeney had two of Indy’s five sacks. Starting cornerback Jeff Lacey lead the team in tackles with ten combined.
Special teams were troubling for the Colts. Vinatieri missed a field goal and the hands team gave up an onside kick, which lead to the game winning field goal.
An interception by reserve safety Mike Newton turned into a three-yard touchdown pass from third team quarterback Dan Orlovsky to rookie wide receiver David Gilreath, putting the Colts ahead 21-13 with just under four minutes to play.
The Packers responded with an 11 play, 73-yard drive that was anchored by two Indianapolis 15 yard personal foul penalties. They successfully completed a two-point conversion to tie the game at 21-21 with 35 seconds left in regulation. M.D. Jennings recovered Green Bay’s Mason Crosby’s onside kick. After a couple completions Crosby converted on a 50-yard field goal, with no time remaining, to ice the game.
“The bad part was obviously at the end. That’s just not smart play. It’s just not what we’re accustomed to doing and certainly not what we’re going to tolerate,” Caldwell said addressing the fourth quarter collapse. “We put ourselves in a bad situation and they took advantage of it and we have to get that straightened out.”
