The Packers blow big halftime lead, lose to Colts

The Green Bay Packers blew a 21-3 halftime lead Sunday, as they lost to the Colts in Indianapolis 30-27.

The Colts took the lead twice in the fourth quarter. The game-winning score came with 35 seconds to go when quarterback Andrew Luck hit Reggie Wayne from four yards out.

The Packers blew a chance to force overtime when Mason Crosby missed a 51-yarder to the left. That set off a huge celebration on the Colts' sideline, as they won their first game without coach Chuck Pagano, who was diagnosed with leukemia late last month.

Interim Coach Bruce Arians called it the greatest victory he's ever been around. Colts President Jim Irsay delivered the game ball to Pagano’s hospital room, and Luck said his team was inspired to win one for its fallen coach.

It left the Packers banged up, and in ninth place in the NFC with a 2-3 record.

Nose tackle B.J. Raji was carted off after he hurt his left ankle. Running back Cedric Benson sprained a foot when it got crushed after he caught a pass. Tight end Jermichael Finley injured a shoulder.

Finley vowed to play next Sunday night at Houston while Benson’s and Raji’s cases were less certain.

The rookie Luck completed 31 of 55 passes for a season-high 362 yards, two scores and an interception by Packers rookie Casey Hayward.

The veteran Colts receiver Reggie Wayne caught 13 passes for a career-high 212 yards, the third-highest in Colts history.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was sacked five times. He completed 21 of 33 passes for 243 yards, three touchdowns and a pick.

Green Bay clearly missed receiver Greg Jennings, who was out with a groin injury.

James Jones and Randall Cobb had four catches each. Jones caught a pair of touchdown passes. Cobb scored once and led the Pack with 82 receiving yards.

John Kuhn ran in the game's opening score from a yard out. Rodgers was the Pack's leading rusher with five scampers for 57 yards.

With Benson gone, second-year pro Alex Green had nine carries for 55 yards. The Colts outgained the Packers in total yards 464 to 356. Indy held the ball 11 and a half minutes longer.

The Colts improved to 2-2.

The Packers are now 0-2 on the road, after going 7-1 away from Lambeau Field a year ago.

Green Bay is two games behind Minnesota and Chicago in the NFC North Division.

The Vikings and Bears are both 4-1 after Minnesota pounded Tennessee at home 30-7 and Chicago crushed the Jaguars in Jacksonville 41-3.

Detroit had its bye week. The Lions remain last in the division at 1 -3, a half-game behind the 2-3 Packers.

In the Vikings’ win, Percy Harvin caught a touchdown pass and ran for a score. Christian Ponder threw for 258 yards and two scores. Ex-Packers quarterback Matt Hasselbeck threw for 200 yards and a touchdown for the Titans.

The Bears scored two touchdowns on interceptions and Jay Cutler threw a pair of scoring passes. Cutler threw for 292 yards with a pick, while Brandon Marshall had 12 catches for 144 yards and a score.

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