The Green Bay Packers blew a 14-point halftime lead and then fumbled away the game on the second snap of overtime, losing 34-31 to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Here are some quick takes:
– A really, really, really bad loss. There’s no way around it. The Packers suffered a three-phased collapse in the second half, much like they did in Indianapolis eight years ago.
– The Colts set the tone right away to start the second half. They came out running the ball. It was the punch in the mouth that staggered the front-running Packers, and the offense never found a counterpunch.
– You have to really wonder if this defense, with this coordinator, is capable of winning a title.
– You also have to wonder if Marquez Valdes-Scantling robbed Aaron Rodgers of what could have been an MVP-type moment in overtime.
– The Packers ran six plays in the third quarter. Back-to-back three-and-outs after scoring four touchdowns in the first half. The offense had a chance to slam the door shut and instead came out of halftime sleepwalking.
– The Packers had four turnovers after having five in the first nine games. The Colts only scored six points off the four turnovers, but the final three decided the game.
– The Packers also had a failed 4th-and-1 in the fourth quarter. It was an aggressive playcall, but the Packers needed about a foot. Why not sneak it?
– Officials overturned a fumble return for a touchdown that would have given the Packers a late lead. It looked, at least on replay, to be the right decision.
– It’s harsh, but true: Darrius Shepherd is not an NFL player.
– JK Scott, who was questionable after dealing with a personal matter, had a miserable day kicking the football.
– The Colts’ handling of the last two and half minutes of regulation was about as bad as it could get.
– Darnell Savage’s speed showed up a lot.
– Philip Rivers made a ton of big throws against heavy pressure.
– The Packers have to hope this devastating loss doesn’t rob this team of the No. 1 seed come January.
