Remembering the Packers Last Second-Half Meltdown

The Green Bay Packers blew a 21-3 second-half lead against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, losing 30-27. The 18-point lead blown by the Packers was the result of a meltdown of both offense and defense. Not only did the Packers gain 56 less yards and score two fewer touchdowns, but the defense gave up 27 second half points and 78 more yards. The second half seemed a horrible nightmare for the Packers.

In fact, the second half lead blown by the Packers is the largest since 1957. In 1957, the 2-5 Packers let a 24-3 lead against the Los Angeles Rams slip away as they lost 31-27. Yes, the last time the Packers had this big a meltdown, the Rams were in Los Angeles.

In that game, the Packers won the turnover battle – they intercepted Rams quarterback Norman Van Brocklin three times and recovered a fumble; they only lost the ball twice – both on fumbles. Despite that, the Packers rush defense was weak – the Rams accumulated 271 yards on the ground. Comparatively, the Packers also lacked offensive proficiency – gaining only five more total yards than the Rams did running the ball.

After losing their massive lead against Los Angeles, the Packers only won one more game, finishing with a 3-9 record on the year. This year’s Packers have a few more games left on their schedule – let’s hope that they can win more than one of them.