Colts President Bill Polian has already said that Kerry Collins will start Indy’s season opener if Peyton Manning isn’t ready.
While it’s probably too late, Curtis Painter is doing his best on Friday night to change Polian’s mind. Painter struggled as usual in his first couple drives, starting 1-of-5 for seven yards. He has difficulty recognizing blitzes.
Painter turned it around after that, completing 9-of-15 for 159 yards and two touchdowns to give the Colts a 14-10 lead over the Packers at halftime.
A few caveats apply. Some of Green Bay’s starters weren’t in for the second touchdown drive. Painter’s 57-yard throw to Reggie Wayne came in what amounted to a blown coverage.
We doubt this will be enough for Painter to challenge Collins, but it may be enough to win a roster spot and kick Dan Orlovsky off the roster eventually.