Reggie Wayne stretched across the goal line for the go-ahead touchdown Sunday against the Packers. (US Presswire)

It didn't seem likely that, on a quick slant pass inside the 5-yard line, Reggie Wayne would be able to stretch the ball across the goal line. It also didn't seem likely that Wayne, tailed most of the day by one of the league's best corners, Charles Woodson, would finish with a career-best 212 receiving yards on 13 catches. And it seemed most unlikely that the Colts, trailing 21-3 at halftime to the Packers, would be able to make a comeback with their coach sitting in a hospital bed.

Well, all that did happen, and Indianapolis (2-2, 0-1 AFC South) scored 19 straight points to rally past Green Bay 30-27 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Packers (2-3, 1-0 NFC North) had a chance late, but Mason Crosby's 51-yard field goal missed badly, and the Colts were able to do just what interim coach and offensive coordinator Bruce Arians wanted: Bring Chuck Pagano the winning game ball.

Rookie QB Andrew Luck was magnificent, and Wayne had one of the best games of his career in leading Indianapolis to an improbable win. The defense showed up, too, getting four sacks of Packers QB Aaron Rodgers.

When the game turned: On Green Bay's first drive of the second half, Rodgers was picked off by Jerraud Powers. That set up the Colts' first touchdown and, effectively, opened the flood gates. The Packers' offense never quite clicked as they had in the first half, and Indianapolis took advantage.

Highlight moments: There were several, but one that stood out was a deep pass-and-catch from Luck to Wayne. While being interfered with, Wayne somehow snagged the pass with one hand to set up another Colts' touchdown. In addition, Wayne's go-ahead score -- a measly 4-yard slant -- was exciting in its own right; Wayne was able to twist between three Green Bay defenders to reach the goal line.

Top-shelf performance: Wayne. Obviously Luck had a career game, but Wayne did too, and his career has been longer. Wayne was amazing -- there's really little else to say. He was adorned in pink cleats for breast cancer awareness and orange gloves for leukemia, and his play was nothing short of inspirational. 

What they said about beating the Packers in Pagano's honor:

  • Arians: “It was kind of a storybook ending, and we have a game ball for Chuck [Pagano]. There was no panic at halftime. We knew what we had to do. We knew it was going to be a very daunting challenge, but we had a friend that was cheering for us pretty hard.”
  • Luck, to the Indianapolis Star: "We're just so happy for Chuck. Hopefully, this uplifts him in some sense or some fashion. I'm happy to be a part of this moment with this franchise."
  • Offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo to the Star: "It means a ton for this team, playing for each other and especially playing for Chuck. You can picture him with a big smile on his face in the hospital bed."
  • Defensive end Cory Redding to the paper: "As a player, you are an image of your coach. Our coach is tough, hard-nosed, a blue-collar kind of guy. Put your hard hat on and go to work. No matter what's going on, don't blink. Don't ask, 'Why?' Say, 'Why not?' That's the kind of guy he is and that's the kind of reflection we have as a team."

Numbers you should know: 

  • RB Donald Brown: 17 carries, 84 yards -- Brown quietly had a solid game after several unimpressive performances. He didn't score, but he was good enough to keep the Green Bay defense honest.
     
  • Colts: 9 penalties, 90 yards -- Although it didn't end up stinging them Sunday, Indianapolis can't afford giving away yards. The Colts have been one of the league's most penalized teams this season, something they'll need to clean up.
     
  • Indianapolis tight ends: 9 catches, 79 yards, touchdown -- Not exceptionally good, but important numbers from rookies Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener. They were brought on to be red-zone targets, and Allen was able to score Sunday.

Injury update: Packers RB Cedric Benson left the game with a knee injury and did not return. Also for the Packers, DT B.J. Raji left the game and didn't return. Both players were carted to the locker room. For the Colts, a thin offensive line may be getting thinner, as OG Mike McGlynn left the game with an apparent leg injury.

Going forward: Colts: Indianapolis will go on the road for just the second time this season as they head north to face the Jets before returning home to play Cleveland. Packers: Green Bay hits the road for two straight, as they head to Houston to play the Texans next Sunday night, then to St. Louis to face the Rams.

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Colts blogger Evan Hilbert, follow @CBSColts.