TAMPA, Florida - AFP
Josh Freeman threw for 287 yards and a touchdown and LeGarrette Blount ran for another touchdown as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Indianapolis Colts 24-17. Freeman, who ran for a touchdown early in the game, scrambled for a huge first down on the winning drive as the Buccaneers won their third consecutive National Football League game. Indianapolis dropped to 0-4 for the first time since 1998. That was the rookie season of superstar quarterback Peyton Manning, who has not played this season because of a neck injury. Colts third stringer Curtis Painter started the game, filling in for injured backup quarterback Kerry Collins. Painter threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns to receiver Pierre Garcon. Collins was injured in last week's game against Pittsburgh when he suffered a concussion. Blount helped clinch the win with a 35-yard touchdown run with just over three minutes left in the fourth. He finished with 25 carries and 127 yards. The Buccaneers (3-1) have caught fire after losing their season opener to Detroit.