The pre-game theme is obvious. The numbers make it so, and the numbers are . . . the numbers are . . .
Well, they’re stunning.
The first-ranked offense in the NFL. The second-ranked offense in the NFL.
A quarterback on one team who has thrown for five touchdowns in a game twice this season.
A quarterback on the other team who has done it three times.
It’s the Minnesota Vikings versus the Colts, two teams that have set the NFL standard this season for offensive numbers, two teams that have at times scored points in mind-boggling fashion.
It’s Monday Night Football. Michaels and Madden.
Big-time offenses in a prime-time time slot.
So, the theme is obvious, right? A shootout in the dome?
Maybe, but that’s not the way players and coaches necessarily see it, and if they do see it that way, they’re not saying.
“You have to be prepared to do whatever the game dictates,” Colts wide receiver Brandon Stokley said as the defending AFC South-champion Colts (4-3) prepared to play the NFC North-leading Vikings (5-2) Monday at 9 p.m. in the RCA Dome.
“If we have to score 60, then 60’s what we have to do. If it’s a low-scoring game, then we’ve just got to score one more point than them. That’s our goal every game.
“It’s hard to say. Each game takes up its own little game of itself.”
Neither the Colts nor Vikings have scored 60 points this season, but both teams have done things offensively that few teams in the NFL can match.
“We’ve got our work cut out for us against a very good offensive team that’s playing better on defense,” Colts tight end Marcus Pollard said. “It’s our turn for us to win at home, and that’s the key for us — to show the rest of the country what kind of team we can be.”
The Colts have scored at least 31 points in a game four times this season, and for the season, they are averaging 31 points per game. The Vikings have scored at least 34 points in a game three times this season, and for the season, they are averaging 26 points a game.
The numbers of the quarterbacks are even more overwhelming.
Daunte Culpepper, the Vikings’ quarterback and the NFC’s starting quarterback in the Pro Bowl last season, has completed 183 of 259 passes this season for 2,180 yards and 20 touchdowns with five interceptions. Culpepper threw five touchdown passes in the season opener against Dallas, then did it twice on back-to-back weeks against Houston and New Orleans.
His 113.7 passer rating is on pace to break the NFL record of 112.4 set by Steve Young of the San Francisco 49ers.
“They throw some balls that no one in the league throws, and they have a quarterback who — other than (Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb) and (Falcons quarterback) Michael Vick, — you don’t see quarterbacks make as many plays outside the framework and structure of the offense as this guy does,” Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy said. “They have a lot of weaponry.
“When everybody is healthy, they’re one of the best offenses in the league.”
Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss, a five-time Pro Bowl selection who has eight touchdown receptions this season, has been limited the last two games with a hamstring injury. He is questionable for Monday’s game.
Peyton Manning, the Colts’ quarterback and the NFL’s co-Most Valuable Player last season, has completed 156 of 240 passes for 2,161 yards and 22 touchdowns with four interceptions. He threw five touchdown passes in a victory over Green Bay, and did it again in a loss to Kansas City last Sunday.
Manning’s passer rating through seven games: 117.4.
The Colts enter the game ranked 32nd defensively in the NFL overall and 32nd against the pass. Last week against the Chiefs, they allowed 590 yards and six touchdowns.
“It’s a perfect opportunity because it’s Monday Night Football, and you’re playing against a high-caliber offense,” Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney said.
The Vikings’ defense is ranked 25th in the NFL, 27th against the pass.
“We’re hoping they don’t score 45 points on us,” Tice said. “You have to prepare yourself to stop the other offense. Does it always work out that way? Not usually.
“I don’t think we can stop them. I’m sure they’re trying to do the same thing with their defense.”
The Colts, after winning four consecutive games after a season-opening loss to New England, lost 27-24 to the Jacksonville Jaguars two weeks ago, then lost, 45-35, to the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City.
“This is an important game,” Manning said. “We’d like to make a little bit of a run here if we can. We’ve lost two in a row. That’s disappointing and it’s a little bit of uncharted territory. Hopefully, with the veterans we have, we can rebound and we can bounce back.
“We have two games at home here, and obviously, it starts with Minnesota Monday night.
“Obviously, it’d be nice to win this one and get on a little bit of a roll here.”
The Colts, who hadn’t lost back-to-back games since November of 2002, enter Monday’s game tied with the Houston Texans (4-3) for second in the AFC South, a half-game behind Jacksonville (5-3).
Jacksonville is idle this weekend and the Texans visit Denver (5-3). The Colts will play host to the Texans next Sunday at the RCA Dome.
“Coach Dungy always points out where we are as compared to other teams in the AFC,” Manning said. “Were kind of in the middle right now, so we’d like to get on a little winning streak and move ourselves toward the top of the AFC if we can.
“We’re 4-3 and we’d like to be 5-3 after Monday. Certainly, that’s what we’re playing for — the AFC South. We can’t control what everybody else is doing and who else wins and who loses. We can control our team and we’re going to try to take care of our business.”
http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=2440
Well, they’re stunning.
The first-ranked offense in the NFL. The second-ranked offense in the NFL.
A quarterback on one team who has thrown for five touchdowns in a game twice this season.
A quarterback on the other team who has done it three times.
It’s the Minnesota Vikings versus the Colts, two teams that have set the NFL standard this season for offensive numbers, two teams that have at times scored points in mind-boggling fashion.
It’s Monday Night Football. Michaels and Madden.
Big-time offenses in a prime-time time slot.
So, the theme is obvious, right? A shootout in the dome?
Maybe, but that’s not the way players and coaches necessarily see it, and if they do see it that way, they’re not saying.
“You have to be prepared to do whatever the game dictates,” Colts wide receiver Brandon Stokley said as the defending AFC South-champion Colts (4-3) prepared to play the NFC North-leading Vikings (5-2) Monday at 9 p.m. in the RCA Dome.
“If we have to score 60, then 60’s what we have to do. If it’s a low-scoring game, then we’ve just got to score one more point than them. That’s our goal every game.
“It’s hard to say. Each game takes up its own little game of itself.”
Neither the Colts nor Vikings have scored 60 points this season, but both teams have done things offensively that few teams in the NFL can match.
“We’ve got our work cut out for us against a very good offensive team that’s playing better on defense,” Colts tight end Marcus Pollard said. “It’s our turn for us to win at home, and that’s the key for us — to show the rest of the country what kind of team we can be.”
The Colts have scored at least 31 points in a game four times this season, and for the season, they are averaging 31 points per game. The Vikings have scored at least 34 points in a game three times this season, and for the season, they are averaging 26 points a game.
The numbers of the quarterbacks are even more overwhelming.
Daunte Culpepper, the Vikings’ quarterback and the NFC’s starting quarterback in the Pro Bowl last season, has completed 183 of 259 passes this season for 2,180 yards and 20 touchdowns with five interceptions. Culpepper threw five touchdown passes in the season opener against Dallas, then did it twice on back-to-back weeks against Houston and New Orleans.
His 113.7 passer rating is on pace to break the NFL record of 112.4 set by Steve Young of the San Francisco 49ers.
“They throw some balls that no one in the league throws, and they have a quarterback who — other than (Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb) and (Falcons quarterback) Michael Vick, — you don’t see quarterbacks make as many plays outside the framework and structure of the offense as this guy does,” Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy said. “They have a lot of weaponry.
“When everybody is healthy, they’re one of the best offenses in the league.”
Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss, a five-time Pro Bowl selection who has eight touchdown receptions this season, has been limited the last two games with a hamstring injury. He is questionable for Monday’s game.
Peyton Manning, the Colts’ quarterback and the NFL’s co-Most Valuable Player last season, has completed 156 of 240 passes for 2,161 yards and 22 touchdowns with four interceptions. He threw five touchdown passes in a victory over Green Bay, and did it again in a loss to Kansas City last Sunday.
Manning’s passer rating through seven games: 117.4.
The Colts enter the game ranked 32nd defensively in the NFL overall and 32nd against the pass. Last week against the Chiefs, they allowed 590 yards and six touchdowns.
“It’s a perfect opportunity because it’s Monday Night Football, and you’re playing against a high-caliber offense,” Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney said.
The Vikings’ defense is ranked 25th in the NFL, 27th against the pass.
“We’re hoping they don’t score 45 points on us,” Tice said. “You have to prepare yourself to stop the other offense. Does it always work out that way? Not usually.
“I don’t think we can stop them. I’m sure they’re trying to do the same thing with their defense.”
The Colts, after winning four consecutive games after a season-opening loss to New England, lost 27-24 to the Jacksonville Jaguars two weeks ago, then lost, 45-35, to the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City.
“This is an important game,” Manning said. “We’d like to make a little bit of a run here if we can. We’ve lost two in a row. That’s disappointing and it’s a little bit of uncharted territory. Hopefully, with the veterans we have, we can rebound and we can bounce back.
“We have two games at home here, and obviously, it starts with Minnesota Monday night.
“Obviously, it’d be nice to win this one and get on a little bit of a roll here.”
The Colts, who hadn’t lost back-to-back games since November of 2002, enter Monday’s game tied with the Houston Texans (4-3) for second in the AFC South, a half-game behind Jacksonville (5-3).
Jacksonville is idle this weekend and the Texans visit Denver (5-3). The Colts will play host to the Texans next Sunday at the RCA Dome.
“Coach Dungy always points out where we are as compared to other teams in the AFC,” Manning said. “Were kind of in the middle right now, so we’d like to get on a little winning streak and move ourselves toward the top of the AFC if we can.
“We’re 4-3 and we’d like to be 5-3 after Monday. Certainly, that’s what we’re playing for — the AFC South. We can’t control what everybody else is doing and who else wins and who loses. We can control our team and we’re going to try to take care of our business.”
http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=2440
Colts 3-3 in AFC, 2-0 in NFC, 2-1 in AFC South, and 5-3 overall
2004 Schedule
1 9/9 @ New England Patriots L 24-27
2 9/19 @ Tennessee Titans W 31-17
3 9/26 GREEN BAY PACKERS W 45-31
4 10/3 @ Jacksonville Jaguars W 24-17
5 10/10 OAKLAND RAIDERS W 35-14
6 10/17 BYE
7 10/24 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS L 24-27
8 10/31 @ Kansas City Chiefs L 35-45
9 11/8 MINNESOTA VIKINGS W 31-28
10 11/14 HOUSTON TEXANS 1:00 PM
11 11/21 @ Chicago Bears 1:00 PM
12 11/25 @ Detroit Lions 12:30 PM
13 12/5 TENNESSEE TITANS 1:00 PM
14 12/12 @ Houston Texans 1:00 PM
15 12/19 BALTIMORE RAVENS 8:30 PM
16 12/26 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 1:00 PM
17 1/2 @ Denver Broncos 4:15 PM
The Colts’ injury report reads as follows:
Walters (upper arm fracture, out), linebacker Keyon Whiteside (knee, out), safety Cory Bird (calf/knee, questionable), offensive guard Rick DeMulling (chest, questionable), safety Mike Doss (groin, questionable), cornerback Nick Harper (shoulder, questionable), safety Idrees Bashir (knee, probable), cornerback Joseph Jefferson (knee, probable) and Pyatt (thigh, probable).
http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=2459
Walters (upper arm fracture, out), linebacker Keyon Whiteside (knee, out), safety Cory Bird (calf/knee, questionable), offensive guard Rick DeMulling (chest, questionable), safety Mike Doss (groin, questionable), cornerback Nick Harper (shoulder, questionable), safety Idrees Bashir (knee, probable), cornerback Joseph Jefferson (knee, probable) and Pyatt (thigh, probable).
http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=2459
Hopefully some part of this performance is that the secondary is getting healthier and better.
Colts 4-3 in AFC, 2-0 in NFC, 3-1 in AFC South, and 6-3 overall
2004 Schedule
1 9/9 @ New England Patriots L 24-27
2 9/19 @ Tennessee Titans W 31-17
3 9/26 GREEN BAY PACKERS W 45-31
4 10/3 @ Jacksonville Jaguars W 24-17
5 10/10 OAKLAND RAIDERS W 35-14
6 10/17 BYE
7 10/24 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS L 24-27
8 10/31 @ Kansas City Chiefs L 35-45
9 11/8 MINNESOTA VIKINGS W 31-28
10 11/14 HOUSTON TEXANS W 49-14
11 11/21 @ Chicago Bears 1:00 PM
12 11/25 @ Detroit Lions 12:30 PM
13 12/5 TENNESSEE TITANS 1:00 PM
14 12/12 @ Houston Texans 1:00 PM
15 12/19 BALTIMORE RAVENS 8:30 PM
16 12/26 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 1:00 PM
17 1/2 @ Denver Broncos 4:15 PM
Colts 4-3 in AFC, 2-0 in NFC, 3-1 in AFC South, and 6-3 overall
2004 Schedule
1 9/9 @ New England Patriots L 24-27
2 9/19 @ Tennessee Titans W 31-17
3 9/26 GREEN BAY PACKERS W 45-31
4 10/3 @ Jacksonville Jaguars W 24-17
5 10/10 OAKLAND RAIDERS W 35-14
6 10/17 BYE
7 10/24 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS L 24-27
8 10/31 @ Kansas City Chiefs L 35-45
9 11/8 MINNESOTA VIKINGS W 31-28
10 11/14 HOUSTON TEXANS W 49-14
11 11/21 @ Chicago Bears 1:00 PM
12 11/25 @ Detroit Lions 12:30 PM
13 12/5 TENNESSEE TITANS 1:00 PM
14 12/12 @ Houston Texans 1:00 PM
15 12/19 BALTIMORE RAVENS 8:30 PM
16 12/26 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 1:00 PM
17 1/2 @ Denver Broncos 4:15 PM
Peyton Manning is making the touchdowns look easy.
Manning shredded sloppy Houston for 320 yards and five more touchdowns, and the Colts scored twice on defense to rout the Texans 49-14 on Sunday.
It was another efficient performance for the league's defending co-MVP.
Manning was 18 of 27 and threw five TDs for the third time this year to tie an NFL record. He now has 31 TD passes, two more than he had all last year, and remains on pace to shatter Dan Marino's record of 48 set in 1984.
He led Indianapolis (6-3) to its second consecutive victory and kept it tied with Jacksonville atop the AFC South.
Houston (4-5), which has never won in five games against the Colts, matched the worst margin of defeat in franchise history. The Texans lost 38-3 to Cincinnati in their inaugural season of 2002.
The 35-point margin of victory was the Colts' most lopsided since a 41-0 win over Miami in 1997.
Houston couldn't block, run, tackle, cover or even down a punt in an embarrassing lost. Manning, meanwhile, took advantage of virtually every chance he had.
The only player in NFL history to throw five TDs four times in a 12-month span, Manning engineered three touchdown drives that used a total of 2:06. After three quarters, he had just one more incompletion (six) than he did touchdown passes.
"You kind of come to expect it," coach Tony Dungy said of his quarterback. "I think they're a good defensive team, but we had some guys make big plays."
In contrast, Houston's David Carr struggled. He finished 22-of-41 for 215 yards with three interceptions.
The Colts' maligned defense played like a bunch of Pro Bowlers. Robert Mathis had three sacks and forced three fumbles, and the Colts finished with a season-high five sacks and two touchdown returns.
"It's hard for me to find any redeeming qualities in this football game," Houston coach Dom Capers said. "You have no chance when you give up big plays on defense and turn the ball over on offense."
http://www.sun-sentinel.com
Manning shredded sloppy Houston for 320 yards and five more touchdowns, and the Colts scored twice on defense to rout the Texans 49-14 on Sunday.
It was another efficient performance for the league's defending co-MVP.
Manning was 18 of 27 and threw five TDs for the third time this year to tie an NFL record. He now has 31 TD passes, two more than he had all last year, and remains on pace to shatter Dan Marino's record of 48 set in 1984.
He led Indianapolis (6-3) to its second consecutive victory and kept it tied with Jacksonville atop the AFC South.
Houston (4-5), which has never won in five games against the Colts, matched the worst margin of defeat in franchise history. The Texans lost 38-3 to Cincinnati in their inaugural season of 2002.
The 35-point margin of victory was the Colts' most lopsided since a 41-0 win over Miami in 1997.
Houston couldn't block, run, tackle, cover or even down a punt in an embarrassing lost. Manning, meanwhile, took advantage of virtually every chance he had.
The only player in NFL history to throw five TDs four times in a 12-month span, Manning engineered three touchdown drives that used a total of 2:06. After three quarters, he had just one more incompletion (six) than he did touchdown passes.
"You kind of come to expect it," coach Tony Dungy said of his quarterback. "I think they're a good defensive team, but we had some guys make big plays."
In contrast, Houston's David Carr struggled. He finished 22-of-41 for 215 yards with three interceptions.
The Colts' maligned defense played like a bunch of Pro Bowlers. Robert Mathis had three sacks and forced three fumbles, and the Colts finished with a season-high five sacks and two touchdown returns.
"It's hard for me to find any redeeming qualities in this football game," Houston coach Dom Capers said. "You have no chance when you give up big plays on defense and turn the ball over on offense."
http://www.sun-sentinel.com
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (6-3) at CHICAGO BEARS (4-5)
DATE: Sunday, November 21, 2004
SITE: Soldier Field
KICKOFF: 1:00 p.m. (EST)/12:00 p.m. (CST)
CAPACITY: 61,500
SURFACE: Grass
In the midst of a four-game, 18-day stretch, the Indianapolis Colts, 6-3, visit the Chicago Bears, 4-5, on Sunday, November 21. Kickoff for the contest in venerable Soldier Field is 1:00 p.m. (EST)/12:00 p.m. (CST).
The Colts will be playing the third of four games scheduled between November 8 and 25. Indianapolis topped Minnesota, 31-28, on November 8, then produced a 49-14 home win last week over Houston. After meeting the Bears, the Colts travel to Detroit for a Thanksgiving Day battle with the Lions. That contest marks the club’s first Thanksgiving Day game since 1965. Chicago reaches this Sunday’s game after a 19-17 overtime win last week at Tennessee. Chicago faces a Thanksgiving Day game as do the Colts. The Bears visit Dallas on November 25.
Indianapolis will be making its first visit to Chicago since November 5, 2000, when the Bears posted a 27-24 win. The Colts own a 21-17 series edge, but the teams have met only seven times since the 1970 NFL Merger, and only four times since the club’s move to Indianapolis in 1984. The Colts own a 2-0 mark against the NFC North this season. In addition to topping Minnesota, 31-28, on Monday Night Football two games ago, Indianapolis produced a 45-31 home win over Green Bay on September 26. Sunday’s game marks Chicago’s second AFC South tilt this season. After facing Tennessee and Indianapolis in consecutive weeks, the Bears visit Jacksonville on December 12 before hosting Houston on December 19. With seven games remaining in the regular season, the Colts stand in a tie for first-place with Jacksonville in the AFC South, and Chicago is in a third-place tie with Detroit and is only one game off the pace in the NFC North.
The Colts continued a torrid scoring pace this season with 49 points last week against Houston. Indianapolis has 298 points in nine games and has not failed to score fewer than 24 points in any game this season. This is the first time in the club’s 52-year history it has totaled 24+ points in each of the first nine games. QB-Peyton Manning (18-27-320, 5 TDs/2 ints.) had his third 5+-TD game of the season. He and Minnesota’s QB-Daunte Culpepper each have three 5+-TD games in 2004, the only NFL signal-callers to have that many in one season in NFL history.
Tony Dungy is 28-13 in his first 41 games at the Colts’ helm. Dungy joined the Colts in January of 2002, after serving as Tampa Bay’s head coach for six seasons (1996-01). Dungy’s career regular-season record is 82-55. Dungy owns a 58-31 mark since the start of the 1999 season (30-18 at Tampa Bay; 28-13 with Colts), and he stands as the NFL’s second-winningest coach during that span. Dungy’s victory total ranks behind only Jeff Fisher (59-30). Last year, Dungy directed his sixth team into the playoffs in eight seasons as a head coach. Dungy took Tampa Bay to four playoff appearances during his 1996-01 tenure, and he has led the Colts to 10-6 and 12-4 marks in his first two seasons. He joins Don McCafferty (1970-71) and Ted Marchibroda (1975-76) as the only Colts coaches to produce 10+ wins and playoff appearances in the first two seasons with the club. In 2003, Dungy helped produce the 13th 10+-victory season in franchise history, and he is one of five Colts head coaches to earn double-digit victory totals (4, Don Shula; 3, Marchibroda; 2, McCafferty; 2, Jim Mora). Dungy has five career double-digit victory seasons (11-5, 1999; 10-6, 1997; 10-6, 2000 with Tampa Bay; 12-4, 2003; 10-6, 2002 with Colts) and stands as the only NFL head coach to defeat all 32 NFL teams. The Colts have produced a 57-32 regular season record since 1999, a victory total surpassed by only three teams (61, St. Louis; 59, Tennessee; 58, Philadelphia). The Colts are one of five teams (Tennessee, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay) to appear in the playoffs four times in the last five seasons. In 2003, Dungy directed the Colts to only the eighth season in club history without having consecutive losses (1964, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1971, 1976, 1999, 2003).
QB-Peyton Manning has started the first 105 games of his career. Manning (2,325-3,679-27,634, 198 TDs/116 ints., 90.8 rating, career; 197-296-2,749, 31 TDs/6 ints., 122.7 rating, 2004) has produced the longest career-opening streak by any QB in NFL history, and the longest streak ever by a Colts QB. The longest streaks at his position are 198 games by Brett Favre (Green Bay, 1992-04), 116 games by Ron Jaworski (Philadelphia, 1977-84) and 107 games Joe Ferguson (Buffalo, 1977-84). Manning became only the fifth Colts player with 100+ consecutive starts (115, C-Ken Mendenhall; 104, DE-Fred Cook; 102, DB-Jason Belser; 101, OT-Tarik Glenn). He has taken every snap in 97 of 105 games, missing a total of 65 snaps (only one snap due to injury) during his career (he has taken 6,575 of a possible 6,640 career snaps). He has thrown touchdown passes in 94 of 105 games (missing 9/20/98 at NYJ; 12/26/99 at Cleveland; 1/2/00 at Buffalo; 12/11/00 vs. Buffalo; 12/10/01 at Miami; 12/30/01 at St. Louis; 11/24/02 at Denver; 9/7/03 at Cleveland; 11/23/03 at Buffalo; 12/7/03 at Tennessee; 12/21/03 vs. Denver). He has thrown for two or more touchdowns in 59 of 105 games. He is the only NFL player to throw for 3,000+ yards in each of his first six seasons, and six consecutive 3,000+ seasons is a streak that ranks among the NFL’s all-time best. He also is the only NFL player to have 4,000+ passing yards in five consecutive seasons. Manning has completed more passes and thrown for more yards in a career-opening six-year span than any NFL player. Manning (379-566-4,267, 29 TDs/10 ints., 99.0 rating) was the NFL co-MVP in 2003 by the Associated Press, and he is a four-time Pro Bowler (1999-00, 02-03). Manning has produced the six best seasons in club history in attempts, completions and yards and the five best seasons in club history in games with a touchdown pass, while he has produced five of the best six seasons in completion percentage and seven of the nine best seasons in touchdown passes. Manning has amassed three perfect rating games (10/22/00 vs. New England; 11/10/02 at Philadelphia; 9/28/03 at New Orleans), the most by any NFL player since the rating system was created in 1973 (he added a perfect game in the playoffs 1/4/04 vs. Denver). Manning set the club record with six TD passes at New Orleans, then had five vs. Atlanta 12/14/03 to become only the fifth (now sixth, QB-Daunte Culpepper) NFL QB since the 1970 NFL Merger to have five or more TD passes in a game twice in a season (Dan Fouts, San Diego, 1982; Dan Marino, Miami, 1986; Warren Moon, Houston, 1990; Jim Kelly, Buffalo, 1991). Manning was 22-26-377, 5 TDs vs. Denver 1/4/04 and was 28-40-393, 5 TDs vs. Green Bay 9/26/04 to become the only NFL player with four 5+-TD games (including playoffs) in a one-year span (9/28/03-9/26/04). Manning earned AFC Offensive Player-of-the-Week honors for his Green Bay outing. Manning was 25-44-472, 5 TDs/1 int. at Kansas City 10/31/04 for his fifth career 5+-TD game (including playoffs), while his yardage marked a career-high. Manning was 18-27-320, 5 TDs/2 ints. vs. Houston 11/14/03 for his sixth career 5+-TD game (including playoffs), and he and Culpepper stand as the only NFL QBs ever to had three 5+-TD games in one season. Manning (198) reached 150 career touchdown passes against Carolina 10/12/03, in his 86th career game, marking the 3rd-fastest pace to 150+ career touchdown pass plateau in NFL history in terms of number of games played (62, Marino; 84, Favre). Manning (56 games) was the 4th-fastest to 100 TDs (44, Marino; 50, Kurt Warner; 53, Unitas). Manning (105 games) needs two touchdown passes to reach 200. The fastest paces to 200 touchdown passes are 89 games (Marino), 107 (Favre) and 121 (Unitas). Manning had 26 touchdown passes in the first eight games of 2004, the most at that juncture of a season by any NFL quarterback, and he improved his record pace to 31 touchdown passes over the first nine games with five scores vs. Houston. Manning reached 20,000 yards in 78 games, second only to Marino’s pace of 74 games to that plateau. Manning took 97 games to reach 25,000 yards, second to Marino’s 92 games. Manning’s starting record is 60-45, despite being 10 games below .500 after his 1998 rookie season (3-13). Manning has 20+ scoring passes in seven consecutive seasons. He owns seven of the 17 20+-TD seasons in club history (6, John Unitas; 3, Bert Jones; 1, Earl Morrall). Manning’s streak of seven consecutive seasons with 20+ touchdown passes is 3rd-best in NFL history (10, Dan Marino; 10, Brett Favre (current streak). Manning is the only NFL player with 25+ touchdown passes in seven consecutive seasons. Manning (7, 1998-04) has surpassed Dan Marino (5, 1984-88) and Brett Favre (5, 1994-98) for the most consecutive seasons with 25+ scoring tosses. Manning has six consecutive 3,000+ seasons and owns six of the 12 3,000+ seasons in Colts history (3, Unitas; 3, Jones). He is the only NFL QB ever to have six 3,000+ seasons to open a career. Manning’s streak of six consecutive 3,000+ seasons is the 2nd-longest active streak in the NFL (12, Brett Favre, GB). The other all-time streaks of cons. 3,000+ seasons between Manning and Favre are: 9, Dan Marino; 7, John Elway; 7, Drew Bledsoe; 6, Boomer Esiason. Manning is the only NFL QB with five consecutive seasons with 4,000+ yards. He ranks behind Marino’s six for the most 4,000+ seasons in NFL history. Manning authored his fourth career double-digit victory season in 2003, passing the prior club marks of three by Unitas and Jones. Manning has teamed with 20 different players for touchdowns and has tossed scoring passes in 24 of the 26 arenas he has played in during regular season action (25 of 27 if counting the Meadowlands twice for games against the Giants and Jets). The only venues where Manning has appeared and did not toss a scoring pass are the TWA Dome (2001) and Invesco Field (2002). Manning has led 17 comeback wins and has directed 12 game-winning drives. Manning became the first Colts QB with 4+- TD passes in three consecutive games with efforts at Kansas City (5), vs. Minnesota (4) and vs. Houston (5), breaking the prior club mark of two consecutive games by Unitas (4, 10/30/60 at Dallas and 11/6/60 vs. Green Bay).
WR-Marvin Harrison (806-10,660, 90 TDs career; 47-588, 7 TDs, 2004) is a five-time Pro Bowler (1999-03). His five straight bids rank only behind John Unitas (8, 1957-64), OG/T-Jim Parker (8, 1958-65) and DE-Gino Marchetti (6, 1959-64) for the longest streaks in Colts history, and he is tied with DT-Art Donovan (5, 1953-57), OT-Chris Hinton (5, 1985-89) and RB-Lenny Moore (5, 1958-62). Harrison has bettered the club career receiving records of WR-Raymond Berry (631-9,275, 68 TDs). His pace of receptions is among the best in NFL history. Harrison reached 500 career receptions in 90 games, the second-fastest pace in terms of number of games played to reach that plateau (89, WR-Lionel Taylor, Denver). He reached 600 in 102 games (the prior fastest pace was 118 games by WR-Herman Moore, Detroit). He reached 700 in 114 games (the prior fastest pace was 139 games by WR-Jerry Rice, San Francisco). He reached 800 in 131 games (the prior fastest pace was 154 games by Rice). Harrison was the 69th NFL player to reach 500 receptions, the 28th to reach 600, the 15th to reach 700 and the 11th to reach 800. In 2003, Harrison produced his 5th 1,000+ reception yardage season, extending his club record for most 1,000+ and most consecutive 1,000+ seasons. Harrison has 5 of the 9 1,000+ reception yardage seasons achieved in Colts history. Harrison ranks 11th in NFL career receptions, 17th in NFL career reception yards, T6th in NFL career touchdown receptions and 4th in NFL career 100+-yard games. His five 1,000+ scrimmage yards seasons tie RBs-Lydell Mitchell, Marshall Faulk and Edgerrin James for the second-most in Colts history (6, RB-Lenny Moore). Five consecutive 1,000+ scrimmage yards seasons (1999-03) tied him with Moore (5, 1957-61), Mitchell (5, 1973-77) and Faulk (5, 1994-98) for the club mark in that category. Harrison’s 10,688 career scrimmage yards rank 2nd in Colts history (11,213, Moore). In 2003, Harrison posted his club-record 5th consecutive 10+-TD season, and he is the only NFL player with 10+ touchdown receptions in the last five consecutive seasons. Harrison (10,865) ranks 2nd in Colts career total yards (12,449, Moore). Harrison’s 90 touchdowns rank 2nd in club history to Moore (113). Harrison has 20 multiple-touchdown games, including seven 3-TD outings (at Kansas City 12/15/96; at San Francisco 10/18/98; at New England 9/19/99; vs. Minnesota 12/24/00; vs. Buffalo 9/23/01; vs. Miami 11/11/01; at New Orleans 9/28/03).
Manning and Harrison have combined for 75 touchdowns, the most potent active touchdown duo in the league, the most potent in club history and the 3rd-most potent in NFL history. Manning and Harrison passed John Unitas and Berry (63) at Tampa Bay 10/6/03 for the club record and passed Jim Kelly and Andre Reed (65, Buffalo) vs. New England 11/30/03 for third-most in NFL history. Steve Young and Jerry Rice (San Francisco) are 1st in NFL history with 85, while Dan Marino and Mark Clayton (Miami) rank 2nd with 79. Manning and Harrison have combined for 668 completions for 8,919 yards, a new NFL mark for completions between two players. The prior NFL record for completions between two players was 663 for Jim Kelly and Andre Reed, while Kelly and Reed hold the record of 9,538 yards.
RB-Edgerrin James (7,049) is the club’s career leading rusher. He surpassed Lenny Moore (5,174), Eric Dickerson (5,194), Marshall Faulk (5,320) and Lydell Mitchell (5,487) last season. James has three 1,000+ seasons (1,709, 2000; 1,553, 1999; 1,259, 2003) and is tied with Dickerson and Mitchell for the second-most career 1,000+ rushing seasons, one behind Faulk. James has five 1,000+ scrimmage yards season (2,303, 2000; 2,139, 1999; 1,551, 2003; 1,343, 2002; 1,184, 2004). The club record for most 1,000+ scrimmage yards seasons is six by Lenny Moore and five by Mitchell, Faulk and Marvin Harrison. James has started all 74 career performances since 1999. James is 1,691-7,049, 47 TDs rushing for his career and 291-2,326, 10 TDs receiving for 9,375 career scrimmage yards. http://www.thewirelessguys.com/ James is 1 of 6 Colts players with 40+ career rushing touchdowns (63, Moore; 47, James; 45, Tom Matte; 42, Faulk; 40, Alan Ameche; 40, Don McCauley). James has 1,982 touches and surpassed Mitchell (1,689) and Faulk (1,686) in 2003 for the most in Colts history. He has 36 career 100+ rushing games, and his career number of 100+ games did not dip below his sub-100+ rushing games until 53 games into his career, the best opening streak of a plus ratio by any player in NFL history. James’ career ratio of 100+:sub-100+ is 36:38. James was the 28th NFL RB to 25 career 100+ games and now is the 16th RB to 35 career 100+ games. James was 27-171, 1 TD rushing 12/28/03 at Houston, and he opened this season with 30-142 rushing at New England 9/9 and 21-124, 2 TDs rushing at Tennessee 9/19, the 3rd three-game 100+ streak of his career. James had three-game streaks in games 6-8 of 2000 and games 4-6 of 2001. James owns the franchise record with five consecutive 100+ outings (games 14-16 of 2000 through games 1-2 of 2001). He recorded a four-game streak in games 7-10 of 1999 that tied the club record at the time (4, Dickerson, games 8-11 of 1987). James earned the AFC Offensive Player-of-the-Week honors for his effort at Tennessee. James was 32-136, 1 TD rushing vs. Oakland 10/10. James (36) ranks T5th among active NFL players in 100+ games (78, Emmitt Smith; 56, Jerome Bettis; 53, Curtis Martin; 41, Marshall Faulk; 36, Eddie George). James was the NFL rushing champion in 1999 and 2000, making him one of only eleven players to capture consecutive league rushing crowns. He was only the 13th NFL rookie to win the rushing title. With 1,553 rushing yards and 586 receiving yards in 1999, and 1,709 rushing yards and 594 receiving yards in 2000, James became the only NFL player with consecutive 1,500+ rushing and 500+ receiving yards seasons. The club is 31-5 in games when James scores a touchdown, 30-6 when he rushes for 100+ yards and 15-5 when he has 150+ scrimmage yards. James has averaged 126.7 scrimmage yards per game for his career (9,375 yards in 74 games). The Colts are 51-23 in games when James plays and 6-9 in games without him. The Colts have never qualified for the playoffs in seasons where James has missed more than three games. James is 1 of 8 Colts players with 50+ career total touchdowns (113, Moore; 90, Harrison; 68, Raymond Berry; 58, McCauley; 57, James; 57, Matte; 51, Faulk; 50, Jimmy Orr). James ranks 3rd in Colts career scrimmage yards (11,213, Moore; 10,688, Harrison; 9,375, James) and 3rd in Colts career total yards (12,449, Moore; 10,865, Harrison; 9,375, James). James is 197-877, 5 TDs rushing/30-307 receiving for 1,184 scrimmage yards in 2004, 1st in the AFC, 3rd in the NFL.
DE-Dwight Freeney, one of 11 Colts with a 3.0+ sack game, had a club rookie record 13 sacks in 2002, along with nine forced fumbles. He had 11.0 sacks in 15 games in 2003 and now has sacks in 22 of 40 career games and 18 of 30 starts. He was 3-27 sacks and had two forced fumbles at Miami 11/2/03. He has seven career multiple sack games (3, at Miami 11/2/03; 2, vs. Dallas 11/17/02; 2, at Cleveland 12/15/02; 2, vs. Jacksonville 12/29/02; 2, vs. Carolina 10/12/03; 2, vs. Jacksonville 10/24/03; 2, vs. Minnesota 11/8/04). He had a career-best four-game sack streak end vs. Atlanta 12/14/03 (he has three career three-game sack streaks). Freeney’s four-game streak was tied for the 3rd-longest (since 1982) in Colts history (6, DE-Dan Footman, 1997; 5, LB-Duane Bickett, 1985; 4, DE-Jon Hand, 1991; 4, LB-Tony Bennett, 1995; 4, LB-Tony Bennett, 1996; 4, DT-Ellis Johnson, 1998). The Colts are 15-7 when Freeney produces a sack. He has three career games with multiple forced fumbles (3, at Philadelphia 11/10/02; 2 at Tennessee 12/8/02; 2, at Miami 11/2/03). Freeney has 13 career forced fumbles and the club is 6-3 in games when Freeney forces a fumble. Now into his third season, he has 30 career sacks. He ranked among the NFL’s all-time top totals for players after their first two career seasons (31.0, Reggie White; 30.0, Derrick Thomas; 26.0, Jevon Kearse; 24.0, Freeney). Freeney became the first Colts player to produce consecutive 10+ sack seasons (13, 2002, 11, 2003). There have been only 8 double-digit sack seasons (since sacks became official in 1982) in Colts history (13, Freeney, 2002; 12, DE-Chad Bratzke, 1999; 11.5, LB-Johnie Cooks, 1984; 11, Freeney, 2003; 11, LB-Vernon Maxwell, 1983; 10.5, DE-Tony Bennett, 1995; 10.5, DE-Dan Footman, 1997; 10, DE-Jon Hand, 1989). Freeney earned his first Pro Bowl bid in 2003, joining LB-Duane Bickett (1987) as the club’s only defensive Pro Bowlers in the team’s 21-year Indianapolis era. He became the first Pro Bowl defensive lineman for the team since DT-Mike Barnes and DE-John Dutton in 1977.
In 2003, K-Mike Vanderjagt hit all 37 FG attempts. He hit a 32-yarder at New England 9/7/04 to move his NFL-record streak of consecutive field goals to 42, but missed a 48-yard effort in that contest. In producing the new league mark with 42 consecutive field goals, Vanderjagt vanquished streaks of 40 by Gary Anderson (San Francisco/Minnesota, 1997-98), 31 by Fuad Reveiz (Minnesota, 1994-95) and 30 by Jeff Wilkins (St. Louis, 1999-01). Vanderjagt set the club’s seasonal FG best total (36, Cary Blanchard, 1996) and fell two FGs shy of the NFL seasonal-record. In 2003, Vanderjagt was 37-37 FGs and 46-46 PATs for an AFC-high 157 points (163, Wilkins, St. Louis), and he broke his club seasonal scoring record (145, 1999). Vanderjagt ranks as the NFL’s most accurate FG kicker (.870, 180-207). He has three career 5-FG games (vs. Denver 1/6/02; vs. Baltimore 10/13/02; at Tennessee 12/7/03), tying the best single-game total in club history. With 808 career points, he moved past K-Dean Biasucci (783) 10/24/04 vs. Jacksonville as the club’s career leading scorer. Vanderjagt (1998-03) has produced six consecutive 100+-point seasons and owns the club record for most 100+ seasons and most consecutive 100+ seasons. In opening his career with six 100+ seasons, Vanderjagt ranks behind Jason Elam (11, Denver), Adam Vinatieri (8, New England) and Ryan Longwell (7, Green Bay) for the most consecutive 100+ seasons to start a career. Like Vanderjagt, Elam, Vinatieri and Longwell are working on active streaks. In 2003, Vanderjagt produced only the 4th perfect FG season in NFL history (Tony Zendejas, LA Rams, 17-17, 1991; Jeff Wilkins, St. Louis, 17-17, 2000; Gary Anderson, Minnesota, 35-35, 1998). Vanderjagt’s 180 field goals are the most in Colts history. Vanderjagt had field goals in a club-record 23 consecutive games before the streak ended 10/31/04 at Kansas City. Vanderjagt missed 10/10/04 vs. Oakland, his first career game missed by injury (hamstring), and it snapped a streak of 91 consecutive games played.
This season, the club has produced a plus eight turnover ratio (11 giveaways:19 takeaways), a plus 16 sack ratio (6:22) and a plus nine penalty ratio (57:66). The turnover ratio is T3rd in the AFC, T7th in the NFL. The 19 takeaways rank 4th in the AFC, 8th in the NFL. Nine of the club’s 19 takeaways have come in the fourth quarter, and the team owns a 93-74 scoring differential in the fourth quarter. Indianapolis (6) is the 2nd-least sacked team in the league (5, Green Bay). The club’s plus 16 sack ratio is 1st in the NFL. As a head coach, Dungy is 69-21 when his teams have scored 17+ points, while his record is 58-7 when his teams open a 10+-point lead. Dungy is 40-0 in games when his team earns a 14+-point lead. In 24 seasons as a head coach or assistant, Dungy’s defenses have scored 66 touchdowns. As a head coach from 1996-04, Dungy’s teams have always ranked among the least penalized in the NFL (1996: 95 penalties, T9th-fewest; 1997: 77, 1st; 1998: 99, 7th; 1999: 75, 2nd; 2000: 82, 3rd; 2001: 77, 6th; 2002: 91, 7th; 2003: 92, T6th; 2004: 57, T8th). The Colts rank 1st in the NFL in points per game (33.1).
PERSONNEL REPORT: WR-Troy Walters (upper arm fracture), LB-Keyon Whiteside (knee-placed on IR) were out; DB-Mike Doss (groin) was doubtful; DB-Nick Harper (shoulder), DB-Cory Bird (calf/knee), OG-Rick DeMulling (chest) were questionable; DB-Joseph Jefferson (knee), WR-Brad Pyatt (thigh), DB-Idrees Bashir (knee) were probable for last week’s game. Last week’s inactive players were Walters, Doss, DeMulling, WR-Brad Pyatt, DB-Mike Echols, RB-Ran Carthon, DB-Anthony Floyd and DE-Brad Scioli.
TELEVISION/RADIO: CBS Sports telecasts with Gus Johnson and Brent Jones. WFBQ (94.7-FM) broadcasts with Bob Lamey, Mark Herrmann and Ted Marchibroda.
NEXT WEEK: Indianapolis visits Detroit on Thursday, November 25 at 12:30 p.m. (EST).
HEAD COACHES
TONY DUNGY became head coach of the Colts on January 22, 2002. He has directed the Colts to 10-6 and 12-4 records, joining Don McCafferty (1970-71) and Ted Marchibroda (1975-76) as the only coaches in club history to produce 10+ victories and playoff berths in the first two seasons with the team. Dungy held a 54-42 record as head coach with Tampa Bay from 1996-2001, qualifying for the playoffs four times in six seasons. Dungy has directed Indianapolis (2003) and Tampa Bay (1999) to the conference championship game in earning six post-season appearances in eight seasons as a head coach. In 2003, Dungy helped produce the 13th 10+-victory season in franchise history, and he is one of five Colts head coaches to earn double-digit victory totals (4, Shula; 3, Marchibroda; 2, McCafferty; 2, Jim Mora). Dungy has five career double-digit victory seasons (11-5, 1999; 10-6, 1997; 10-6, 2000 with Tampa Bay; 12-4, 2003; 10-6, 2002 with Colts) and stands as the only NFL head coach to defeat all 32 NFL teams. Last year under Dungy, the Colts posted only the eighth season in club history without having consecutive losses (1964, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1971, 1976, 1999, 2003). Dungy produced some of the NFL’s stingiest defenses during his years at Tampa Bay. His units ranked no lower than 11th during his stay and ranked 6th or higher in four of his last five years. Dungy also served 1981-88 with Pittsburgh, including 1984-88 as defensive coordinator. After serving 1989-91 as DB Coach at Kansas City, Dungy was the defensive coordinator at Minnesota from 1992-95. During his years in Minnesota, the Vikings intercepted an NFL-high 95 passes and made three playoff appearances. The Chiefs made two playoff appearances during Dungy’s tenure. At Pittsburgh in 1984, he became the NFL’s youngest coordinator (age 25). In 18 years as a head coach or coordinator, Dungy’s troops have ranked in the top 10 in the NFL 11 times. In five seasons as Pittsburgh’s coordinator, the Steelers averaged 24 interceptions and 37 takeaways, while scoring 20 touchdowns. Dungy entered the coaching ranks in 1980 at his alma mater, Minnesota, where he was a quarterback (1973-76). He made the Steelers as a free agent in 1977 and was a member of the Super Bowl XIII title team, then was traded to San Francisco in 1979. Dungy is a native of Jackson, Mich.
LOVIE SMITH became the 13th head coach of the Bears on January 15, 2004. Smith joined Chicago after spending 2001-03 as defensive coordinator with St. Louis. Smith has been a part of playoff participants in four of the last five seasons and in five of eight NFL campaigns. Smith was LB Coach at Tampa Bay 1996-00, including an NFC Championship Game appearance. Smith was a freshman LB at Tulsa before moving to SS. He was a two-time All-America choice. He served at Tulsa 1983-86, Wisconsin 1987, Arizona State 1988-91, Kentucky 1992, Tennessee 1993-94 and Ohio State 1995. Smith is a native of Gladewater, Texas.
COLTS/BEARS SERIES NOTES
The league series stands 21-17 in favor of the Colts, but it is being renewed for only the seventh time since the 1970 NFL Merger. Additionally, the clubs have met but four times since the Colts’ 1984 move to Indianapolis. Chicago stands as the only pre-1995 expansion team that the Colts have not beaten since moving to Indianapolis (the Colts have not topped Carolina). The last series meeting came on November 5, 2000, when Chicago took a 27-24 decision at Soldier Field. In that contest, a 24-point second-half rally came up short in the final 1:05 as the Colts fell. A sack-fumble of QB-Peyton Manning (26-39-302, 2 TDs/1 int.) at the Colts’ 38 ended the comeback bid. Indianapolis fought uphill all day as Chicago built a 20-0 halftime lead and pushed the count to 27-0 before the Colts responded. Chicago had 10-point first and second quarters, driving 80 and 92 yards for touchdowns and 37 and 48 yards for field goals. RB-Curtis Enis tallied on an 11t rush to open the game, while WR-Marcus Robinson snared a 34t pass from QB-Jim Miller (24-35-214, 1 TD), and K-Paul Edinger hit 41- and 37-yard field goals as Chicago built a 20-0 halftime lead. DB-Walt Harris’ 35t interception return 1:18 into the third quarter proved to be the deciding points as RB-Edgerrin James (17-68, 1 TD rushing/4-49, 1 TD receiving) scored on a 1t rush, then caught a 21t pass from Manning. K-Mike Vanderjagt added a 19-yard field goal before Manning teamed with WR-Jerome Pathon on a 19t pass with 1:24 remaining. The Colts recovered an onside kick, but the sack-fumble two plays later ended the comeback bid. The Colts also appeared in Chicago on December 8, 1985, dropping a 17-10 decision to the eventual Super Bowl champions. The Bears won in Indianapolis during the 1988 (17-13 on 9/11) and 1991 (31-17 on 11/17) seasons. The Colts’ last series win came in Chicago on September 25, 1983, when K-Raul Allegre’s 33-yard field goal 4:51 into overtime produced a 22-19 verdict. These teams met twice a season from 1953-66 as members of the NFL’s Western Conference.
COLTS AMONG NFL’S WINNINGEST TEAMS FROM 1999-2004: The Colts stand as one of the NFL’s winningest teams since the start of the 1999 season. The Colts own a 57-32 record during that span. Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy was 30-18 with Tampa Bay from 1999-2001. He is 28-13 with the Colts, and his 58 wins during that span have been surpassed only by Jeff Fisher (59-30, Tennessee).
CONNECTIONS: Colts Owner and C.E.O. Jim Irsay was born in Lincolnwood and attended Loyola Academy in Wilmette…he assumed control of the Colts in 1997…Colts President Bill Polian was Personnel Director for Chicago Blitz (USFL) in 1983…OL Coach Howard Mudd played with Chicago 1969-71…LB Coach Mike Murphy coached LBs at Western Illinois (1977-78) and DL for Chicago Blitz of USFL (1983)…TE-Marcus Pollard played basketball at Bradley 1993-94, but never played football…Pollard was a prospect of Chicago-area scout Ken Geiger…QB Coach Jim Caldwell served as asst. coach at Southern Illinois 1978-80 and at Northwestern 1981…Special Teams Coach Russ Purnell is Chicago native…DL Coach John Teerlinck was defensive coordinator at Eastern Illinois 1978-79 and spent 1980-82 at Illinois…Teerlinck earned All-America honors at Western Illinois and was elected into school’s Hall of Fame…OT-Ryan Diem is Carol Stream native (Glenbard North HS) and attended Northern Illinois…WR-Aaron Moorehead is Deerfield (Deerfield HS) native and is Illinois product and is son of former Bear TE-Emery Moorehead…Bears President and CEO Ted Phillips earned degree in business and accounting from Notre Dame…Head Coach Lovie Smith served as Tampa Bay LB Coach 1996-2000 under Head Coach Tony Dungy…TE Coach Rob Boras began coaching career with alma mater DePauw…OL Coach Pete Hoener served in same capacity at Indiana State 1978-84 and Purdue 1989-91…OL-Aaron Gibson is Indianapolis native and product of Decatur Central HS…P-Brad Maynard is Sheridan native and attended Ball State…DE-Adewale Ogunleye is product of Indiana…LB-Joe Odom attended Purdue…TE-John Owens is product of Notre Dame…TE-Ben Hartsock and QB-Craig Krenzel are rookies from Ohio State.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
Idrees (DREEZE) Bashir (buh-SHEER)
Rick DeMulling (de-MULL-ing)
Ryan Diem (DEEM)
Makoa (muh-CO-uh) Freitas (FRAY-tus)
Tarik (TAR-ick) Glenn
Ryan Lilja (LILL-juh)
Tupe (TWO-pay) Peko (PECK-oh)
Brad Pyatt (PIE-at)
Montae (mon-TAY) Reagor (RAY-gur)
Dominic (Dominique) Rhodes
Gerome (Jerome) Sapp
Brad Scioli (SKEE-oh-lee)
Jim Sorgi (SORE-jee)
Mike Vanderjagt (VANDER-jat)
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS MILESTONES • QB-Peyton Manning has 74 games with 20+ completions, the most in Colts history (John Unitas had 33 in 206 career games).
• Manning has 6 consecutive 3,000+ seasons and owns 6 of the 12 3,000+ seasons in Colts history (3, Unitas; 3, Jones). He is the only NFL QB ever to have 6 3,000+ seasons to open a career. Manning’s streak of 6 consecutive 3,000+ seasons is the 2nd-longest active streak in the NFL (12, Brett Favre, GB). The other all-time streaks of cons. 3,000+ seasons between Manning and Favre are: 9, Dan Marino; 7, John Elway; 7, Drew Bledsoe; 6, Boomer Esiason.
• Manning has 20+ TD passes in 7 consecutive seasons. Manning owns 7 of 17 20+-TD seasons in club history (6, Unitas; 3, Jones; 1, Earl Morrall), but only Unitas (1959-60, 65-66) and Jones (1980-81) were able to exceed 20 TDs in consecutive seasons. Manning’s streak of consecutive 20+-TD seasons is 3rd-best in NFL history (10, Marino; 10, Favre; 6, Len Dawson).
• Manning (7, 1998-04) has surpassed Marino (5, 1984-88) and Favre (5, 1994-98) to hold the NFL’s longest streak for most consecutive seasons with 25+ touchdown passes.
• Manning is the only NFL QB with 5 consecutive 4,000+ seasons. In 2001, he became only the 3rd QB in NFL history to post 3 consecutive 4,000+ seasons (3, Marino, 1984-86; 3, Fouts, 1979-81). He set the record with his 4th straight in 2002 and extended it last season. Manning joins the NFL’s overall leaders in multiple 4,000+ seasons (6, Marino, 1984-86, 88, 92, 94; 5, Manning, 1999-2003; 4, Warren Moon, 1990-91, 94-95; 3, Fouts, 1979-81; 3, Brett Favre, 1995, 98-99).
• Manning has started the first 105 games of his career, the most ever by any NFL QB to start a career, and he broke the club QB starting streak of John Unitas (92, 1958-65) at Tennessee 12/7/03. The only streaks longer than Manning’s by an NFL QB are 198 by Brett Favre (1992-04, Green Bay), 116 by Ron Jaworski (1977-84, Philadelphia) and 107 by Joe Ferguson (1977-94, Buffalo). Dan Marino (95 games, 1987-93, Miami) has the 5th-longest streak.
• Manning (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003) has 4 double-digit victory seasons, passing Unitas (3) and Jones (3) as the only Colts QBs with double-digit victory seasons as a starter.
• Manning (198) reached 100 career TD passes in 56 games, the 4th-fastest streak in NFL history in terms of games played (44, Dan Marino; 50, Kurt Warner; 53, John Unitas; 62, Brett Favre). Manning reached 150 career TD passes in 86 games, the 3rd-fastest NFL pace (62, Marino; 84, Favre; 87, Unitas). Manning needs two TD passes for 200. The fastest paces to 200 are 89 games (Marino), 107 (Favre) and 121 (Unitas).
• Manning tossed six TD passes at New Orleans 9/28 to break the club record for most in a game (5, Gary Cuozzo; 5, Gary Hogeboom; 5, Manning, three times). Six TD passes is one shy of the NFL record.
• Manning had five TD passes vs. Atlanta 12/14 to become only the 5th (now 6th) NFL QB since 1970 to have multiple 5+-TD games in one season (6 at New Orleans, 5 vs. Atlanta). Manning joined Dan Fouts (1982), Dan Marino (1986), Warren Moon (1990), Jim Kelly (1991) and Daunte Culpepper (2004).
• Manning is the only NFL QB with four 5+-TD games (including playoffs) in a one-year span (6, 9/28/03 at New Orleans; 5, 12/14/03 vs. Atlanta; 5, 1/4/04 vs. Denver (playoffs); 5, 9/26/04 vs. Green Bay). He added another 5-TD game at Kansas City 10/31/04. He added another 5-TD game vs. Houston 11/14/04, joining Culpepper as the only NFL QBs with three 5-TD games in one season.
• Manning is the only Colts QB with five career regular-season 5+-TD games (6, at New Orleans 9/28/03; 5 vs. Atlanta 12/14/03; 5, vs. Green Bay 9/26/04; at Kansas City 10/31/04; vs. Houston 11/14/04). He has one post-season 5+-TD game (5, vs. Denver 1/4/04).
• Manning has 198 TD passes in 105 career games, an average of 1.8857 per game, the highest average per game of any QB in NFL history with 150+ TD passes (1.8020, Brett Favre, 364 TDs/202 games; 1.7355, Dan Marino, 420/242; 1.4813, Jim Kelly, 237/160; 1.4219, Joe Montana, 273/192; 1.4033, Dan Fouts, 254/181; 1.3990, Warren Moon, 291/208; 1.3902, Fran Tarkenton, 342/246; 1.3744, John Unitas, 290/211; 1.3728, Steve Young, 232/169).
• Manning had 4+ TD passes in three consecutive games (5, 10/31/04 at Kansas City; 4 vs. Minnesota 11/8/04; 5, vs. Houston 11/14/04) to break John Unitas’ prior club mark of two consecutive games with 4+ TD passes (4, 10/30/60 at Dallas; 4, 11/6/60 vs. Green Bay).
• Manning (60) ranks 2nd in Colts wins as starting QB (118, Unitas; 47, Jones).
• Since 1970, Manning is 1 of 5 NFL starting QBs who were 10 games below .500 and eventually had a record equaling or exceeding 10 games over .500 (Troy Aikman, 15 games below .500 (3-18) to 29 games over .500 (86-57): final starting record 94-71; Steve Young, -14 games (3-17) to +45 games (94-49): final record 94-49; Bert Jones, -12 games (3-15) to +16 games (42-26): final record 47-49; Trent Dilfer*, -11 games (8-19) to +10 games (49-39): current record 51-43; Manning*, -10 games (5-15) to +15 games (58-43): current record 60-45.
• Manning (57) is 1st in regular season starting wins by NFL QBs from 1999-present (56, Brett Favre; 51, Steve McNair; 50, Donovan McNabb; 45, Rich Gannon; 43, Brad Johnson; 40, Kurt Warner; 36, Kerry Collins).
• Manning surpassed 20,000 career passing yards at Cleveland 12/15/02, his 78th career game. It marked the 2nd-fastest pace to 20,000 yards in NFL history (74, Dan Marino). Manning surpassed 25,000 career yards in his 97th game, with the fastest pace to that plateau being 92 games by Marino, followed by Warren Moon (107) and Brett Favre (107).
• In every even-yeared season of his career (1998, 2000, 2002), Manning has taken every snap from center for the Colts.
• Manning had a streak of 10 straight games with 22+ completions end 12/21 vs. Denver. Since 1970, the NFL bests for most consecutive games with 22+ completions are by Warren Moon (11, 1991-92), Manning (10, 2003), Dan Fouts (8, 1984), Kerry Collins (8, 2003), Bill Kenney (7, 1983), Brett Favre (7, 1993-94), Matt Hasselbeck (7, 2002).
• Manning has thrown TD passes in 24 of 26 NFL venues (25 of 27 if counting the Meadowlands twice for Jets and Giants) in his regular season career. The only sites he played in and failed to toss a regular season TD pass are the TWA Dome (St. Louis) and INVESCO Field (Denver). He threw TD passes in four former NFL sites (Foxboro Stadium, Veteran’s Stadium, Kingdome, Husky Stadium). He has never played in a regular season game in Seahawks Stadium, Sun Devil Stadium, Bank of America Stadium, Paul Brown Stadium, Texas Stadium, Ford Field, the Metrodome, Network Associates Coliseum, Lincoln Financial Field.
• Manning has defeated all but six NFL teams (0-2, San Francisco; 0-2, Carolina; 0-1, St. Louis; 0-1, Pittsburgh; 0-1, Chicago; 0-0, Arizona).
• Manning and WR-Marvin Harrison have combined for 75 TDs, 3rd-most in NFL history (85, Steve Young-Jerry Rice, 1987-99, San Francisco; 79, Dan Marino-Mark Clayton, 1983-92, Miami; 65, Jim Kelly-Andre Reed, 1986-96, Buffalo; 63, John Unitas-Raymond Berry, 1955-67, Colts; 56, John Hadl-Lance Alworth, 1962-70, San Diego; 55, Marino-Mark Duper, 1983-92, Miami; 55, Joe Montana-Jerry Rice, 1985-92, San Francisco).
• Manning and Harrison have combined for 668 completions and 8,919 yards. Manning and Harrison own the NFL record for most completions by a tandem. The previous NFL record for most completions was 663 for Jim Kelly and Andre Reed, while that duo still owns the NFL yardage mark of 9,538.
• WR-Marvin Harrison (806-10,660, 90 TDs) ranks 1st in Colts career receptions, yards and touchdown receptions. He moved past WR-Raymond Berry (631-9,275, 68 TDs) in each category. Harrison broke the yardage record vs. Carolina 10/12/03. All of Berry’s club records stood since 1967.
• Harrison has receptions in a club-record 132 consecutive games. Harrison is 2nd in club history in games with a reception (142, Raymond Berry).
• Harrison has receptions in the first 132 games of his career, and the streak ranks 2nd-longest in NFL history for a player from the start of his career (155, RB-Marshall Faulk; 127, WR-Keyshawn Johnson).
• Harrison is the only player in NFL history with 100+ receptions in four consecutive years.
• Harrison (10,688) is 2nd in Colts history in career yards from scrimmage (11,213, Lenny Moore).
• Harrison (44) holds the club record for most 100+ receiving games.
• Harrison (44) is 4th in NFL career 100+ games (75*, Jerry Rice; 50, Don Maynard; 47, Michael Irvin; 43*, Tim Brown; 43, James Lofton).
• Harrison has 5 career 4-game 100+ streaks. His 4-game streaks are 2 games behind the club record streak of Raymond Berry (6, 1960).
• Harrison had 10 100+ games in 2002, setting a new club seasonal record, besting his prior record of 9 set in 1999, while he had 8 in 2000. Harrison’s 9 in 1999 tied (with 11 others) for the 3rd-best seasonal total in NFL history behind Michael Irvin (11, Dallas, 1995), Charley Hennigan (10, Houston, 1961), Herman Moore (10, Detroit, 1995), Harrison (10, 2002) and Torry Holt (10, St. Louis, 2003).
• Harrison (90) is 2nd in Colts career TDs (113, Lenny Moore) and surpassed Raymond Berry (68) in career TD receptions vs. Dallas 11/17/02. He became the 48th NFL player with 60 career TD receptions with 12-127, 1 TD vs. NYJ 12/23/01.
• Harrison (1999-03) has had 5 consecutive 10+-TD reception seasons (15, 2001; 14, 2000; 12, 1999; 11, 2002; 10, 2003) and owns the double-digit club receiving record (2, Raymond Berry), while the only other 10+ seasons were recorded by Jimmy Orr (11, 1962; 10, 1965) and Roger Carr (11, 1962). Five 10+-TD career seasons tie him with Lenny Moore (5, 1957-58; 60-61, 64) for the most in club history, while Harrison is the only Colts player with 5 consecutive 10+ seasons.
• Harrison (1999-03) is the only NFL player with 10+ touchdown receptions in five consecutive seasons.
• Harrison has 550 career points, 5th in Colts history and 2nd among non-kickers (808, K-Mike Vanderjagt; 783, K-Dean Biasucci; 678, RB-Lenny Moore; 586, K-Lou Michaels).
• Harrison posted his fifth 1,000+ reception yardage season in 2003 (1,272), and he has 5 of the 9 achieved in club history. Raymond Berry (1,298, 1960), Bill Brooks (1,131, 1986), Reggie Langhorne (1,038, 1993) and Roger Carr (1,012, 1976) are the other Colts to have a 1,000+ season. From 1999-03, Harrison set the 5 highest seasonal reception and yardage totals in the Colts’ 52-year history (115-1,663, 1999; 102-1,413, 2000; 109-1,524, 2001; 143-1,722, 2002; 94-1,272, 2003).
• Harrison (1,722, 2002; 1,663, 1999) owns the NFL’s 4th-best and 7th-best seasonal reception yardage totals in NFL history (1,848, Jerry Rice, SF, 1995; 1,781, Isaac Bruce, St.L., 1995; 1,746, Charley Hennigan, Hou., 1961; 1,722, Harrison, 2002; 1,696, Torry Holt, St. Louis, 2003; 1,686, Herman Moore, Det., 1995; 1,663, Harrison, Colts, 1999).
• Harrison (806) became the 69th NFL player with 500 career receptions with 12-127, 1 TD vs. NYJ 12/23/01 and became the 28th NFL player with 600 career receptions with 14-138, 2 TDs vs. Dallas 11/17/02. He reached 600 receptions in 102 career games, the fastest streak in games played to that plateau in NFL history (118, Herman Moore, Detroit). He became the 15th player with 700 career receptions vs. Carolina 10/12/03. He reached 700 in his 114th game, the fastest streak in games played to that plateau in NFL history (139, Jerry Rice, San Francisco). He reached 800 in his 131st game, the fastest streak in games played to that plateau in NFL history (154, Rice). Rice is the fastest to 900 receptions (168) and 1,000 receptions (181).
• Harrison had 706 receptions in the first 114 games of his career. Of the 24 WRs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, only 1 (501, Lance Alworth) had as many as 500 receptions in their first 114 games.
• Harrison has the most receptions over the 1st 4 (311), 7 (665), 8 (759) and 9 (806) seasons of a career than any NFL receiver.
• Harrison’s 143 receptions in 2002 bested the prior NFL seasonal record of Herman Moore (123, 1995).
• Harrison (1,722) produced his 3rd 1,500+ season in 2002, and it ranks behind Jerry Rice (4, 1986, 1990, 1993, 1995) for 2nd-most in NFL history. Harrison (3, 1999, 2001, 2002) was tied with Michael Irvin (2, 1991, 1995) and Charley Hennigan (2, 1961, 1964, Houston Oilers, AFL), while Torry Holt (2, 2000, 2003, St. Louis) has produced his 2nd 1,500+ season. Harrison is the only NFL player to post consecutive 1,500+ seasons. Only nine other players have achieved one 1,500+ season.
• Harrison has averaged 6.1 receptions per game (806 in 132 games) for his career, the best average in NFL history.
• With 806 career receptions marking a Colts franchise record, Harrison’s total ranks 7th-best among all NFL teams’ career reception leaders (1,281, Jerry Rice, San Francisco, 1985-00; 1,070, Tim Brown, Oakland, 1988-03; 1,004, Cris Carter, Minnesota, 1990-01; 941, Andre Reed, Buffalo, 1985-91; 888, Art Monk, Washington, 1980-93; 819, Steve Largent, Seattle, 1976-89).
• Harrison (806) ranks 11th among the NFL’s career reception leaders (1,528*, Jerry Rice; 1,101, Cris Carter; 1,090*, Tim Brown; 951, Andre Reed; 940, Art Monk; 851, Irving Fryar; 827, Larry Centers; 819, Steve Largent; 815, Shannon Sharpe; 814, Henry Ellard).
• Harrison (10,660) ranks 17th among the NFL’s career reception yardage leaders (22,563*, Jerry Rice; 14,895*, Tim Brown; 14,004, James Lofton; 13,899, Cris Carter; 13,777, Henry Ellard; 13,198, Andre Reed; 13,089, Steve Largent; 12,785, Irving Fryar; 12,721, Art Monk; 12,146, Charlie Joiner; 11,904, Michael Irvin; 11,834, Don Maynard; 11,259*, Isaac Bruce; 10,904*, Jimmy Smith; 10,856, Gary Clark; 10,716, Stanley Morgan).
• Harrison (90) is one of 17 NFL players with 80+ career touchdown receptions (194*, Jerry Rice; 130, Cris Carter; 100, Steve Largent; 100*, Tim Brown; 99, Don Hutson; 90*, Terrell Owens; 90*, Marvin Harrison; 88, Don Maynard; 87, Andre Reed; 85, Lance Alworth; 85, Paul Warfield; 85*, Randy Moss; 84, Mark Clayton; 84, Irving Fryar; 84, Tommy McDonald; 84, Andre Rison; 81, Art Powell).
• Harrison (63) set the club record for most games with a touchdown reception 11/30/03 vs. New England, snapping the mark of WR-Raymond Berry (56).
• Harrison has 100+ outings against 26 of 31 opponents (5-New England; 4-Miami; 3-Kansas City; Houston; 2-Buffalo; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Denver; NYG; NYJ; Philadelphia; 1-Atlanta; Baltimore; Carolina; Dallas; Detroit; Jacksonville; Minnesota; New Orleans; Oakland; San Diego; San Francisco; Seattle; Tampa Bay; Tennessee; Washington). He does not have 100+ games against Arizona (0-1), Chicago (0-1), Green Bay (0-3), Pittsburgh (0-2) and St. Louis (0-1). His 100+ outing by years: 1996-2; 1997-0; 1998-2; 1999-9; 2000-8; 2001-6; 2002-10; 2003-6; 2004-1.
• RB-Edgerrin James (36) holds the club record for most 100+ rushing games. James was 30-138 vs. Miami 9/15/02 to set the franchise record he shared with RB-Eric Dickerson.
• James (7,049) is the 5th Colts RB to top 5,000 career rushing yards as the Colts and Cleveland are the only NFL teams with 5 career 5,000+ rushers (5,487, Lydell Mitchell; 5,320, Marshall Faulk; 5,194, Eric Dickerson; 5,174, Lenny Moore).
• James (25 100+ games in first 40 outings) reached 25 career 100+ rushing games faster than any player in NFL history. The former record was 41 games by Earl Campbell, followed by Eric Dickerson (42), Jim Brown (47), Terrell Davis (51) and Walter Payton (54). He reached 35 100+ games in 70 outings, the 2nd-fastest pace to that total (59, Dickerson). He became the 28th NFL player with 25 career 100+ games and the 16th with 35 career 100+ games.
• James had 33 100+ games in his first 66 games, tying the 2nd-highest total over the first 66 games of a career by any NFL RB (66, Eric Dickerson; 33, Jim Brown; 33, Edgerrin James; 32, Earl Campbell; 31, Terrell Davis; 31, Walter Payton).
• James entered the 2003 season with 26 100+ rushing games and 26 sub-100+ rushing games and was held to 67 yards at Cleveland 9/7. This put his career ratio of 100+ games to sub-100+ games at 26:27, the first time his career ratio of sub-100+ games exceeded 100+ games. The 53-game career-opening streak of keeping a career ratio on the plus side is the best ever by an NFL RB. His career ratio is now 36:38 (100+ games:sub-100+ games).
• James (36) ranks T5th among active NFL RBs in 100+ games (78, Emmitt Smith; 56, Jerome Bettis; 53, Curtis Martin; 41, Marshall Faulk; 36, Eddie George).
• James had receptions in 47 straight games, the 2nd-longest streak by a Colts RB (77, Marshall Faulk), and the 5th-longest in club history, but streak ended 12/1/02 vs. Houston.
• James has 20 career 150+ yds/scrimmage games, 1st in Colts history, surpassing RB-Lenny Moore (16). He has 5 career 200+ yds/scrimmage games, surpassing Marshall Faulk and Lenny Moore for most in Colts history.
• James has averaged 126.7 scrimmage yards per game throughout his career (9,375 yards in 74 games).
• James (1,982) is 1 of 9 Colts with 1,000+ career touches (1,689, Lydell Mitchell; 1,686, Marshall Faulk; 1,451, Tom Matte; 1,432, Lenny Moore; 1,396, Eric Dickerson; 1,154, Randy McMillan; 1,103, Don McCauley; 1,065, Alan Ameche).
• James had 42 touches vs. NYJ 11/16/03 to tie the club mark of Lydell Mitchell (at NYJ 10/20/74).
• James (1,691-7,049, 47 TDs rushing for career) ranks 1st in Colts career attempts, breaking the record of Lydell Mitchell (1,391) vs. New England 11/30/03. He ranks 1st in Colts career yards, breaking the record of Mitchell (5,487) vs. NYJ 11/16/03. He ranks 2nd in Colts career rushing touchdowns (63, Moore; 47, James).
• The Colts are 31-5 in games when James scores a touchdown. The team is 30-6 when he rushes for 100+ yards. The team is 15-5 when he has 150+ scrimmage yards. The Colts are 51-23 in games when James plays and 6-9 in games without him. The Colts have never qualified for the playoffs in seasons where James has missed more than three games.
• James is one of 20 Colts players with 200+ career receptions, and his total (291) ranks 5th among Colts RBs (363, Lenny Moore; 333, Don McCauley; 298, Lydell Mitchell; 297, Marshall Faulk).
• James has 9,375 career scrimmage yards (7,049 rushing/2,326 receiving), 3rd-most in club history (11,213, Lenny Moore; 10,688, Marvin Harrison).
• James has 100+ outings against 16 of 31 opponents (5-New England; 4-Buffalo; Miami; NYJ; 3-Kansas City; 2-Dallas; Houston; Oakland; Tennessee; Minnesota; 1-Atlanta; Cleveland; Detroit; NYG; Philadelphia; Seattle). He does not have 100+ games against Arizona (0-0), Baltimore (0-1), Carolina (0-0), Chicago (0-1), Cincinnati (0-1), Denver (0-2), Green Bay (0-2), Jacksonville (0-6), New Orleans (0-0), Pittsburgh (0-1), St. Louis (0-0), San Diego (0-1), San Francisco (0-0), Tampa Bay (0-0) and Washington (0-2). His 100+ outing by years: 1999-10; 2000-9; 2001-5; 2002-2; 2003-6; 2004-4.
• Harrison (10,865) ranks 2nd in Colts total yards and James (9,375) ranks 3rd (12,449, Lenny Moore).
• James and Harrison have topped the 100-yard mark in their respective rushing and receiving categories 17 times together. The only NFL duo ever with more 100+ performances in the same game is RB-Emmitt Smith and WR-Michael Irvin (20, Dallas).
• James and Harrison, in 2003, produced the 7th 10+-TD seasonal tandem in club history (13, Lenny Moore/10, Raymond Berry, 1960; 15, Lydell Mitchell/11, Don McCauley, 1975; 11, Roger Carr/11, McCauley, 1976; 17, Edgerrin James/12, Marvin Harrison, 1999; 18, James/14, Harrison, 2000; 15, Harrison/10, Dominic Rhodes, 2001; 11, James/10, Harrison, 2003).
• K-Mike Vanderjagt (180-207, 87.0) is the NFL’s career most accurate field goal kicker.
• Vanderjagt has scored in 95 consecutive games, the longest streak in club history.
• Vanderjagt (808) moved past K-Dean Biasucci (783) vs. Jacksonville 10/24/04 as the Colts’ leading career scorer.
• Vanderjagt ranks 1st in Colts history with 180 career field goals (176, Dean Biasucci).
• Vanderjagt (37) has the most seasonal FGs in Colts history (36, Cary Blanchard, 1996). The top seasonal FG totals in NFL history are 39 by Olindo Mare (1999, Miami), 39 by Jeff Wilkins (2003, St. Louis), 37 by John Kasay (1996, Carolina), and 37 by Vanderjagt.
• Vanderjagt produced his 6th consecutive 100+-point season in 2003, extending his club record for cons. 100+ seasons. Vanderjagt has opened his career with 6 cons. 100+ seasons, with the NFL record being 11 cons. to open a career (11, Jason Elam, Den. (current); 8, Adam Vinatieri, NE (current); 7, Ryan Longwell, GB (current).
• Vanderjagt’s FG career totals are: 62-70, .886 vs. AFC East; 17-20, .850 vs. AFC North; 33-38, .868 vs. AFC South; 25-31, .806 vs. AFC West; 14-17, .824 vs. NFC East; 5-5, 1.000 vs. NFC North; 16-16, 1.000 vs. NFC South; 8-10, .800 vs. NFC West. He is 125-142, .880 on turf and 55-65, .846 on grass; He is 96-111, .865 at home; 84-96, .875 on the road; He is 103-118, .873 indoors and 77-89, .865 outdoors. Vanderjagt has FGs against every team except Detroit and Arizona.
• Vanderjagt (157, 2003) produced his highest seasonal point total (145, 1999; 125, 2001; 121, 2000), while only two other Colts have 120+ points in a season (135, K-Cary Blanchard, 1995; 120, RB-Lenny Moore, 1964).
• Vanderjagt owns 4 of the 6 highest seasonal FG percentages in club history (100.0, 2003; 92.6, 2000; 90.0, Cary Blanchard, 1996; 89.5, 1999; 88.9, Dean Biasucci, 1987; 87.1, 1998).
• Vanderjagt (37-37, 2003) produced only the 4th perfect field goal season in NFL history (Tony Zendejas, 17-17 in 1991, L.A. Rams; Jeff Wilkins, 17-17 in 2002, St. Louis; Gary Anderson, 35-35 in 1998, Minnesota).
• TE-Marcus Pollard (252) is the 20th Colts player with 200+ career receptions. His total ranks 3rd-best among Colts TEs (320, John Mackey; 261, Ken Dilger). Pollard (3,257) ranks 3rd in reception yardage for Colts TEs (5,127, Mackey; 3,584, Mutscheller).
• OT-Tarik Glenn had a streak of 101 consecutive starts from 1997-03 end vs. Carolina 10/12/03. Glenn is 1 of 5 Colts player to amass 100+ consecutive starts (115, C-Ken Mendenhall; 105, QB-Peyton Manning; 104, DE-Fred Cook; 102, DB-Jason Belser; 101, OT-Tarik Glenn).
• DE-Dwight Freeney (13, 2002) set the club record for most sacks (12, Chad Bratzke, 1999; 11, LB-Vernon Maxwell (rookie), 1983). There have been only 8 10+-sack seasons (since sacks became official in 1982) in Colts history (13, Freeney, 2002; 12, Bratzke, 1999; 11.5, LB-Johnie Cooks, 1984; 11, Freeney, 2003; 11, Maxwell, 1983; 10.5, DE-Tony Bennett, 1995; 10.5, DE-Dan Footman, 1997; 10, DE-Jon Hand, 1989). The only NFL rookie who had more sacks than Freeney was (DE-Jevon Kearse, 14.5, Tenn., 1999).
• Freeney has sacks in 22 of 39 career games and in 18 of 29 starts. The club is 15-7 when Freeney produces a sack. He has 13 career forced fumbles, and the club is 6-3 when he forces fumbles. He has 7 multiple-sack games and 3 career multiple-forced fumble games.
• Freeney has 30 career sacks. From 2002-03, he ranked among the NFL’s top five in most sacks after the first 2 career seasons (31, Reggie White; 30, Derrick Thomas; 26, Jevon Kearse).
• In 24 seasons as an NFL head coach or assistant, Tony Dungy’s defenses have scored 66 touchdowns. Since 1970, only 11 teams have scored as many as seven seasonal defensive touchdowns, and four of those belong to Dungy.
• As a head coach, Dungy’s teams own a 69-21 record when scoring 17+ points.
• As a head coach, Dungy owns a 58-7 record in games when his team has established a 10+-point lead.
• As a head coach, Dungy owns a 40-0 record in games when his team has established a 14+-point lead.
• As a head coach, Dungy’s teams have earned a 43-21 record in the second halves of his seasons (1996-04) with Colts and Bucs (5-3, 1996; 5-3, 1997; 4-4, 1998; 7-1, 1999; 6-2, 2000; 5-3, 2001; 6-2, 2002; 5-3, 2003; 1-0, 2004). Since 1999, his record is 30-11.
• Dungy stands as the only NFL head coach to defeat all 32 NFL teams. Dungy reached the plateau other coaches are approaching (31, Bill Parcells — has not defeated Houston; 30, Marty Schottenheimer — Baltimore, Jacksonville; 30, Dick Vermeil — Kansas City, Philadelphia; 29, Bill Cowher — Dallas, Houston, Pittsburgh; 29, Mike Holmgren — Houston, Colts, Washington; 29).
• As a head coach from 1996-04, Dungy’s teams have always ranked among the least penalized in the NFL (1996: 95 penalties, T9th; 1997: 77, 1st; 1998: 99, 7th; 1999: 75, 2nd; 2000: 82, 3rd; 2001: 77, 6th; 2002: 91, 7th; 2003: 92, T6th; 2004: 57, T8th).
• Indianapolis is the only NFL team to keep its starting quarterback (Peyton Manning), offensive coordinator (Tom Moore) and offensive line coach (Howard Mudd) intact for the past seven seasons.
• Offensive line coach Howard Mudd (San Diego 1974-76; San Francisco 1977; Seattle 1978-82, 93-97; Cleveland 1983-88; Kansas City 1989-92; Colts 1998-present) is in his 31st consecutive season as an NFL assistant coach, while offensive coordinator Tom Moore (Pittsburgh 1977-89; Minnesota 1990-93; Detroit 1994-96; New Orleans 1997; Colts 1998-present) is in his 28th consecutive season in the NFL, the 2nd- and T3rd-longest current streaks among all NFL assistant coaches (33, Dick Hoak, Pittsburgh). Mudd and Moore are two of only nine NFL assistant coaches with 25+ consecutive years service.
• RB Coach Gene Huey has served for 201 games, the 3rd-most games by an assistant position coach in Colts history (223, George Catavolos; 204, Dick Bielski).
• Since 1998, the Colts have played 12 turnover-free games and own a 10-2 mark while averaging 35.4 points in those games (425).
• Indianapolis is 1 of 5 NFL teams to make the playoffs in 4 of the last 5 years (4 times: Colts, Tennessee, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Tampa Bay; 3 times: Miami, Oakland, Baltimore, Green Bay; 2 times: NY Jets, Pittsburgh, NY Giants, San Francisco, Denver, New England, Dallas, Minnesota; 1 time: Buffalo, Cleveland, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, New Orleans, Seattle, Washington, Kansas City, Carolina; No times: Houston, San Diego, Cincinnati, Arizona.
http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=2474
Against a poor opponent, the Colts played a pretty good complete game. The defense showed signs of improvement with the new found health in the secondary. Manning looking good for 50 TD's this year. See ya on turkey day vs Detroit.
Colts 4-3 in AFC, 3-0 in NFC, 3-1 in AFC South, and 7-3 overall
2004 Schedule
1 9/9 @ New England Patriots L 24-27
2 9/19 @ Tennessee Titans W 31-17
3 9/26 GREEN BAY PACKERS W 45-31
4 10/3 @ Jacksonville Jaguars W 24-17
5 10/10 OAKLAND RAIDERS W 35-14
6 10/17 BYE
7 10/24 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS L 24-27
8 10/31 @ Kansas City Chiefs L 35-45
9 11/8 MINNESOTA VIKINGS W 31-28
10 11/14 HOUSTON TEXANS W 49-14
11 11/21 @ Chicago Bears W 41-10
12 11/25 @ Detroit Lions 12:30 PM
13 12/5 TENNESSEE TITANS 1:00 PM
14 12/12 @ Houston Texans 1:00 PM
15 12/19 BALTIMORE RAVENS 8:30 PM
16 12/26 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 1:00 PM
17 1/2 @ Denver Broncos 4:15 PM
Colts 4-3 in AFC, 3-0 in NFC, 3-1 in AFC South, and 7-3 overall
2004 Schedule
1 9/9 @ New England Patriots L 24-27
2 9/19 @ Tennessee Titans W 31-17
3 9/26 GREEN BAY PACKERS W 45-31
4 10/3 @ Jacksonville Jaguars W 24-17
5 10/10 OAKLAND RAIDERS W 35-14
6 10/17 BYE
7 10/24 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS L 24-27
8 10/31 @ Kansas City Chiefs L 35-45
9 11/8 MINNESOTA VIKINGS W 31-28
10 11/14 HOUSTON TEXANS W 49-14
11 11/21 @ Chicago Bears W 41-10
12 11/25 @ Detroit Lions 12:30 PM
13 12/5 TENNESSEE TITANS 1:00 PM
14 12/12 @ Houston Texans 1:00 PM
15 12/19 BALTIMORE RAVENS 8:30 PM
16 12/26 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 1:00 PM
17 1/2 @ Denver Broncos 4:15 PM
http://www.tribstar.com
Just when it appeared rookie free safety Bob Sanders was starting to come into his own as a much-needed impact player for the Indianapolis Colts' defense, it was disclosed on Monday that the team's top draft pick will be sidelined three to six weeks with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee.
Sanders, who moved into the starting lineup three weeks ago, suffered the injury in the third quarter while making a special teams tackle in the Colts' 41-10 win over Chicago. He had an MRI Sunday night, which confirmed the initial diagnosis which was made during the game.
Second-year strong safety Mike Doss, whom Sanders replaced in the starting lineup when Doss suffered a strained groin against Kansas City, will now take over playing opposite Idrees Bashir.
"These things happen," a philosophical Sanders said after Sunday's win. "You always hate to get hurt, and it's frustrating because I was just starting to feel comfortable back there. But there's not much to do other than rehab it as best I can and try to get back as quickly as I can."
Coach Tony Dungy said that he's hopeful of possibly getting Sanders back no later than the start of the playoffs. Until then, Indianapolis will rotate Doss and Bashir with strong safety Cory Bird, strong safety Anthony Floyd, strong safety Gerome Sapp and cornerback Waine Bacon.
"Bob's injury was the biggest to come out of the [Chicago] game. We had planned on getting [Doss] in anyway and he played a lot and he played well. It looked like he was back into form, so I think that we're going to be OK from that standpoint," Dungy said.
-- Injury update -- Offensive tackle Makoa Freitas did not start at offensive guard against Chicago due to a back injury but did see limited playing time. He is not expected to start Thursday's Thanksgiving Day game at Detroit game.
Freitas injured his back lifting weights last Monday and saw limited playing time in the second half of the Bears' game. He was supposed to fill in for injured offensive guard Tupe Peko, who has been sidelined with a high right ankle sprain. Peko is not expected to play against the Lions. Rookie offensive guard Jake Scott started the Chicago game.
Offensive guard Rick DeMulling remains sidelined with a chest bruise. He has missed the last two games and is not expected to play at Detroit. Rookie offensive guard Ryan Lilja should start his second straight game.
Wide receiver Troy Walters had hoped to be ready to play against the Lions after suffering a broken right arm in the Colts' second preseason game. Walters had set the Detroit game as a target date for his return. Although he has seen light work in practice over the last couple of weeks, Walters is now scheduled to return for next week's home game with Tennessee.
Cornerback Nick Harper was held out of the Chicago game so that he could rest a sore right shoulder that has bothered him all season. Harper is tentatively expected to play against the Lions this week. Joseph Jefferson started in his place against the Bears and had his first NFL interception.
Placekicker Mike Vanderjagt continues to nurse a sore hamstring but has been able to handle field goal and PAT work. Jason Baker has done a pretty good job so far of handling the kick off chores since he was signed two weeks ago.
Just when it appeared rookie free safety Bob Sanders was starting to come into his own as a much-needed impact player for the Indianapolis Colts' defense, it was disclosed on Monday that the team's top draft pick will be sidelined three to six weeks with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee.
Sanders, who moved into the starting lineup three weeks ago, suffered the injury in the third quarter while making a special teams tackle in the Colts' 41-10 win over Chicago. He had an MRI Sunday night, which confirmed the initial diagnosis which was made during the game.
Second-year strong safety Mike Doss, whom Sanders replaced in the starting lineup when Doss suffered a strained groin against Kansas City, will now take over playing opposite Idrees Bashir.
"These things happen," a philosophical Sanders said after Sunday's win. "You always hate to get hurt, and it's frustrating because I was just starting to feel comfortable back there. But there's not much to do other than rehab it as best I can and try to get back as quickly as I can."
Coach Tony Dungy said that he's hopeful of possibly getting Sanders back no later than the start of the playoffs. Until then, Indianapolis will rotate Doss and Bashir with strong safety Cory Bird, strong safety Anthony Floyd, strong safety Gerome Sapp and cornerback Waine Bacon.
"Bob's injury was the biggest to come out of the [Chicago] game. We had planned on getting [Doss] in anyway and he played a lot and he played well. It looked like he was back into form, so I think that we're going to be OK from that standpoint," Dungy said.
-- Injury update -- Offensive tackle Makoa Freitas did not start at offensive guard against Chicago due to a back injury but did see limited playing time. He is not expected to start Thursday's Thanksgiving Day game at Detroit game.
Freitas injured his back lifting weights last Monday and saw limited playing time in the second half of the Bears' game. He was supposed to fill in for injured offensive guard Tupe Peko, who has been sidelined with a high right ankle sprain. Peko is not expected to play against the Lions. Rookie offensive guard Jake Scott started the Chicago game.
Offensive guard Rick DeMulling remains sidelined with a chest bruise. He has missed the last two games and is not expected to play at Detroit. Rookie offensive guard Ryan Lilja should start his second straight game.
Wide receiver Troy Walters had hoped to be ready to play against the Lions after suffering a broken right arm in the Colts' second preseason game. Walters had set the Detroit game as a target date for his return. Although he has seen light work in practice over the last couple of weeks, Walters is now scheduled to return for next week's home game with Tennessee.
Cornerback Nick Harper was held out of the Chicago game so that he could rest a sore right shoulder that has bothered him all season. Harper is tentatively expected to play against the Lions this week. Joseph Jefferson started in his place against the Bears and had his first NFL interception.
Placekicker Mike Vanderjagt continues to nurse a sore hamstring but has been able to handle field goal and PAT work. Jason Baker has done a pretty good job so far of handling the kick off chores since he was signed two weeks ago.
Colts 4-3 in AFC, 4-0 in NFC, 3-1 in AFC South, and 8-3 overall
2004 Schedule
1 9/9 @ New England Patriots L 24-27
2 9/19 @ Tennessee Titans W 31-17
3 9/26 GREEN BAY PACKERS W 45-31
4 10/3 @ Jacksonville Jaguars W 24-17
5 10/10 OAKLAND RAIDERS W 35-14
6 10/17 BYE
7 10/24 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS L 24-27
8 10/31 @ Kansas City Chiefs L 35-45
9 11/8 MINNESOTA VIKINGS W 31-28
10 11/14 HOUSTON TEXANS W 49-14
11 11/21 @ Chicago Bears W 41-10
12 11/25 @ Detroit Lions W 41-9
13 12/5 TENNESSEE TITANS 1:00 PM
14 12/12 @ Houston Texans 1:00 PM
15 12/19 BALTIMORE RAVENS 8:30 PM
16 12/26 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 1:00 PM
17 1/2 @ Denver Broncos 4:15 PM
2004 Schedule
1 9/9 @ New England Patriots L 24-27
2 9/19 @ Tennessee Titans W 31-17
3 9/26 GREEN BAY PACKERS W 45-31
4 10/3 @ Jacksonville Jaguars W 24-17
5 10/10 OAKLAND RAIDERS W 35-14
6 10/17 BYE
7 10/24 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS L 24-27
8 10/31 @ Kansas City Chiefs L 35-45
9 11/8 MINNESOTA VIKINGS W 31-28
10 11/14 HOUSTON TEXANS W 49-14
11 11/21 @ Chicago Bears W 41-10
12 11/25 @ Detroit Lions W 41-9
13 12/5 TENNESSEE TITANS 1:00 PM
14 12/12 @ Houston Texans 1:00 PM
15 12/19 BALTIMORE RAVENS 8:30 PM
16 12/26 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 1:00 PM
17 1/2 @ Denver Broncos 4:15 PM
Colts' fast, young defense starting to keep pace with potent offense
So this is what we learned from Week 12: We may have been a little too quick to flush Indianapolis and Minnesota down the playoff toilet for playing rotten defense. Indy especially. We now have a legitimate fourth team in the league -- the Colts.
If you're like I was this weekend, you're still shaking your head in wonder over that Indy offense. I went back and crunched a few numbers, and this was the most impressive: During the Colts' four wins in 18 days in November, Peyton Manning was at the helm of the offense for 36 drives; 19 of those possessions ended in touchdown passes. In the Packers' first 10 games this year, Brett Favre has led the Green Bay offense for 106 drives; 19 ended in touchdown passes.
Dan Marino averaged 3.0 touchdown passes a game in 1984 in setting the NFL record.
Manning is averaging 3.7 touchdown passes a game this season.
We're all wondering how much the Colts' four wins mean. Indy's offense, of course, is ridiculous. Its margin of victory (25.3 points) in November is ridiculous. The temptation is to say: The last four teams they've faced -- Vikes, Texans, Bears, Lions -- are in the bottom 10 in the NFL in total defense entering this weekend, so the four Manning's shreddings should not be cause for Coltdom to print Super Bowl tickets. In the last five weeks of the season, Indianapolis will face four teams in the league's defensive top 12: Baltimore (third), Denver (sixth), Tennessee (10th) and San Diego (11th). After that, we'll have a really good grasp on how good the Colts are, and whether they'll be a legitimate threat to win, likely at Pittsburgh or New England, in the AFC semifinals Jan. 15 or 16.
But I'm now more of a believer in Indy's defense. It's becoming a swarming, fast one, with two very important additions -- pass-rushing defensive end Robert Mathis and roving rookie safety Bob Sanders. Mathis, especially, has been a vital cog in this defense. A shocking addition, if you ask me. And a great example of how Tony Dungy's philosophy that by gathering as much speed on defense as he can find his unit can overcome some significant shortcomings. Mathis weighs 232 pounds. He's not simply a light outside linebacker. No, he's a defensive end and special-teams banshee. Plays about 25 snaps a game in the regular defense, all on passing downs, and another 20 on special teams. Dungy told me this past weekend why the Colts drafted Mathis. The Colts loved Mathis, a defensive end/special-teamer from Alabama A&M in 2003, and feared he'd be gone when their pick late in the fifth round came up. So they dealt their fourth-round pick in 2004 for the Texans' high fifth-rounder in 2003.
"All that for a 235-pound guy?" I asked.
"When we were looking at him in the draft," Dungy told me, "he had a highlight tape of maybe 15 special-teams plays that, in our mind, would have been good enough to get him drafted. But then you see the potential as a pass-rusher. Dwight Freeney was only about 260 when we drafted him, and he's been able to get to the quarterback. I know Robert was light, but you could just see it on tape: He made plays. Last year in practice he'd make some great moves. Those are the kinds of plays you're seeing in the games this year. What we saw in him before the draft is the kind of playmaking ability we're seeing in him right now."
Indianapolis plays Mathis at rush end opposite Freeney, and he's tied for the league lead with 10 sacks in 11 games. In the last four games, his production has peeked: five sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries. Just as the Colts' offense will benefit from playing the next four games in ideal weather (three indoors, one at retractable-roof Houston), the Indy defense will also benefit from sure surfaces that let speed-rushers get a better, less-slippery grip on the field.
"I felt back in September that we probably wouldn't play our best defense until December, and I still feel that way," Dungy said. "We're a growing team. We're still making lots of little mistakes, but our guys are maturing and I think we'll play well as a defense during that stretch."
The Colts will close against Jamal Lewis, LaDainian Tomlinson and Reuben Droughns, quality backs the likes of whom they haven't seen in the last month. That should be a great indicator whether in late January they'll be able to handle Corey Dillon or Jerome Bettis in the postseason. Or both.
sportsillustrated.cnn.com
So this is what we learned from Week 12: We may have been a little too quick to flush Indianapolis and Minnesota down the playoff toilet for playing rotten defense. Indy especially. We now have a legitimate fourth team in the league -- the Colts.
If you're like I was this weekend, you're still shaking your head in wonder over that Indy offense. I went back and crunched a few numbers, and this was the most impressive: During the Colts' four wins in 18 days in November, Peyton Manning was at the helm of the offense for 36 drives; 19 of those possessions ended in touchdown passes. In the Packers' first 10 games this year, Brett Favre has led the Green Bay offense for 106 drives; 19 ended in touchdown passes.
Dan Marino averaged 3.0 touchdown passes a game in 1984 in setting the NFL record.
Manning is averaging 3.7 touchdown passes a game this season.
We're all wondering how much the Colts' four wins mean. Indy's offense, of course, is ridiculous. Its margin of victory (25.3 points) in November is ridiculous. The temptation is to say: The last four teams they've faced -- Vikes, Texans, Bears, Lions -- are in the bottom 10 in the NFL in total defense entering this weekend, so the four Manning's shreddings should not be cause for Coltdom to print Super Bowl tickets. In the last five weeks of the season, Indianapolis will face four teams in the league's defensive top 12: Baltimore (third), Denver (sixth), Tennessee (10th) and San Diego (11th). After that, we'll have a really good grasp on how good the Colts are, and whether they'll be a legitimate threat to win, likely at Pittsburgh or New England, in the AFC semifinals Jan. 15 or 16.
But I'm now more of a believer in Indy's defense. It's becoming a swarming, fast one, with two very important additions -- pass-rushing defensive end Robert Mathis and roving rookie safety Bob Sanders. Mathis, especially, has been a vital cog in this defense. A shocking addition, if you ask me. And a great example of how Tony Dungy's philosophy that by gathering as much speed on defense as he can find his unit can overcome some significant shortcomings. Mathis weighs 232 pounds. He's not simply a light outside linebacker. No, he's a defensive end and special-teams banshee. Plays about 25 snaps a game in the regular defense, all on passing downs, and another 20 on special teams. Dungy told me this past weekend why the Colts drafted Mathis. The Colts loved Mathis, a defensive end/special-teamer from Alabama A&M in 2003, and feared he'd be gone when their pick late in the fifth round came up. So they dealt their fourth-round pick in 2004 for the Texans' high fifth-rounder in 2003.
"All that for a 235-pound guy?" I asked.
"When we were looking at him in the draft," Dungy told me, "he had a highlight tape of maybe 15 special-teams plays that, in our mind, would have been good enough to get him drafted. But then you see the potential as a pass-rusher. Dwight Freeney was only about 260 when we drafted him, and he's been able to get to the quarterback. I know Robert was light, but you could just see it on tape: He made plays. Last year in practice he'd make some great moves. Those are the kinds of plays you're seeing in the games this year. What we saw in him before the draft is the kind of playmaking ability we're seeing in him right now."
Indianapolis plays Mathis at rush end opposite Freeney, and he's tied for the league lead with 10 sacks in 11 games. In the last four games, his production has peeked: five sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries. Just as the Colts' offense will benefit from playing the next four games in ideal weather (three indoors, one at retractable-roof Houston), the Indy defense will also benefit from sure surfaces that let speed-rushers get a better, less-slippery grip on the field.
"I felt back in September that we probably wouldn't play our best defense until December, and I still feel that way," Dungy said. "We're a growing team. We're still making lots of little mistakes, but our guys are maturing and I think we'll play well as a defense during that stretch."
The Colts will close against Jamal Lewis, LaDainian Tomlinson and Reuben Droughns, quality backs the likes of whom they haven't seen in the last month. That should be a great indicator whether in late January they'll be able to handle Corey Dillon or Jerome Bettis in the postseason. Or both.
sportsillustrated.cnn.com
Titans Dangerous Despite Disappointing Start
INDIANAPOLIS — The quarterback, one of the NFL’s most feared, reliable and productive in recent seasons, is hurting and hinting at retirement.
Their secondary is injured almost beyond recognition. With five games remaining, they’re four games out of the race for the AFC South title.
Not a normal season for the Tennessee Titans.
Not even close.
Yet, something else is true when discussing the Titans, Colts players said this week: their record may be worse than normal, and their situation may be difficult, but they’re still a dangerous team.
Very, very dangerous.
“They have Steve McNair,” Colts defensive tackle Larry Tripplett said as the AFC South-leading Colts (8-3) prepared to play the Titans (4-7) at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis.
“Banged up or not, he’s still one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. We’re going to have to be ready for him. As long as they have him, they’re tough.”
The Titans, who won the AFC South in 2002 and finished tied for first with the Colts last season, have lost seven of 10 games since a season-opening victory over the Miami Dolphins, and with five games remaining, they are close to playoff elimination.
“It would appear we’ve been eliminated already,” Titans Head Coach Jeff Fisher said this week.
McNair, http://www.sirius.com/offer/nfl623 the Titans’ quarterback, was the NFL’s co-Most Valuable Player last
season along with Colts quarterback Peyton Manning last season. But whereas Manning has followed his MVP season with a more impressive season statistically, McNair has struggled with injuries and the Titans have struggled to their worst start since he became the starting quarterback in 1997.
McNair, after leading the NFL in passer rating last season, is 12th in the AFC in the category this season, having completed 129 of 215 passes for 1,343 yards and eight touchdowns with nine interception for a 73.1 rating.
He has missed three games with a bruised sternum, including two in November before returning for the last two games.
But in the last game, McNair reinjured the area late, and the Titans — after leading the Houston Texans, 21-3, in the first half — lost to Houston for a second time this season, allowing 21 second-half points in a 31-21 Houston victory.
Afterward, McNair hinted he would consider retirement after the season.
On Wednesday, speaking to reporters in Nashville, Tenn., he reiterated the stance, saying because of injuries he would reconsider his future after the season.
“Steve’s a very, very competitive individual and does not like losing,” Fisher said. “He expects to carry this football team, whether we have a full complement of players around him or not. In Steve’s case, after the ballgame, he felt that he had put us in position to win, had a chance to win and because of his own doing, we did not. Those were his personal feelings.
“That, coupled with the fact that he was a little banged up and continued to be pressed after the game, I think that is just frustration. He’s indicated to me that he wants finish up strong this season and give us a chance to win so he can enjoy an off-season and come back ready to play.”
McNair’s injury has been far from the Titans’ only frustration this season. They lost defensive ends Jevon Kearse (Philadelphia) and Robaire Smith (Houston) to free agency in the off-season, and released longtime running back Eddie George in a salary cap move.
Injuries have hurt, too. The Titans’ secondary, long one of the strengths of one of the NFL’s best defenses, will play against Indianapolis without three starters: cornerback Andre Dyson and safeties Lance Shulters and Tank Williams, the latter of whom was recently placed on injured reserve with a knee injury.
Still, despite the injuries, the Titans are a veteran team that knows how to win in December. Since 1998, they have a 20-7 record in December, the best in the AFC during that span. They are 3-3 on the road this season and 1-4 at home.
“They’re a dangerous team, well-coached and they’ve got a lot of guys capable of making big plays for them,” Colts tight end Marcus Pollard said.
The Titans have split their last four games, losing to Chicago in overtime and Houston this past Sunday, but beating Cincinnati and Jacksonville. They led in the second half in both of the losses, and had they held the leads, they would be 6-5 and tied with Jacksonville for second place in the division.
“In times like this, I think it’s about perseverance and about how tough you are mentally,” Titans defensive end/tackle Kevin Carter said. “It’s about how much you love the game. You go out every weekend and you play.”
Which is the attitude Fisher said the Titans have had throughout the season, and the attitude he expects Sunday, even in a season that’s far from normal.
“Can you continue to improve as individuals through the tough times, through the remainder of the season?” Fisher said. “That’s the challenge. You avoid distractions. You come to work. You look forward to come to work and you work to continue to refine and develop your skills. That’s our approach. You lay it all out on Sunday. You give it your all-out effort.
“You fight until the bitter end. You still step onto the field when the game starts with expectation to win. It’s a simple philosophy and I’m proud of our guys for the way they’ve approached it and they’ll continue to do so.”
colts.com
INDIANAPOLIS — The quarterback, one of the NFL’s most feared, reliable and productive in recent seasons, is hurting and hinting at retirement.
Their secondary is injured almost beyond recognition. With five games remaining, they’re four games out of the race for the AFC South title.
Not a normal season for the Tennessee Titans.
Not even close.
Yet, something else is true when discussing the Titans, Colts players said this week: their record may be worse than normal, and their situation may be difficult, but they’re still a dangerous team.
Very, very dangerous.
“They have Steve McNair,” Colts defensive tackle Larry Tripplett said as the AFC South-leading Colts (8-3) prepared to play the Titans (4-7) at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis.
“Banged up or not, he’s still one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. We’re going to have to be ready for him. As long as they have him, they’re tough.”
The Titans, who won the AFC South in 2002 and finished tied for first with the Colts last season, have lost seven of 10 games since a season-opening victory over the Miami Dolphins, and with five games remaining, they are close to playoff elimination.
“It would appear we’ve been eliminated already,” Titans Head Coach Jeff Fisher said this week.
McNair, http://www.sirius.com/offer/nfl623 the Titans’ quarterback, was the NFL’s co-Most Valuable Player last
season along with Colts quarterback Peyton Manning last season. But whereas Manning has followed his MVP season with a more impressive season statistically, McNair has struggled with injuries and the Titans have struggled to their worst start since he became the starting quarterback in 1997.
McNair, after leading the NFL in passer rating last season, is 12th in the AFC in the category this season, having completed 129 of 215 passes for 1,343 yards and eight touchdowns with nine interception for a 73.1 rating.
He has missed three games with a bruised sternum, including two in November before returning for the last two games.
But in the last game, McNair reinjured the area late, and the Titans — after leading the Houston Texans, 21-3, in the first half — lost to Houston for a second time this season, allowing 21 second-half points in a 31-21 Houston victory.
Afterward, McNair hinted he would consider retirement after the season.
On Wednesday, speaking to reporters in Nashville, Tenn., he reiterated the stance, saying because of injuries he would reconsider his future after the season.
“Steve’s a very, very competitive individual and does not like losing,” Fisher said. “He expects to carry this football team, whether we have a full complement of players around him or not. In Steve’s case, after the ballgame, he felt that he had put us in position to win, had a chance to win and because of his own doing, we did not. Those were his personal feelings.
“That, coupled with the fact that he was a little banged up and continued to be pressed after the game, I think that is just frustration. He’s indicated to me that he wants finish up strong this season and give us a chance to win so he can enjoy an off-season and come back ready to play.”
McNair’s injury has been far from the Titans’ only frustration this season. They lost defensive ends Jevon Kearse (Philadelphia) and Robaire Smith (Houston) to free agency in the off-season, and released longtime running back Eddie George in a salary cap move.
Injuries have hurt, too. The Titans’ secondary, long one of the strengths of one of the NFL’s best defenses, will play against Indianapolis without three starters: cornerback Andre Dyson and safeties Lance Shulters and Tank Williams, the latter of whom was recently placed on injured reserve with a knee injury.
Still, despite the injuries, the Titans are a veteran team that knows how to win in December. Since 1998, they have a 20-7 record in December, the best in the AFC during that span. They are 3-3 on the road this season and 1-4 at home.
“They’re a dangerous team, well-coached and they’ve got a lot of guys capable of making big plays for them,” Colts tight end Marcus Pollard said.
The Titans have split their last four games, losing to Chicago in overtime and Houston this past Sunday, but beating Cincinnati and Jacksonville. They led in the second half in both of the losses, and had they held the leads, they would be 6-5 and tied with Jacksonville for second place in the division.
“In times like this, I think it’s about perseverance and about how tough you are mentally,” Titans defensive end/tackle Kevin Carter said. “It’s about how much you love the game. You go out every weekend and you play.”
Which is the attitude Fisher said the Titans have had throughout the season, and the attitude he expects Sunday, even in a season that’s far from normal.
“Can you continue to improve as individuals through the tough times, through the remainder of the season?” Fisher said. “That’s the challenge. You avoid distractions. You come to work. You look forward to come to work and you work to continue to refine and develop your skills. That’s our approach. You lay it all out on Sunday. You give it your all-out effort.
“You fight until the bitter end. You still step onto the field when the game starts with expectation to win. It’s a simple philosophy and I’m proud of our guys for the way they’ve approached it and they’ll continue to do so.”
colts.com
Colts 5-3 in AFC, 4-0 in NFC, 4-1 in AFC South, and 9-3 overall
2004 Schedule
1 9/9 @ New England Patriots L 24-27
2 9/19 @ Tennessee Titans W 31-17
3 9/26 GREEN BAY PACKERS W 45-31
4 10/3 @ Jacksonville Jaguars W 24-17
5 10/10 OAKLAND RAIDERS W 35-14
6 10/17 BYE
7 10/24 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS L 24-27
8 10/31 @ Kansas City Chiefs L 35-45
9 11/8 MINNESOTA VIKINGS W 31-28
10 11/14 HOUSTON TEXANS W 49-14
11 11/21 @ Chicago Bears W 41-10
12 11/25 @ Detroit Lions W 41-9
13 12/5 TENNESSEE TITANS 1:00 PM W 51-24
14 12/12 @ Houston Texans 1:00 PM
15 12/19 BALTIMORE RAVENS 8:30 PM
16 12/26 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 1:00 PM
17 1/2 @ Denver Broncos 4:15 PM
<!-- / message -->
2004 Schedule
1 9/9 @ New England Patriots L 24-27
2 9/19 @ Tennessee Titans W 31-17
3 9/26 GREEN BAY PACKERS W 45-31
4 10/3 @ Jacksonville Jaguars W 24-17
5 10/10 OAKLAND RAIDERS W 35-14
6 10/17 BYE
7 10/24 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS L 24-27
8 10/31 @ Kansas City Chiefs L 35-45
9 11/8 MINNESOTA VIKINGS W 31-28
10 11/14 HOUSTON TEXANS W 49-14
11 11/21 @ Chicago Bears W 41-10
12 11/25 @ Detroit Lions W 41-9
13 12/5 TENNESSEE TITANS 1:00 PM W 51-24
14 12/12 @ Houston Texans 1:00 PM
15 12/19 BALTIMORE RAVENS 8:30 PM
16 12/26 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 1:00 PM
17 1/2 @ Denver Broncos 4:15 PM
<!-- / message -->
Harrison hopes Colts' next move is taking care of last triplet
One thing might make Marvin Harrison happier than having a new contract: Keeping Edgerrin James in an Indianapolis Colts uniform.
After signing Harrison to an seven-year extension on Wednesday, the Colts have two of their three triplets -- Harrison and Peyton Manning -- locked in for the long-term. Harrison said he hopes James joins the club soon.
"You know there's nothing like talking about Edgerrin that makes me smile," Harrison joked Thursday. "I hope they can get Edge done, too."
For now, the focus is on Harrison, who agreed to a $66 million deal that includes $22 million in bonuses. The contract is also cap-friendly -- Harrison is expected to count a little more than $3 million next year against a salary cap that is expected to increase from this year's total of about $80.6 million.
Had Harrison or James not re-signed before March, Colts president Bill Polian would have faced the toughest of choices -- placing the franchise tag on Harrison, a five-time Pro Bowler, or James, a two-time NFL rushing champ.
The signing of Harrison precluded Polian from wrestling with that decision. It also delighted Colts owner Jim Irsay.
"Marvin is a pro's pro," Irsay said. "He works so hard and carries himself with so much class on the field, he's helped bring the horseshoe back where it is today. He deserves it, and it puts us in a good position to move forward."
In the past nine months, Colts owner Jim Irsay has re-signed Manning and Harrison for a combined total of more than $165 million and shelled out more than $55 million in signing bonuses. Both are now among the highest-paid players at their positions.
Harrison holds the NFL single-season record for receptions (143) and reached 800 career receptions faster than any player in league history, beating Jerry Rice's pace by an astounding 23 games. Manning could break two other NFL records this year, Dan Marino's mark for touchdowns passing (48) and Steve Young's mark for passer rating (112.8). Manning has 44 TDs and a 126.3 rating with four games remaining.
Now their record quests will become part of an annual routine for the rest of Harrison's career.
"It pretty much means I'll be here for life," said Harrison, who is 32. "It shows you the dedication of the owner, the general manager, the head coach and to have an offensive coordinator who has been with me throughout my career. I can't say enough. The fans make me smile and it's just great to be part of it."
The next big question for the Colts is whether they can sign James, the most prominent name among the Colts' long list of potential free agents. He's showing the same skills that helped him win rushing titles in 1999 and 2000 -- after 12 games, he ranks second in the NFL in yards rushing (1,291) and yards from scrimmage (1,656).
Other Colts who could become free agents after this year include offensive linemen Ryan Diem and Rick DeMulling, wide receiver Brandon Stokley, linebacker Rob Morris, cornerback Nick Harper and safety Idrees Bashir. All are starters.
The Colts' other top receiver, Reggie Wayne, could become a free agent after the 2005 season, and the message sent by Harrison's signing is clear.
"It lets you know how much money is out there," Wayne said. "Now you can work on getting my man, Edgerrin, done."
Stokley has already indicated he would like to return to the Colts after voiding the rest of his contract.
To him, the opportunity to play in the Colts' system and with players such as Manning and Harrison might be worth more than money.
"To keep our offense intact would be great," Stokley said. "It could be something that's really special for a lot of years."
sfgate.com
One thing might make Marvin Harrison happier than having a new contract: Keeping Edgerrin James in an Indianapolis Colts uniform.
After signing Harrison to an seven-year extension on Wednesday, the Colts have two of their three triplets -- Harrison and Peyton Manning -- locked in for the long-term. Harrison said he hopes James joins the club soon.
"You know there's nothing like talking about Edgerrin that makes me smile," Harrison joked Thursday. "I hope they can get Edge done, too."
For now, the focus is on Harrison, who agreed to a $66 million deal that includes $22 million in bonuses. The contract is also cap-friendly -- Harrison is expected to count a little more than $3 million next year against a salary cap that is expected to increase from this year's total of about $80.6 million.
Had Harrison or James not re-signed before March, Colts president Bill Polian would have faced the toughest of choices -- placing the franchise tag on Harrison, a five-time Pro Bowler, or James, a two-time NFL rushing champ.
The signing of Harrison precluded Polian from wrestling with that decision. It also delighted Colts owner Jim Irsay.
"Marvin is a pro's pro," Irsay said. "He works so hard and carries himself with so much class on the field, he's helped bring the horseshoe back where it is today. He deserves it, and it puts us in a good position to move forward."
In the past nine months, Colts owner Jim Irsay has re-signed Manning and Harrison for a combined total of more than $165 million and shelled out more than $55 million in signing bonuses. Both are now among the highest-paid players at their positions.
Harrison holds the NFL single-season record for receptions (143) and reached 800 career receptions faster than any player in league history, beating Jerry Rice's pace by an astounding 23 games. Manning could break two other NFL records this year, Dan Marino's mark for touchdowns passing (48) and Steve Young's mark for passer rating (112.8). Manning has 44 TDs and a 126.3 rating with four games remaining.
Now their record quests will become part of an annual routine for the rest of Harrison's career.
"It pretty much means I'll be here for life," said Harrison, who is 32. "It shows you the dedication of the owner, the general manager, the head coach and to have an offensive coordinator who has been with me throughout my career. I can't say enough. The fans make me smile and it's just great to be part of it."
The next big question for the Colts is whether they can sign James, the most prominent name among the Colts' long list of potential free agents. He's showing the same skills that helped him win rushing titles in 1999 and 2000 -- after 12 games, he ranks second in the NFL in yards rushing (1,291) and yards from scrimmage (1,656).
Other Colts who could become free agents after this year include offensive linemen Ryan Diem and Rick DeMulling, wide receiver Brandon Stokley, linebacker Rob Morris, cornerback Nick Harper and safety Idrees Bashir. All are starters.
The Colts' other top receiver, Reggie Wayne, could become a free agent after the 2005 season, and the message sent by Harrison's signing is clear.
"It lets you know how much money is out there," Wayne said. "Now you can work on getting my man, Edgerrin, done."
Stokley has already indicated he would like to return to the Colts after voiding the rest of his contract.
To him, the opportunity to play in the Colts' system and with players such as Manning and Harrison might be worth more than money.
"To keep our offense intact would be great," Stokley said. "It could be something that's really special for a lot of years."
sfgate.com
Colts 6-3 in AFC, 4-0 in NFC, 5-1 in AFC South, and 10-3 overall
2004 Schedule
1 9/9 @ New England Patriots L 24-27
2 9/19 @ Tennessee Titans W 31-17
3 9/26 GREEN BAY PACKERS W 45-31
4 10/3 @ Jacksonville Jaguars W 24-17
5 10/10 OAKLAND RAIDERS W 35-14
6 10/17 BYE
7 10/24 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS L 24-27
8 10/31 @ Kansas City Chiefs L 35-45
9 11/8 MINNESOTA VIKINGS W 31-28
10 11/14 HOUSTON TEXANS W 49-14
11 11/21 @ Chicago Bears W 41-10
12 11/25 @ Detroit Lions W 41-9
13 12/5 TENNESSEE TITANS W 51-24
14 12/12 @ Houston Texans W 23-14
15 12/19 BALTIMORE RAVENS 8:30 PM
16 12/26 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 1:00 PM
17 1/2 @ Denver Broncos 4:15 PM
<!-- / message -->
2004 Schedule
1 9/9 @ New England Patriots L 24-27
2 9/19 @ Tennessee Titans W 31-17
3 9/26 GREEN BAY PACKERS W 45-31
4 10/3 @ Jacksonville Jaguars W 24-17
5 10/10 OAKLAND RAIDERS W 35-14
6 10/17 BYE
7 10/24 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS L 24-27
8 10/31 @ Kansas City Chiefs L 35-45
9 11/8 MINNESOTA VIKINGS W 31-28
10 11/14 HOUSTON TEXANS W 49-14
11 11/21 @ Chicago Bears W 41-10
12 11/25 @ Detroit Lions W 41-9
13 12/5 TENNESSEE TITANS W 51-24
14 12/12 @ Houston Texans W 23-14
15 12/19 BALTIMORE RAVENS 8:30 PM
16 12/26 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 1:00 PM
17 1/2 @ Denver Broncos 4:15 PM
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Ravens (8-5) at Colts (10-3)
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Time | 8:30 p.m.
TV | ESPN
Line | Colts by 8
Last meeting | Colts won, 22-20, at Indianapolis on Oct. 13, 2002.
Key stat | Colts lead NFL with turnover differential of plus-18.
Players to watch | Peyton Manning, having year for ages, has 46 TD passes and needs 3 to break Dan Marino's record. Ravens' safety Ed Reed leads NFL with 8 interceptions.
The buzz | If Manning has average day, he'll break Marino's 20-year-old record as Colts try to improve playoff position. Colts' underrated defense will make it tough on Kyle Boller.
myrtlebeachonline.com
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Time | 8:30 p.m.
TV | ESPN
Line | Colts by 8
Last meeting | Colts won, 22-20, at Indianapolis on Oct. 13, 2002.
Key stat | Colts lead NFL with turnover differential of plus-18.
Players to watch | Peyton Manning, having year for ages, has 46 TD passes and needs 3 to break Dan Marino's record. Ravens' safety Ed Reed leads NFL with 8 interceptions.
The buzz | If Manning has average day, he'll break Marino's 20-year-old record as Colts try to improve playoff position. Colts' underrated defense will make it tough on Kyle Boller.
myrtlebeachonline.com
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Colts 7-3 in AFC, 4-0 in NFC, 5-1 in AFC South, and 11-3 overall
2004 Schedule
1 9/9 @ New England Patriots L 24-27
2 9/19 @ Tennessee Titans W 31-17
3 9/26 GREEN BAY PACKERS W 45-31
4 10/3 @ Jacksonville Jaguars W 24-17
5 10/10 OAKLAND RAIDERS W 35-14
6 10/17 BYE
7 10/24 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS L 24-27
8 10/31 @ Kansas City Chiefs L 35-45
9 11/8 MINNESOTA VIKINGS W 31-28
10 11/14 HOUSTON TEXANS W 49-14
11 11/21 @ Chicago Bears W 41-10
12 11/25 @ Detroit Lions W 41-9
13 12/5 TENNESSEE TITANS W 51-24
14 12/12 @ Houston Texans W 23-14
15 12/19 BALTIMORE RAVENS W 20-10
16 12/26 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 1:00 PM
17 1/2 @ Denver Broncos 4:15 PM
<!-- / message -->
2004 Schedule
1 9/9 @ New England Patriots L 24-27
2 9/19 @ Tennessee Titans W 31-17
3 9/26 GREEN BAY PACKERS W 45-31
4 10/3 @ Jacksonville Jaguars W 24-17
5 10/10 OAKLAND RAIDERS W 35-14
6 10/17 BYE
7 10/24 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS L 24-27
8 10/31 @ Kansas City Chiefs L 35-45
9 11/8 MINNESOTA VIKINGS W 31-28
10 11/14 HOUSTON TEXANS W 49-14
11 11/21 @ Chicago Bears W 41-10
12 11/25 @ Detroit Lions W 41-9
13 12/5 TENNESSEE TITANS W 51-24
14 12/12 @ Houston Texans W 23-14
15 12/19 BALTIMORE RAVENS W 20-10
16 12/26 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 1:00 PM
17 1/2 @ Denver Broncos 4:15 PM
<!-- / message -->
Colts' defense plays starring role in win
indystar.com
The pregame hype was always about somebody else, starting with Peyton Manning's pursuit of Dan Marino's touchdown record. Then came word that the Indianapolis Colts were going to get a new stadium. And throughout the week, of course, pundits pondered if Baltimore's Ray Lewis-led defense could slow the league's top offense.
After all that, it was an overlooked Colts defense that practically stole the show in Sunday night's 20-10 victory over the Ravens at the RCA Dome.
The Colts' 29th-ranked defenders gave up 354 total yards, 11 fewer than their season average, but more importantly kept points off the dome scoreboards until Manning and his mates could get untracked.
The Ravens didn't score their only touchdown until the fourth quarter as the Colts were only one point shy of their season-best in points allowed. They gave up nine at Detroit and 10 at Chicago.
"We played pretty damn good, man," Colts defensive tackle Montae Reagor said. "We wanted to come in and be the best defense on the field."
At halftime, the score was just 6-3. That the Colts were ahead in a defensive struggle may have come as a shock to critics who have dwelled on Indianapolis' shortcomings, primarily spotty run defense and secondary breakdowns.
"What people don't realize is that when we play as a unit, we can play as good as anybody," said reserve safety Cory Bird, who played extensively from the second quarter on. "We were out there scrapping and we got it done. We knew it was going to be a scrap fest."
Ravens running back Jamal Lewis gained 130 yards on 20 carries, busting through several tacklers for extra yards, but only once when the visitors drove deep into Colts' territory did the host defense fail to stiffen.
That exception was after the Colts held on third down, but an offside penalty on a field goal enticed the Ravens to bring their offense back on the field, and Kyle Boller hit Todd Heap with a 13-yard scoring pass to make it 20-10 with 12:50 remaining.
"We knew there would be a lot of talk about Baltimore's defense," Colts strong-side linebacker David Thornton said. "But we knew we could come out and do the job."
The Ravens held the Colts to a season-low 20 points and 316 total yards, but they couldn't score enough to keep up after the home team scored a pair of third-quarter touchdowns to take a 20-3 lead.
Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney sacked Kyle Boller twice and applied constant pressure.
Colts weak-side linebacker Cato June punctuated the defensive heroics by intercepting Boller and running 71 yards before stepping out of bounds at the Ravens' 4 in the final minute. June appeared to have a touchdown, but his left foot barely trimmed the white sideline before he got into the end zone.
June joked that he was trying to give Manning one more chance to tie Marino's record, since the Colts quarterback was one touchdown pass shy of tying the single-season mark of 48. But Manning took a knee twice to run out the clock and put off the record for another week.
"I was trying to be a team player," June said, smiling, of his inadvertent misstep.
indystar.com
The pregame hype was always about somebody else, starting with Peyton Manning's pursuit of Dan Marino's touchdown record. Then came word that the Indianapolis Colts were going to get a new stadium. And throughout the week, of course, pundits pondered if Baltimore's Ray Lewis-led defense could slow the league's top offense.
After all that, it was an overlooked Colts defense that practically stole the show in Sunday night's 20-10 victory over the Ravens at the RCA Dome.
The Colts' 29th-ranked defenders gave up 354 total yards, 11 fewer than their season average, but more importantly kept points off the dome scoreboards until Manning and his mates could get untracked.
The Ravens didn't score their only touchdown until the fourth quarter as the Colts were only one point shy of their season-best in points allowed. They gave up nine at Detroit and 10 at Chicago.
"We played pretty damn good, man," Colts defensive tackle Montae Reagor said. "We wanted to come in and be the best defense on the field."
At halftime, the score was just 6-3. That the Colts were ahead in a defensive struggle may have come as a shock to critics who have dwelled on Indianapolis' shortcomings, primarily spotty run defense and secondary breakdowns.
"What people don't realize is that when we play as a unit, we can play as good as anybody," said reserve safety Cory Bird, who played extensively from the second quarter on. "We were out there scrapping and we got it done. We knew it was going to be a scrap fest."
Ravens running back Jamal Lewis gained 130 yards on 20 carries, busting through several tacklers for extra yards, but only once when the visitors drove deep into Colts' territory did the host defense fail to stiffen.
That exception was after the Colts held on third down, but an offside penalty on a field goal enticed the Ravens to bring their offense back on the field, and Kyle Boller hit Todd Heap with a 13-yard scoring pass to make it 20-10 with 12:50 remaining.
"We knew there would be a lot of talk about Baltimore's defense," Colts strong-side linebacker David Thornton said. "But we knew we could come out and do the job."
The Ravens held the Colts to a season-low 20 points and 316 total yards, but they couldn't score enough to keep up after the home team scored a pair of third-quarter touchdowns to take a 20-3 lead.
Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney sacked Kyle Boller twice and applied constant pressure.
Colts weak-side linebacker Cato June punctuated the defensive heroics by intercepting Boller and running 71 yards before stepping out of bounds at the Ravens' 4 in the final minute. June appeared to have a touchdown, but his left foot barely trimmed the white sideline before he got into the end zone.
June joked that he was trying to give Manning one more chance to tie Marino's record, since the Colts quarterback was one touchdown pass shy of tying the single-season mark of 48. But Manning took a knee twice to run out the clock and put off the record for another week.
"I was trying to be a team player," June said, smiling, of his inadvertent misstep.
Pollard, DeMulling Status to be Determined Sunday
INDIANAPOLIS — Colts safety Bob Sanders almost certainly won’t play Sunday.
Marcus Pollard and Rick DeMulling?
Their status is likely to be determined Sunday, Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy said Friday afternoon.
As a result, the health status of the Colts’ offensive line is again a question mark heading into weekend, with DeMulling — who sustained a rib injury in the Colts’ victory last Sunday over Baltimore — expected to be a game-time decision, Dungy said.
Pollard, http://www.thewirelessguys.com/ who sustained an ankle injury against the Ravens, also will be a Sunday decision, Dungy said.
“Marcus Pollard did a little running — again, he’ll probably be game-time, as will DeMulling,” Dungy said Friday as the AFC South Champion Colts (11-3) prepared to play the AFC West Champion San Diego Chargers (11-3) Sunday at 1 p.m. at the RCA Dome.
Reserve middle linebacker Gary Brackett sustained a quad strain in practice Friday. He did not finish practice and Dungy said he will be re-evaluated Saturday.
Sanders, who has missed the last four games with a knee injury, likely will miss Sunday’s game, as will safety Idrees Bashir, Dungy said. Second-year safety Anthony Floyd likely will start alongside Mike Doss, Dungy said.
The Colts’ started the same offensive line — tackle Ryan Diem, guard Tupe Peko, center Jeff Saturday, DeMulling and tackle Tarik Glenn — in six of the first seven games, but have not started that group since, winning the last seven games despite the changes.
The Colts’ injury report reads as follows:
Bashir (hamstring, doubtful), DeMulling (ribs, doubtful), Sanders (knee, doubtful), Pollard (ankle, questionable), defensive back Waine Bacon (neck, probable), defensive end Raheem Brock (knee, probable), cornerback Nick Harper (neck, probable), cornerback Von Hutchins (ribs, probable), linebacker Cato June (ankle/thigh, probable), guard Ryan Lilja (head, probable), middle linebacker Rob Morris (head, probable), guard Tupe Peko (ankle, probable), safety Gerome Sapp (ribs, probable) and defensive tackle Josh Williams (shoulder, probable).
Also, the Colts claimed defensive end Nick Rogers off waivers from the Green Bay Packers and released center Joe Iorio.
www.colts.com
INDIANAPOLIS — Colts safety Bob Sanders almost certainly won’t play Sunday.
Marcus Pollard and Rick DeMulling?
Their status is likely to be determined Sunday, Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy said Friday afternoon.
As a result, the health status of the Colts’ offensive line is again a question mark heading into weekend, with DeMulling — who sustained a rib injury in the Colts’ victory last Sunday over Baltimore — expected to be a game-time decision, Dungy said.
Pollard, http://www.thewirelessguys.com/ who sustained an ankle injury against the Ravens, also will be a Sunday decision, Dungy said.
“Marcus Pollard did a little running — again, he’ll probably be game-time, as will DeMulling,” Dungy said Friday as the AFC South Champion Colts (11-3) prepared to play the AFC West Champion San Diego Chargers (11-3) Sunday at 1 p.m. at the RCA Dome.
Reserve middle linebacker Gary Brackett sustained a quad strain in practice Friday. He did not finish practice and Dungy said he will be re-evaluated Saturday.
Sanders, who has missed the last four games with a knee injury, likely will miss Sunday’s game, as will safety Idrees Bashir, Dungy said. Second-year safety Anthony Floyd likely will start alongside Mike Doss, Dungy said.
The Colts’ started the same offensive line — tackle Ryan Diem, guard Tupe Peko, center Jeff Saturday, DeMulling and tackle Tarik Glenn — in six of the first seven games, but have not started that group since, winning the last seven games despite the changes.
The Colts’ injury report reads as follows:
Bashir (hamstring, doubtful), DeMulling (ribs, doubtful), Sanders (knee, doubtful), Pollard (ankle, questionable), defensive back Waine Bacon (neck, probable), defensive end Raheem Brock (knee, probable), cornerback Nick Harper (neck, probable), cornerback Von Hutchins (ribs, probable), linebacker Cato June (ankle/thigh, probable), guard Ryan Lilja (head, probable), middle linebacker Rob Morris (head, probable), guard Tupe Peko (ankle, probable), safety Gerome Sapp (ribs, probable) and defensive tackle Josh Williams (shoulder, probable).
Also, the Colts claimed defensive end Nick Rogers off waivers from the Green Bay Packers and released center Joe Iorio.
www.colts.com
Colts 8-3 in AFC, 4-0 in NFC, 5-1 in AFC South, and 12-3 overall
2004 Colt Schedule/Results
1 9/9 @ New England Patriots L 24-27
2 9/19 @ Tennessee Titans W 31-17
3 9/26 GREEN BAY PACKERS W 45-31
4 10/3 @ Jacksonville Jaguars W 24-17
5 10/10 OAKLAND RAIDERS W 35-14
6 10/17 BYE
7 10/24 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS L 24-27
8 10/31 @ Kansas City Chiefs L 35-45
9 11/8 MINNESOTA VIKINGS W 31-28
10 11/14 HOUSTON TEXANS W 49-14
11 11/21 @ Chicago Bears W 41-10
12 11/25 @ Detroit Lions W 41-9
13 12/5 TENNESSEE TITANS W 51-24
14 12/12 @ Houston Texans W 23-14
15 12/19 BALTIMORE RAVENS W 20-10
16 12/26 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS W 34-31
17 1/2 @ Denver Broncos 4:15 PM
2004 Colt Schedule/Results
1 9/9 @ New England Patriots L 24-27
2 9/19 @ Tennessee Titans W 31-17
3 9/26 GREEN BAY PACKERS W 45-31
4 10/3 @ Jacksonville Jaguars W 24-17
5 10/10 OAKLAND RAIDERS W 35-14
6 10/17 BYE
7 10/24 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS L 24-27
8 10/31 @ Kansas City Chiefs L 35-45
9 11/8 MINNESOTA VIKINGS W 31-28
10 11/14 HOUSTON TEXANS W 49-14
11 11/21 @ Chicago Bears W 41-10
12 11/25 @ Detroit Lions W 41-9
13 12/5 TENNESSEE TITANS W 51-24
14 12/12 @ Houston Texans W 23-14
15 12/19 BALTIMORE RAVENS W 20-10
16 12/26 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS W 34-31
17 1/2 @ Denver Broncos 4:15 PM
