KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- First, Peyton Manning couldn't win a playoff game.
Then, he couldn't win a road playoff game.
Now, the question begs, can he and the high-octane Indianapolis Colts be stopped?
COLTS 38
CHIEFS 31
For the second time in as many weeks, Manning was dominating. This time he outgunned the high-powered Kansas City Chiefs and reduced the rabid crowd of 79,159 at Arrowhead Stadium, the largest home playoff crowd in franchise history, to a disheartened bunch with a 38-31 victory Sunday that sent the Colts to the AFC Championship Game at New England.
Indianapolis lost at home to New England 38-34 on Nov. 30, but since then has proved road-worthy with a victory at Tennessee, and is on an incredible roll -- with zero punts in two playoff games. Manning is a step closer to leading the Colts to their first Super Bowl since the team hailed from Baltimore.
Will Manning's 304-yard, three-touchdown effort finally silence his critics?
''Probably not,'' Colts coach Tony Dungy said. "We've heard it for so long. I don't think you could be any better than he's been. I'm sure we'll still have questions -- he hasn't won a Super Bowl yet and those kinds of things. Hopefully, this will erase some of those doubts.''
The Chiefs found out quickly as he failed to produce points on only two drives -- at the end of the first half and in the game's final seconds when Indianapolis nearly ran out the clock. In two playoff games, Manning is 44-for-56 for 681 yards, eight touchdowns, no interceptions and a passer rating of 156.9, just 1.4 points -- whatever that translates to -- from imaginary perfection.
"We kind of talked about [having to score on every drive] after the third series,'' he said. "You trust. You feed off each other. We talked about we're in a rhythm, let's keep doing it, let's not self- destruct.''
The Chiefs, who had won 13 straight at home, were forced into a game of catchup after running back Priest Holmes fumbled at the end of a 64-yard run at the start of the third quarter.
Holmes' fumble came after he burst through the line and was running diagonally across the field when ex-Bears cornerback Walt Harris caught up to him and David Macklin arrived from the backside to strip the ball. The Colts' Matt Vanderjagt kicked a 45-yard field goal and the Chiefs pulled within seven on three occasions, but never looked as if they would pull it out.
"They always talk about never looking back when you're running,'' said Holmes, who rushed for 176 yards and two touchdowns. "That was one of those things where I was too anxious trying to score.''
The Chiefs didn't punt, either, and coupled with the huge effort from Holmes, didn't figure to be another one of the weekend's favorites to fall.
''I thought we'd be able to keep the game close enough that we could score enough to win,'' Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil said. ''Because they, too, have some problems on defense. We are aware that we have some problems [on defense] all year, but not as many as we thought we'd have today.''
After the Colts went ahead 31-17 with 1:48 left in the third quarter when Manning tried to catch the Chiefs with 12 men on the field but regrouped to hit Reggie Wayne for a 19-yard touchdown, Kansas City's Dante Hall returned the kickoff 92 yards for a score
Manning immediately led the Colts downfield to push the lead back to two touchdowns when Edgerrin James, who had 125 yards on 26 carries, plunged in from the 1 for his second touchdown.
"I'm just hot right now. We're hot,'' said Manning, who also threw touchdown passes to Brandon Stokley and Tom Lopienski. "It's not trickery. We're not running flea-flickers, we're not running reverses. We're running the same plays we have all season.''
Using two-tight end sets but lining up Marcus Pollard primarily as a receiver, the Chiefs were forced to stay in their base defense and couldn't cover receivers, pressure Manning or stop James. The Chiefs, who started the season 9-0, whimpered out as quarterback Trent Green had only 212 yards and one touchdown to Hall.
It was a disappointing ending for a team that two months ago was thought to have the inside track to the Super Bowl in Houston. Instead, the Colts are a win away.
''Right now, I'll go to Afghanistan,'' said James, who has said he wanted to avoid the cold of New England. ''We're playing for the Super Bowl.''
PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
SUNDAY'S GAMES
AFC Championship
*Indianapolis at New England, 2 p.m., Ch. 2
NFC Championship
*Carolina at Philadelphia, 5:45 p.m., Fox-32
SUNDAY, FEB. 1
Super Bowl--At Houston
*5:25 p.m., Ch. 2
www.suntimes.com
Then, he couldn't win a road playoff game.
Now, the question begs, can he and the high-octane Indianapolis Colts be stopped?
COLTS 38
CHIEFS 31
For the second time in as many weeks, Manning was dominating. This time he outgunned the high-powered Kansas City Chiefs and reduced the rabid crowd of 79,159 at Arrowhead Stadium, the largest home playoff crowd in franchise history, to a disheartened bunch with a 38-31 victory Sunday that sent the Colts to the AFC Championship Game at New England.
Indianapolis lost at home to New England 38-34 on Nov. 30, but since then has proved road-worthy with a victory at Tennessee, and is on an incredible roll -- with zero punts in two playoff games. Manning is a step closer to leading the Colts to their first Super Bowl since the team hailed from Baltimore.
Will Manning's 304-yard, three-touchdown effort finally silence his critics?
''Probably not,'' Colts coach Tony Dungy said. "We've heard it for so long. I don't think you could be any better than he's been. I'm sure we'll still have questions -- he hasn't won a Super Bowl yet and those kinds of things. Hopefully, this will erase some of those doubts.''
The Chiefs found out quickly as he failed to produce points on only two drives -- at the end of the first half and in the game's final seconds when Indianapolis nearly ran out the clock. In two playoff games, Manning is 44-for-56 for 681 yards, eight touchdowns, no interceptions and a passer rating of 156.9, just 1.4 points -- whatever that translates to -- from imaginary perfection.
"We kind of talked about [having to score on every drive] after the third series,'' he said. "You trust. You feed off each other. We talked about we're in a rhythm, let's keep doing it, let's not self- destruct.''
The Chiefs, who had won 13 straight at home, were forced into a game of catchup after running back Priest Holmes fumbled at the end of a 64-yard run at the start of the third quarter.
Holmes' fumble came after he burst through the line and was running diagonally across the field when ex-Bears cornerback Walt Harris caught up to him and David Macklin arrived from the backside to strip the ball. The Colts' Matt Vanderjagt kicked a 45-yard field goal and the Chiefs pulled within seven on three occasions, but never looked as if they would pull it out.
"They always talk about never looking back when you're running,'' said Holmes, who rushed for 176 yards and two touchdowns. "That was one of those things where I was too anxious trying to score.''
The Chiefs didn't punt, either, and coupled with the huge effort from Holmes, didn't figure to be another one of the weekend's favorites to fall.
''I thought we'd be able to keep the game close enough that we could score enough to win,'' Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil said. ''Because they, too, have some problems on defense. We are aware that we have some problems [on defense] all year, but not as many as we thought we'd have today.''
After the Colts went ahead 31-17 with 1:48 left in the third quarter when Manning tried to catch the Chiefs with 12 men on the field but regrouped to hit Reggie Wayne for a 19-yard touchdown, Kansas City's Dante Hall returned the kickoff 92 yards for a score
Manning immediately led the Colts downfield to push the lead back to two touchdowns when Edgerrin James, who had 125 yards on 26 carries, plunged in from the 1 for his second touchdown.
"I'm just hot right now. We're hot,'' said Manning, who also threw touchdown passes to Brandon Stokley and Tom Lopienski. "It's not trickery. We're not running flea-flickers, we're not running reverses. We're running the same plays we have all season.''
Using two-tight end sets but lining up Marcus Pollard primarily as a receiver, the Chiefs were forced to stay in their base defense and couldn't cover receivers, pressure Manning or stop James. The Chiefs, who started the season 9-0, whimpered out as quarterback Trent Green had only 212 yards and one touchdown to Hall.
It was a disappointing ending for a team that two months ago was thought to have the inside track to the Super Bowl in Houston. Instead, the Colts are a win away.
''Right now, I'll go to Afghanistan,'' said James, who has said he wanted to avoid the cold of New England. ''We're playing for the Super Bowl.''
PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
SUNDAY'S GAMES
AFC Championship
*Indianapolis at New England, 2 p.m., Ch. 2
NFC Championship
*Carolina at Philadelphia, 5:45 p.m., Fox-32
SUNDAY, FEB. 1
Super Bowl--At Houston
*5:25 p.m., Ch. 2
www.suntimes.com
QB Peyton Manning -- Named NFL co-MVP (with Tennessee's Steve McNair) after passing for a league-best 4,267 yards and an NFL-high 29 TDs . . . Four-time Pro Bowl selection . . . First player in NFL history with five straight 4,000-yard seasons . . . Only player with 25-plus TD throws in six straight seasons . . . In last week's wild-card romp over the Broncos, completed 22 of 26 passes (84.6 percent) for 377 yards and five TDs, compiling the first perfect passer rating (158.3) in postseason history . . . Made top overall selection in draft by Colts in 1998.
RB Edgerrin James -- Had third 1,000-yard rushing season (1,259) in 2003, in the process becoming the Colts' all-time leading rusher (6,172 yards) . . . Two-time Pro Bowl selection . . . Colts are 27-5 when he scores at least one TD . . . In 2002, just missed a 1,000-yard season (989) despite a pair of ankle injuries, a rib cartilage injury, and a hamstring pull, and also coming back from reconstructive knee surgery in 2001 . . . Needed just 40 games to produce 25 100-yard rushing performances, the fastest in NFL history to reach that mark . . . In 2000, became the 11th player to win consecutive rushing titles . . . Colts' first-round pick (fourth overall) in 1999.
WR Marvin Harrison -- Five-time Pro Bowl selection who, including playoffs, has 101 receptions this season, his fifth straight season with 100 or more . . . He and Manning have combined for 68 TDs (10 in 2003), the third most for any duo in NFL history . . . Has NFL-best 563 receptions over the last five years . . . Had 1,272 receiving yards in '03, third-most in the AFC, and became the franchise's all-time leader with 10,072 . . . Has five consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, and there have been only nine in Colts history . . . Colts' first-round pick (19th overall) in 1996 draft.
WR Reggie Wayne -- Caught 68 passes for 838 yards and seven touchdowns, all career bests, in 2003 . . . Scored first postseason TD of his career with a 7-yard reception last week against Denver . . . Second of Colts' two first-round picks (30th overall) in 2001 draft . . . Set school record with 173 career receptions at the University of Miami.
DE Dwight Freeney -- In earning his first Pro Bowl selection, led Colts in sacks (11) for the second consecutive season . . . Has two of the eight double-digit sack totals in franchise history . . . First Colts DE to be named to Pro Bowl squad since 1977 (John Dutton, Mike Barnes) . . . Colts' first-round pick (11th overall) in 2002 draft.
www.boston.com
RB Edgerrin James -- Had third 1,000-yard rushing season (1,259) in 2003, in the process becoming the Colts' all-time leading rusher (6,172 yards) . . . Two-time Pro Bowl selection . . . Colts are 27-5 when he scores at least one TD . . . In 2002, just missed a 1,000-yard season (989) despite a pair of ankle injuries, a rib cartilage injury, and a hamstring pull, and also coming back from reconstructive knee surgery in 2001 . . . Needed just 40 games to produce 25 100-yard rushing performances, the fastest in NFL history to reach that mark . . . In 2000, became the 11th player to win consecutive rushing titles . . . Colts' first-round pick (fourth overall) in 1999.
WR Marvin Harrison -- Five-time Pro Bowl selection who, including playoffs, has 101 receptions this season, his fifth straight season with 100 or more . . . He and Manning have combined for 68 TDs (10 in 2003), the third most for any duo in NFL history . . . Has NFL-best 563 receptions over the last five years . . . Had 1,272 receiving yards in '03, third-most in the AFC, and became the franchise's all-time leader with 10,072 . . . Has five consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, and there have been only nine in Colts history . . . Colts' first-round pick (19th overall) in 1996 draft.
WR Reggie Wayne -- Caught 68 passes for 838 yards and seven touchdowns, all career bests, in 2003 . . . Scored first postseason TD of his career with a 7-yard reception last week against Denver . . . Second of Colts' two first-round picks (30th overall) in 2001 draft . . . Set school record with 173 career receptions at the University of Miami.
DE Dwight Freeney -- In earning his first Pro Bowl selection, led Colts in sacks (11) for the second consecutive season . . . Has two of the eight double-digit sack totals in franchise history . . . First Colts DE to be named to Pro Bowl squad since 1977 (John Dutton, Mike Barnes) . . . Colts' first-round pick (11th overall) in 2002 draft.
www.boston.com
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - To get to Super Bowl XXXVIII, the Indianapolis Colts must go through New England, where icy temperatures and a nasty Patriots defense await.
To which the Colts say: Bring it on.
"You can take me to Afghanistan if you want; I'll play anywhere for a chance to go to the Super Bowl," running back Edgerrin James said Sunday after scoring two touchdowns for the Colts in their 38-31 AFC divisional playoff victory over Kansas City.
Next Sunday's AFC title game holds the promise of Ali-Frazier style drama. The Colts are an offensive juggernaut averaging 456.5 yards and 39.5 points in two playoff victories. The Patriots are a counterpuncher trained by head coach Bill Belichick, the NFL's resident defensive mastermind.
When the teams met in their 12th game of the season in Indianapolis, the Patriots prevailed 38-34. The Patriots' defense stopped James at the 1-yard line, on fourth down, to save the game.
"We're excited about going back to New England," Colts coach Tony Dungy said. "They beat us by four points at our place. I think it's the two best teams in the AFC playing. We're looking forward to it."
Empty numbers
* The Chiefs set some impressive franchise records Sunday:
* Dante Hall's 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown was the first kick-return touchdown in Chiefs postseason history.
* Priest Holmes' 176 yards rushing set a playoff record.
The Chiefs' 31 points tied for the most in their postseason history. The most recent time Kansas City had scored that many points in a playoff game was in a 31-7 victory at Buffalo in the 1966 AFL championship game.
Yet those numbers rang hollow.
"Of course we can come back next year, but we felt that having all of our fans behind us and a playoff game at home, things would work out," Hall said. "But all of those things went down the drain. It's very frustrating.
"It's cool when individual things happen to you, but really the team is the ultimate thing around here, and we didn't get it done."
Colts' secret weapon
Most NFL fans know about Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and wide receiver Marvin Harrison, but Brandon Stokley has emerged as the team's new postseason star.
Stokley had four catches for 57 yards Sunday, including a 29-yarder for a touchdown. The previous Sunday against the Broncos he caught an 87-yard touchdown pass. All of that from a player who had a foot injury so painful during training camp that he seriously thought about retiring.
"I was close to it," Stokley said. "If it didn't get better, there was no way I could keep playing."
www.denverpost.com
To which the Colts say: Bring it on.
"You can take me to Afghanistan if you want; I'll play anywhere for a chance to go to the Super Bowl," running back Edgerrin James said Sunday after scoring two touchdowns for the Colts in their 38-31 AFC divisional playoff victory over Kansas City.
Next Sunday's AFC title game holds the promise of Ali-Frazier style drama. The Colts are an offensive juggernaut averaging 456.5 yards and 39.5 points in two playoff victories. The Patriots are a counterpuncher trained by head coach Bill Belichick, the NFL's resident defensive mastermind.
When the teams met in their 12th game of the season in Indianapolis, the Patriots prevailed 38-34. The Patriots' defense stopped James at the 1-yard line, on fourth down, to save the game.
"We're excited about going back to New England," Colts coach Tony Dungy said. "They beat us by four points at our place. I think it's the two best teams in the AFC playing. We're looking forward to it."
Empty numbers
* The Chiefs set some impressive franchise records Sunday:
* Dante Hall's 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown was the first kick-return touchdown in Chiefs postseason history.
* Priest Holmes' 176 yards rushing set a playoff record.
The Chiefs' 31 points tied for the most in their postseason history. The most recent time Kansas City had scored that many points in a playoff game was in a 31-7 victory at Buffalo in the 1966 AFL championship game.
Yet those numbers rang hollow.
"Of course we can come back next year, but we felt that having all of our fans behind us and a playoff game at home, things would work out," Hall said. "But all of those things went down the drain. It's very frustrating.
"It's cool when individual things happen to you, but really the team is the ultimate thing around here, and we didn't get it done."
Colts' secret weapon
Most NFL fans know about Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and wide receiver Marvin Harrison, but Brandon Stokley has emerged as the team's new postseason star.
Stokley had four catches for 57 yards Sunday, including a 29-yarder for a touchdown. The previous Sunday against the Broncos he caught an 87-yard touchdown pass. All of that from a player who had a foot injury so painful during training camp that he seriously thought about retiring.
"I was close to it," Stokley said. "If it didn't get better, there was no way I could keep playing."
www.denverpost.com
Indianapolis Colts at 02:57
1-10-NE48 (2:57) (Shotgun) P.Manning pass to E.James to NE 43 for 5 yards (T.Law).
2-5-NE43 (2:26) (Shotgun) P.Manning pass to R.Wayne to NE 30 for 13 yards (E.Wilson).
1-10-NE30 (2:26) D.Rhodes left tackle to NE 21 for 9 yards (E.Wilson).
2-1-NE21 (1:55) E.James up the middle to NE 18 for 3 yards (T.Washington).
1-10-NE18 (1:32) (Shotgun) P.Manning pass to M.Harrison to NE 9 for 9 yards (T.Law).
2-1-NE9
59) E.James up the middle to NE 2 for 7 yards (A.Samuel).
1-2-NE240) E.James right tackle to NE 1 for 1 yard (T.Bruschi, M.Vrabel).
2-1-NE124) E.James up the middle to NE 1 for no gain (T.Bruschi, R.Harrison).
3-1-NE118) P.Manning pass incomplete to A.Moorehead.
4-1-NE114) E.James up the middle to NE 2 for -1 yards (W.McGinest).
New England Patriots at 00:11
1-10-NE211) T.Brady kneels to NE 1 for -1 yards.
1-10-NE48 (2:57) (Shotgun) P.Manning pass to E.James to NE 43 for 5 yards (T.Law).
2-5-NE43 (2:26) (Shotgun) P.Manning pass to R.Wayne to NE 30 for 13 yards (E.Wilson).
1-10-NE30 (2:26) D.Rhodes left tackle to NE 21 for 9 yards (E.Wilson).
2-1-NE21 (1:55) E.James up the middle to NE 18 for 3 yards (T.Washington).
1-10-NE18 (1:32) (Shotgun) P.Manning pass to M.Harrison to NE 9 for 9 yards (T.Law).
2-1-NE9
59) E.James up the middle to NE 2 for 7 yards (A.Samuel). 1-2-NE2
40) E.James right tackle to NE 1 for 1 yard (T.Bruschi, M.Vrabel). 2-1-NE1
24) E.James up the middle to NE 1 for no gain (T.Bruschi, R.Harrison). 3-1-NE1
18) P.Manning pass incomplete to A.Moorehead. 4-1-NE1
14) E.James up the middle to NE 2 for -1 yards (W.McGinest). New England Patriots at 00:11
1-10-NE2
11) T.Brady kneels to NE 1 for -1 yards.FOXBORO, Mass. -- If Sunday's Indianapolis-New England rematch at Gillette Stadium has a finish as magnificent as their regular-season meeting at the RCA Dome, the AFC Championship Game will become legendary as one of the greatest in NFL playoff history.
Of all the amazing rallies and dramatic moments this season, including Indianapolis' 38-35 Monday night overtime victory at Tampa Bay, the excitement generated in the last 40 seconds at the RCA Dome on Nov. 30 will be difficult, if not impossible, to duplicate.
Trailing 38-34, the Colts faced first-and-goal at the Patriots' two-yard line. With quarterback Peyton Manning, running back Edgerrin James and receiver Marvin Harrison across the line of scrimmage, the Patriots kept Indianapolis out of the end zone.
In a defining moment for New England's defense -- the NFL's best in holding down opponents' scores on the season -- the Patriots stuffed the Colts four times.
On the first two plays, James ran for one yard. After an incompletion on third down, outside linebacker Willie McGinest threw James for a one-yard loss to secure the victory that, in essence, has allowed the Patriots to host Sunday's game.
McGinest guessed correctly that Manning had called an audible for James to run up the middle. Just as he did Saturday night, when he stopped Tennessee tight end Frank Wycheck for a 10-yard loss, McGinest made the defensive play of the game.
In the last 3:45 of the Indianapolis game, the Colts had 10 plays inside the New England 20 and came away with a field goal.
But as coach Bill Belichick reminded reporters, the Patriots led that game 31-10 in the third quarter and allowed Indianapolis to tie the score at 31 on three Manning touchdown passes.
"It was 21 points in 10 minutes or something like that," Belichick said. "We saw what they did in their Tampa game when they came back from, like, 21 points in the last four minutes. We know how explosive they are."
If defense still wins championships, the Patriots will defeat the Colts again and come to Houston for Super Bowl XXXVIII. It would be New England's second Super Bowl in three years under Belichick, voted NFL Coach of the Year last week.
If the Patriots beat the Colts, it won't be anything unusual. New England has won 11 of the last 13 games between these former AFC East rivals.
The Patriots have a 13-game winning streak and are 9-0 at Gillette Stadium, counting Saturday's 17-14 victory over the Titans.
In their last seven home games, the Patriots have surrendered three touchdowns, including two against Tennessee. That means they're allowing only 5.1 points a game at home during that seven-game period. In nine home games, they're surrendering 9.1 points a game.
But even the most devoted New England fans -- the kind who braved four-degree temperature and a wind chill of minus-10 at kickoff on Saturday -- admit Manning has been spectacular in the playoffs.
Against the Broncos and Colts, Manning completed 44 of 56 passes for 681 yards and eight touchdowns without an interception.
On 17 possessions, the Colts have scored 10 touchdowns and kicked three field goals. They've converted 14 of 19 third-down situations. And Hunter Smith hasn't punted.
"We're hot right now," said Manning, voted co-Most Valuable Player of the league with Titans quarterback Steve McNair. "We have a good mix between our passing game and running game.
"It's not trickery. We're not running flea-flickers or reverses. We've just sharpened our execution on the same plays we've been running all season."
The Colts and Patriots will play the early game Sunday, when game-time temperature is expected to be in the teens. Wind can make the conditions almost unbearable. A wicked wind would appear to bother the Colts more because they rely so heavily on Manning.
But the Colts haven't gone 8-1 on the road under coach Tony Dungy this year by being one-dimensional. And their most glaring weakness, stopping the run, doesn't play to a strength for New England. The Patriots believe they've had a productive game on the ground if they come close to 100 yards rushing.
"We haven't produced as much as I'd like us to, but at the critical times, we do a good job of converting," New England quarterback Tom Brady said.
Indeed, Brady hasn't thrown an interception in nine home games. He's 25-5 in games played after Nov. 1. And New England is 8-0 against teams with winning records.
"The only thing that matters," Belichick said, "is that we understand how tough this game's going to be. It's going to be very tough. It was a struggle to get this far, and it's going to be a struggle for both teams to get farther."
www.chron.com
Of all the amazing rallies and dramatic moments this season, including Indianapolis' 38-35 Monday night overtime victory at Tampa Bay, the excitement generated in the last 40 seconds at the RCA Dome on Nov. 30 will be difficult, if not impossible, to duplicate.
Trailing 38-34, the Colts faced first-and-goal at the Patriots' two-yard line. With quarterback Peyton Manning, running back Edgerrin James and receiver Marvin Harrison across the line of scrimmage, the Patriots kept Indianapolis out of the end zone.
In a defining moment for New England's defense -- the NFL's best in holding down opponents' scores on the season -- the Patriots stuffed the Colts four times.
On the first two plays, James ran for one yard. After an incompletion on third down, outside linebacker Willie McGinest threw James for a one-yard loss to secure the victory that, in essence, has allowed the Patriots to host Sunday's game.
McGinest guessed correctly that Manning had called an audible for James to run up the middle. Just as he did Saturday night, when he stopped Tennessee tight end Frank Wycheck for a 10-yard loss, McGinest made the defensive play of the game.
In the last 3:45 of the Indianapolis game, the Colts had 10 plays inside the New England 20 and came away with a field goal.
But as coach Bill Belichick reminded reporters, the Patriots led that game 31-10 in the third quarter and allowed Indianapolis to tie the score at 31 on three Manning touchdown passes.
"It was 21 points in 10 minutes or something like that," Belichick said. "We saw what they did in their Tampa game when they came back from, like, 21 points in the last four minutes. We know how explosive they are."
If defense still wins championships, the Patriots will defeat the Colts again and come to Houston for Super Bowl XXXVIII. It would be New England's second Super Bowl in three years under Belichick, voted NFL Coach of the Year last week.
If the Patriots beat the Colts, it won't be anything unusual. New England has won 11 of the last 13 games between these former AFC East rivals.
The Patriots have a 13-game winning streak and are 9-0 at Gillette Stadium, counting Saturday's 17-14 victory over the Titans.
In their last seven home games, the Patriots have surrendered three touchdowns, including two against Tennessee. That means they're allowing only 5.1 points a game at home during that seven-game period. In nine home games, they're surrendering 9.1 points a game.
But even the most devoted New England fans -- the kind who braved four-degree temperature and a wind chill of minus-10 at kickoff on Saturday -- admit Manning has been spectacular in the playoffs.
Against the Broncos and Colts, Manning completed 44 of 56 passes for 681 yards and eight touchdowns without an interception.
On 17 possessions, the Colts have scored 10 touchdowns and kicked three field goals. They've converted 14 of 19 third-down situations. And Hunter Smith hasn't punted.
"We're hot right now," said Manning, voted co-Most Valuable Player of the league with Titans quarterback Steve McNair. "We have a good mix between our passing game and running game.
"It's not trickery. We're not running flea-flickers or reverses. We've just sharpened our execution on the same plays we've been running all season."
The Colts and Patriots will play the early game Sunday, when game-time temperature is expected to be in the teens. Wind can make the conditions almost unbearable. A wicked wind would appear to bother the Colts more because they rely so heavily on Manning.
But the Colts haven't gone 8-1 on the road under coach Tony Dungy this year by being one-dimensional. And their most glaring weakness, stopping the run, doesn't play to a strength for New England. The Patriots believe they've had a productive game on the ground if they come close to 100 yards rushing.
"We haven't produced as much as I'd like us to, but at the critical times, we do a good job of converting," New England quarterback Tom Brady said.
Indeed, Brady hasn't thrown an interception in nine home games. He's 25-5 in games played after Nov. 1. And New England is 8-0 against teams with winning records.
"The only thing that matters," Belichick said, "is that we understand how tough this game's going to be. It's going to be very tough. It was a struggle to get this far, and it's going to be a struggle for both teams to get farther."
www.chron.com
Total D
NE #7 in D 291.6
IND #11 in D 299.3
Pass D
NE #4 @ 202.
IND #2 @ 175.6
Run D
NE #4 @ 89.6
IND #20 @ 123.8
The Colts played a 4 man front against KC. Gave Holmes about as much as he could ask for. This week, I think the colts will use a scheme to try and shut down the NE running game, then make it a Brady vs Manning show. I like the Manning adv. James looks to be 100% back.
Manning only 10 Int's this season, and 18 sacks with 4 of those coming in one game.
NE rushing off #27 @ 100.4
IND #19 @ 105.9
Should be a good game. Most likely the loser will beat themselves.
NE #7 in D 291.6
IND #11 in D 299.3
Pass D
NE #4 @ 202.
IND #2 @ 175.6
Run D
NE #4 @ 89.6
IND #20 @ 123.8
The Colts played a 4 man front against KC. Gave Holmes about as much as he could ask for. This week, I think the colts will use a scheme to try and shut down the NE running game, then make it a Brady vs Manning show. I like the Manning adv. James looks to be 100% back.
Manning only 10 Int's this season, and 18 sacks with 4 of those coming in one game.
NE rushing off #27 @ 100.4
IND #19 @ 105.9
Should be a good game. Most likely the loser will beat themselves.
INDIANAPOLIS - Inside the Indianapolis Colts practice complex off 56th Street on Wednesday was that rarest of sights: Marvin Harrison standing still.
To be technical, he was swaying a bit. Fidgeting. Mentally checking his watch.
Standing at a dais with cameras pointed at him, tape recorders surrounding him and questions lofting to him is the last place Harrison wants to be any day of the week. After games, no matter how many spectacular catches he has made, Harrison is often the first one to exit. If he can avoid the media, he does. He's not rude or arrogant, but he prefers inner peace and quiet.
"I've never tried to be outspoken, or to be noticed," Harrison said. "I go to practice, do my job, go home. Work hard, play hard, be happy."
What works for Harrison works for the Colts. He prefers to let his playing do the talking, and it's usually plenty loud.
This season hasn't been his most productive, in terms of statistics.
Yet it's a Pro Bowl season, no question. And for an average receiver, it'd would have been a career year. It's Harrison's standards that are otherworldly.
Harrison's 94 receptions were well off the record 143 he had last season and his 1,272 yards were subsequently fewer than his 1,722 yards last season. On the other hand, he still ranked seventh in the NFL in catches, sixth in yards and fourth in touchdown catches (10). And, his yards per catch were up to 13.5 from 12.0 last season.
Harrison's role hasn't diminished. Rather, the effectiveness of the receivers around him, particularly Reggie Wayne and Brandon Stokley, has made the Colts' offense more diversified than ever.
The NFL doesn't keep track of the subjective category of most spectacular catches, where Harrison unofficially ranks first.
"With Marvin Harrison," Colts quarterback Peyton Manning said, "you put the ball in his hands and you get touchdowns, first downs, big plays."
For Harrison and the Colts, headed for the AFC Championship Game against New England at 3 p.m. Sunday in Foxboro, Mass., the bottom line is wins.
With 14 wins and still counting, this is still a record year for Harrison.
"Our teams in the past were learning how to put ourselves in position to be where we are now," Harrison said. "We learned what we needed to do to get where we are now."
In past seasons, Manning has come under criticism for relying too much on Harrison, locking onto him during routes and often throwing into double coverage. This year, the emergence of Wayne (68 catches, 838 yards, 12.3 per catch) and the increased late-season production of Stokley (17 catches, 268 yards and four touchdowns the last three games) has allowed Manning to pick his Harrison spots.
In the two playoff wins, Harrison has caught 13 passes for 231 yards (17.8 per catch) and two scores.
When the Patriots beat the Colts 38-34 during the regular season, Harrison caught seven passes for 88 yards and one score.
"The Patriots are going to make adjustments, and we'll make adjustments," Harrison said. "It'll be a different game. The main thing is to produce big plays and eliminate turnovers. We'll concentrate on playing Colts football."
Harrison and Manning both said they expect Patriots coach Bill Belichick and Patriots defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel to mix up their defensive scheme and strategy. Indianapolis' offense during the playoffs has produced 10 touchdowns and three field goals in 17 possessions.
In the first game against New England, the Colts fell behind 31-10 before rallying and being in position for a possible win before being stopped at the goal line in the final seconds.
"(The Patriots) are playing together, with 11 guys on the same page," Harrison said. "They'll use some different schemes. They'll probably use a lot of blitzes and do a lot of different thing. If we can pick up their blitzes, we'll be all right."
Harrison is on the Colts' mid-week injury list, listed as probable with a chest injury.
"I'm OK," Harrison said. "I'm definitely going to play."
He won't talk much, but he'll play. Works for Harrison. Works for the Colts.
www.mercurynews.com
To be technical, he was swaying a bit. Fidgeting. Mentally checking his watch.
Standing at a dais with cameras pointed at him, tape recorders surrounding him and questions lofting to him is the last place Harrison wants to be any day of the week. After games, no matter how many spectacular catches he has made, Harrison is often the first one to exit. If he can avoid the media, he does. He's not rude or arrogant, but he prefers inner peace and quiet.
"I've never tried to be outspoken, or to be noticed," Harrison said. "I go to practice, do my job, go home. Work hard, play hard, be happy."
What works for Harrison works for the Colts. He prefers to let his playing do the talking, and it's usually plenty loud.
This season hasn't been his most productive, in terms of statistics.
Yet it's a Pro Bowl season, no question. And for an average receiver, it'd would have been a career year. It's Harrison's standards that are otherworldly.
Harrison's 94 receptions were well off the record 143 he had last season and his 1,272 yards were subsequently fewer than his 1,722 yards last season. On the other hand, he still ranked seventh in the NFL in catches, sixth in yards and fourth in touchdown catches (10). And, his yards per catch were up to 13.5 from 12.0 last season.
Harrison's role hasn't diminished. Rather, the effectiveness of the receivers around him, particularly Reggie Wayne and Brandon Stokley, has made the Colts' offense more diversified than ever.
The NFL doesn't keep track of the subjective category of most spectacular catches, where Harrison unofficially ranks first.
"With Marvin Harrison," Colts quarterback Peyton Manning said, "you put the ball in his hands and you get touchdowns, first downs, big plays."
For Harrison and the Colts, headed for the AFC Championship Game against New England at 3 p.m. Sunday in Foxboro, Mass., the bottom line is wins.
With 14 wins and still counting, this is still a record year for Harrison.
"Our teams in the past were learning how to put ourselves in position to be where we are now," Harrison said. "We learned what we needed to do to get where we are now."
In past seasons, Manning has come under criticism for relying too much on Harrison, locking onto him during routes and often throwing into double coverage. This year, the emergence of Wayne (68 catches, 838 yards, 12.3 per catch) and the increased late-season production of Stokley (17 catches, 268 yards and four touchdowns the last three games) has allowed Manning to pick his Harrison spots.
In the two playoff wins, Harrison has caught 13 passes for 231 yards (17.8 per catch) and two scores.
When the Patriots beat the Colts 38-34 during the regular season, Harrison caught seven passes for 88 yards and one score.
"The Patriots are going to make adjustments, and we'll make adjustments," Harrison said. "It'll be a different game. The main thing is to produce big plays and eliminate turnovers. We'll concentrate on playing Colts football."
Harrison and Manning both said they expect Patriots coach Bill Belichick and Patriots defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel to mix up their defensive scheme and strategy. Indianapolis' offense during the playoffs has produced 10 touchdowns and three field goals in 17 possessions.
In the first game against New England, the Colts fell behind 31-10 before rallying and being in position for a possible win before being stopped at the goal line in the final seconds.
"(The Patriots) are playing together, with 11 guys on the same page," Harrison said. "They'll use some different schemes. They'll probably use a lot of blitzes and do a lot of different thing. If we can pick up their blitzes, we'll be all right."
Harrison is on the Colts' mid-week injury list, listed as probable with a chest injury.
"I'm OK," Harrison said. "I'm definitely going to play."
He won't talk much, but he'll play. Works for Harrison. Works for the Colts.
www.mercurynews.com
FOXBORO, Mass. - Ted Washington's meaty hands shred through the tape of another box, and he gently removes the contents. He unfolds one shirt, smooths the creases of another. He designed the slogan "Homeland Defense" that stretches across the silk-screened front and made sure the mug shots of his teammates were perfect likenesses of the real, frothing things.
WE MUST PROTECT THE HOUSE, reads the caption under those mugs. It seems like a fine time to ask Washington, the Patriots' nail-biting nose tackle, how exactly he plans to prevent Gillette Stadium from turning into Peyton's Place on Sunday. But Washington only snarls and mutters something about not talking to the media.
"You can look at these," he says after a moment, proudly pointing to his box of masterpieces. And then, politely: "You can have one."
His is a generosity that will be slowly peeled away, like a snake shedding its skin. Even as they grab Washington's cotton armor, size XXXL, the Patriot defense already has begun to visualize the dizzying looks and deceptive sounds from eye level, when Peyton Manning goes to work.
He is like no quarterback they've faced, except maybe for the mini-me version who was operating on what seemed to be 10 cups of coffee Nov. 30. Trailing 38-34, Manning, neck swiveling, feet dancing, drove the Colts all the way to New England's 2-yard line but could not score in four tries. If they had, this AFC Championship Game might have done a fierce reversal and taken place in the cushy RCA Dome, rather than Antarctica.
Manning has since become even more of a control freak at the line even while he looks like he should be straight-jacketed for his own safety. The Patriots have watched tapes of the Colts' win over the Chiefs last week a trillion times, often in slo-mo, and still they can't get into Manning's head. He operates mostly out of the no-huddle, bouncing around, backing up, stomping forward, barking orders even the safeties can hear, then muttering words into his palm, Secret-Service style.
"It's just constant communication with his linemen, with his tight ends, with receivers and running backs," says Tedy Bruschi, the linebacker who calls much of New England's defensive signals. "Some of it is real and some of it isn't."
Manning might be shouting audibles, he might be ordering pizza. Who knows? With a slap on his center's rear end, or a Rockette high-kick from the shotgun, he telegraphs the snap, and it's almost like a taunt. The secret, says Bruschi, is to not guess. He recalls crouching down behind a lineman against the Jets, not sure if Chad Pennington could see him, then leaping high for an interception. The element of surprise works both ways.
"As hot as Peyton is," says lineman Richard Seymour, "he doesn't have to say anything and they can still get the ball in the end zone. It's like that offense knows what's coming without hearing a word."
In two playoff games, the Colts have put up 79 points. Against Kansas City, when the Arrowhead crowd was at its most vicious and Manning was in his pre-snap flibbertigibbet zone, the Colts never once punted the ball. The offense never once jumped off side. The Chiefs seldom blitzed, but when they did, Manning seemed to sense it coming before it was even a thought bubble above defensive coordinator Greg Robinson's pretty little head.
The Patriot defense would rather take the field in pink tutus than refuse to rush a quarterback. Steve McNair, the quarterback who shares the MVP trophy with Manning, should have been playing on crutches last week and was still practically impossible to take down. He threw to the bitter end, even with Rodney Harrison clawing at the frost on his nose. The colder it got, the more McNair limped and slithered away and refused to give up, the more defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel ordered blitzes. If winning hadn't crept in the way, Crennel might already be the HC somewhere else.
Harrison was so sore and bruised and exhausted after that divisional win last Saturday, he could barely articulate the details of the final play. Now he lays out the plans of what surely will be an elaborate chess game, talking excitedly about Manning's intelligence, how he directs the field like a conductor with flares and bullets, even his sneaky neuroticism at the line.
Washington, the grumpy tackle with the delicately designed shirts, eyeballs Harrison, who takes the hint. He no longer has much to say about Manning. Guests are reminded, it is their house.
www.mercurynews.com
WE MUST PROTECT THE HOUSE, reads the caption under those mugs. It seems like a fine time to ask Washington, the Patriots' nail-biting nose tackle, how exactly he plans to prevent Gillette Stadium from turning into Peyton's Place on Sunday. But Washington only snarls and mutters something about not talking to the media.
"You can look at these," he says after a moment, proudly pointing to his box of masterpieces. And then, politely: "You can have one."
His is a generosity that will be slowly peeled away, like a snake shedding its skin. Even as they grab Washington's cotton armor, size XXXL, the Patriot defense already has begun to visualize the dizzying looks and deceptive sounds from eye level, when Peyton Manning goes to work.
He is like no quarterback they've faced, except maybe for the mini-me version who was operating on what seemed to be 10 cups of coffee Nov. 30. Trailing 38-34, Manning, neck swiveling, feet dancing, drove the Colts all the way to New England's 2-yard line but could not score in four tries. If they had, this AFC Championship Game might have done a fierce reversal and taken place in the cushy RCA Dome, rather than Antarctica.
Manning has since become even more of a control freak at the line even while he looks like he should be straight-jacketed for his own safety. The Patriots have watched tapes of the Colts' win over the Chiefs last week a trillion times, often in slo-mo, and still they can't get into Manning's head. He operates mostly out of the no-huddle, bouncing around, backing up, stomping forward, barking orders even the safeties can hear, then muttering words into his palm, Secret-Service style.
"It's just constant communication with his linemen, with his tight ends, with receivers and running backs," says Tedy Bruschi, the linebacker who calls much of New England's defensive signals. "Some of it is real and some of it isn't."
Manning might be shouting audibles, he might be ordering pizza. Who knows? With a slap on his center's rear end, or a Rockette high-kick from the shotgun, he telegraphs the snap, and it's almost like a taunt. The secret, says Bruschi, is to not guess. He recalls crouching down behind a lineman against the Jets, not sure if Chad Pennington could see him, then leaping high for an interception. The element of surprise works both ways.
"As hot as Peyton is," says lineman Richard Seymour, "he doesn't have to say anything and they can still get the ball in the end zone. It's like that offense knows what's coming without hearing a word."
In two playoff games, the Colts have put up 79 points. Against Kansas City, when the Arrowhead crowd was at its most vicious and Manning was in his pre-snap flibbertigibbet zone, the Colts never once punted the ball. The offense never once jumped off side. The Chiefs seldom blitzed, but when they did, Manning seemed to sense it coming before it was even a thought bubble above defensive coordinator Greg Robinson's pretty little head.
The Patriot defense would rather take the field in pink tutus than refuse to rush a quarterback. Steve McNair, the quarterback who shares the MVP trophy with Manning, should have been playing on crutches last week and was still practically impossible to take down. He threw to the bitter end, even with Rodney Harrison clawing at the frost on his nose. The colder it got, the more McNair limped and slithered away and refused to give up, the more defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel ordered blitzes. If winning hadn't crept in the way, Crennel might already be the HC somewhere else.
Harrison was so sore and bruised and exhausted after that divisional win last Saturday, he could barely articulate the details of the final play. Now he lays out the plans of what surely will be an elaborate chess game, talking excitedly about Manning's intelligence, how he directs the field like a conductor with flares and bullets, even his sneaky neuroticism at the line.
Washington, the grumpy tackle with the delicately designed shirts, eyeballs Harrison, who takes the hint. He no longer has much to say about Manning. Guests are reminded, it is their house.
www.mercurynews.com
No saddling these runaway Colts
By Glen Farley, Enterprise staff writer
FOXBORO — It's all about horse power. "They're a high-powered offense," New England Patriots Pro Bowl defensive lineman Richard Seymour said Wednesday.
"They're explosive. They can score from any point on the field, much like the Rams were when we played them in '01 (when they beat St. Louis, 20-17, in Super Bowl XXXVI). That's really how you describe those guys. Explosive."
These days, the Indianapolis Colts, the Patriots' opponent in Sunday afternoon's AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium, truly are the NFL's "Greatest Show On Turf."
"I think this Colt offense is even better than the Ram offense was a few years ago," Patriots inside linebacker Tedy Bruschi said. "The Rams had a very successful season. I think that was the third consecutive year they scored over 500 points, but in the playoffs they weren't nearly as hot as Peyton Manning and his gang are right now. I think we have to step up our game even more than (they did in Super Bowl XXXVI) because, bottom line, they're produced points: 10 touchdowns and three field goals by Mike Vanderjagt, who never misses (40-for-40 on field-goal attempts over the regular season and playoffs).
If punter Hunter Smith was in attendance at either the Colts' 41-10 rout of Denver on Jan. 4 or their fast-break victory over Kansas City this past Sunday, it isn't reflected in the official NFL stat sheets. His services have yet to be required.
The four times the Colts haven't scored this month were due to a couple of changes of possessions on downs, one possession that ended at the half and one turnover on an Edgerrin James fumble that occurred after they'd shot out to a 41-3 lead.
Manning, the quarterback who some foolishly insisted couldn't win a big game, has put up monstrous numbers, resulting in a postseason passer rating of 156.9 that is just a tad under perfection (158.3).
On third down, Manning has been nothing shy of perfection: 13-for-13 for 186 yards and three touchdowns.
"Mr. Inhuman," Patriots outside linebacker Willie McGinest said. "That's what they call him."
"He's been spectacular," Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said. "He just makes one play after another."
The Patriots witnessed the work of the regular season's co-MVP (with Tennessee's Steve McNair) on Nov. 30 as he threw for three TDs in a matter of 5:59, rallying the Colts from a 31-10 deficit to a 31-31 tie before they fell shy, 38-34.
But even then, Manning wasn't the quarterback he is now.
Asked to put the six-year veteran's performances in historical perspective, Colts head coach Tony Dungy marveled, "To put two (games) together like that in the playoffs in high-pressure situations, I'd have to think back a long ways."
As a unit, the Colts' numbers are gaudy as well: Touchdown drives against the Broncos covered 70, 81, 80, 87 and 64 yards; TD drives against the Chiefs measured 70, 76, 71, 64 and 81 yards.
"With the explosiveness they have, you don't want to see (slot receiver Brandon) Stokley going 86 (yards) down the middle of the field," said Bruschi. "That's something that we've got to try to stop. Stokley, (Marvin) Harrison and Reggie Wayne are guys that can catch a 10-yard route and go all the way."
The Colts have hit full gallop in these playoffs, all within the confines of their playbook basics.
"It's not trickery," said Manning. "We're not running flea flickers. We're not running reverses. We're running the same plays we've run all season, but we have really sharpened up our execution."
The so-called "Big Three" has produced in a big way, indeed.
Manning has completed 44 of the 56 passes he's attempted for 681 yards and eight touchdowns with nary an interception, finding Harrison 13 times for 231 yards and two TDs. James has churned out 203 yards on 43 attempts, a 4.7-yard-per-carry average, and has found the end zone twice.
"Between the three of them, they've put up some all-time numbers (to this point in their careers)," said Belichick, "and they're on pace to break (records) they don't already have."
"They probably have the best wide receiver in the NFL, the best quarterback — he's the co-MVP along with (Tennessee's) Steve McNair — and Edgerrin James is looking like the old Edgerrin James that I knew before the knee injury," Patriots cornerback Ty Law.
"Those guys are constants and now you have to add in the other factors: Stokley, Reggie Wayne and (tight end) Marcus Pollard. Pound for pound, they probably are one of the best-skilled teams in the league and you have to be aware of that."
http://enterprise.southofboston.com
By Glen Farley, Enterprise staff writer
FOXBORO — It's all about horse power. "They're a high-powered offense," New England Patriots Pro Bowl defensive lineman Richard Seymour said Wednesday.
"They're explosive. They can score from any point on the field, much like the Rams were when we played them in '01 (when they beat St. Louis, 20-17, in Super Bowl XXXVI). That's really how you describe those guys. Explosive."
These days, the Indianapolis Colts, the Patriots' opponent in Sunday afternoon's AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium, truly are the NFL's "Greatest Show On Turf."
"I think this Colt offense is even better than the Ram offense was a few years ago," Patriots inside linebacker Tedy Bruschi said. "The Rams had a very successful season. I think that was the third consecutive year they scored over 500 points, but in the playoffs they weren't nearly as hot as Peyton Manning and his gang are right now. I think we have to step up our game even more than (they did in Super Bowl XXXVI) because, bottom line, they're produced points: 10 touchdowns and three field goals by Mike Vanderjagt, who never misses (40-for-40 on field-goal attempts over the regular season and playoffs).
If punter Hunter Smith was in attendance at either the Colts' 41-10 rout of Denver on Jan. 4 or their fast-break victory over Kansas City this past Sunday, it isn't reflected in the official NFL stat sheets. His services have yet to be required.
The four times the Colts haven't scored this month were due to a couple of changes of possessions on downs, one possession that ended at the half and one turnover on an Edgerrin James fumble that occurred after they'd shot out to a 41-3 lead.
Manning, the quarterback who some foolishly insisted couldn't win a big game, has put up monstrous numbers, resulting in a postseason passer rating of 156.9 that is just a tad under perfection (158.3).
On third down, Manning has been nothing shy of perfection: 13-for-13 for 186 yards and three touchdowns.
"Mr. Inhuman," Patriots outside linebacker Willie McGinest said. "That's what they call him."
"He's been spectacular," Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said. "He just makes one play after another."
The Patriots witnessed the work of the regular season's co-MVP (with Tennessee's Steve McNair) on Nov. 30 as he threw for three TDs in a matter of 5:59, rallying the Colts from a 31-10 deficit to a 31-31 tie before they fell shy, 38-34.
But even then, Manning wasn't the quarterback he is now.
Asked to put the six-year veteran's performances in historical perspective, Colts head coach Tony Dungy marveled, "To put two (games) together like that in the playoffs in high-pressure situations, I'd have to think back a long ways."
As a unit, the Colts' numbers are gaudy as well: Touchdown drives against the Broncos covered 70, 81, 80, 87 and 64 yards; TD drives against the Chiefs measured 70, 76, 71, 64 and 81 yards.
"With the explosiveness they have, you don't want to see (slot receiver Brandon) Stokley going 86 (yards) down the middle of the field," said Bruschi. "That's something that we've got to try to stop. Stokley, (Marvin) Harrison and Reggie Wayne are guys that can catch a 10-yard route and go all the way."
The Colts have hit full gallop in these playoffs, all within the confines of their playbook basics.
"It's not trickery," said Manning. "We're not running flea flickers. We're not running reverses. We're running the same plays we've run all season, but we have really sharpened up our execution."
The so-called "Big Three" has produced in a big way, indeed.
Manning has completed 44 of the 56 passes he's attempted for 681 yards and eight touchdowns with nary an interception, finding Harrison 13 times for 231 yards and two TDs. James has churned out 203 yards on 43 attempts, a 4.7-yard-per-carry average, and has found the end zone twice.
"Between the three of them, they've put up some all-time numbers (to this point in their careers)," said Belichick, "and they're on pace to break (records) they don't already have."
"They probably have the best wide receiver in the NFL, the best quarterback — he's the co-MVP along with (Tennessee's) Steve McNair — and Edgerrin James is looking like the old Edgerrin James that I knew before the knee injury," Patriots cornerback Ty Law.
"Those guys are constants and now you have to add in the other factors: Stokley, Reggie Wayne and (tight end) Marcus Pollard. Pound for pound, they probably are one of the best-skilled teams in the league and you have to be aware of that."
http://enterprise.southofboston.com
Receiver Missed Workouts Because Of Son's Illness
POSTED: 3:32 PM EST January 15, 2004
UPDATED: 5:09 PM EST January 15, 2004
INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts receiver Brandon Stokley was practicing again with his team Thursday afternoon after missing some previous workouts because his month-old son was hospitalized.
Stokley's son, Cameron, was hospitalized Tuesday with an illness that coach Tony Dungy called a "serious" condition.
The receiver missed practices Wednesday and Thursday morning to be with his family.
On Wednesday, Dungy cast doubt on Stokley's availability for Sunday's AFC championship game, saying Troy Walters or Aaron Moorehead, an undrafted rookie, could start in Stokley's place if needed.
The Colts, who described Cameron's condition on Thursday afternoon as stable, said they still didn't know whether Stokley will be able to play Sunday.
Stokley played a key part in the Colts' two playoff victories this month.
On Jan. 4, he caught two touchdown passes, including one for 87 yards, in the Colts' 41-10 victory over Denver. The 87-yard catch was the longest pass reception in Colts playoff history.
On Sunday, Stokley had four catches -- one for a touchdown -- in the Colts' 38-31 win over Kansas City.
Pollard Sitting Out With Hurt Ankle
Tight end Marcus Pollard also sat out Wednesday's workout with a sprained right ankle and probably won't practice until Friday.
If he can't play, Dungy said the Colts would use backup tight end Pete Mitchell, who signed Dec. 22, three weeks after rookie tight end Dallas Clark broke his leg against the Patriots.
"We'll see how he does, probably Friday," Dungy said of Pollard. "But this is precisely why we brought Pete in."
www.theindychannel.com
POSTED: 3:32 PM EST January 15, 2004
UPDATED: 5:09 PM EST January 15, 2004
INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts receiver Brandon Stokley was practicing again with his team Thursday afternoon after missing some previous workouts because his month-old son was hospitalized.
Stokley's son, Cameron, was hospitalized Tuesday with an illness that coach Tony Dungy called a "serious" condition.
The receiver missed practices Wednesday and Thursday morning to be with his family.
On Wednesday, Dungy cast doubt on Stokley's availability for Sunday's AFC championship game, saying Troy Walters or Aaron Moorehead, an undrafted rookie, could start in Stokley's place if needed.
The Colts, who described Cameron's condition on Thursday afternoon as stable, said they still didn't know whether Stokley will be able to play Sunday.
Stokley played a key part in the Colts' two playoff victories this month.
On Jan. 4, he caught two touchdown passes, including one for 87 yards, in the Colts' 41-10 victory over Denver. The 87-yard catch was the longest pass reception in Colts playoff history.
On Sunday, Stokley had four catches -- one for a touchdown -- in the Colts' 38-31 win over Kansas City.
Pollard Sitting Out With Hurt Ankle
Tight end Marcus Pollard also sat out Wednesday's workout with a sprained right ankle and probably won't practice until Friday.
If he can't play, Dungy said the Colts would use backup tight end Pete Mitchell, who signed Dec. 22, three weeks after rookie tight end Dallas Clark broke his leg against the Patriots.
"We'll see how he does, probably Friday," Dungy said of Pollard. "But this is precisely why we brought Pete in."
www.theindychannel.com
Hours before kickoff in Sunday's AFC divisional playoff game against the Chiefs, Peyton Manning stood under an imaginary center in empty Arrowhead Stadium and snapped the ball to himself.
Split to his right was Marvin Harrison and to his left was Reggie Wayne, the Colts starting receivers, who took off at full speed. Over and over, they ran pass patterns - curls, comebacks, digs and square outs.
The football never hit the ground and the precision passing attack looked intimidating even going against air.
Once the game started, there wasn't much difference.
When the Chiefs doubled Harrison, Manning flipped a touchdown pass to Brandon Stokley streaking down the middle. Late in the third quarter, he connected with Wayne for a TD.
The point was proven. There is no more lethal receiver for the Colts than Harrison. But it's Manning's other targets that force defenses to pick their poison.
"Marvin sets the tempo for us in the passing game and we really have to look and see how people are going to play us and how they're going to try to take him away," Colts coach Tony Dungy said. "But when they do that, we've got a lot of alternatives.
"In our offense, you have to be able to produce when your number is called. And we have confidence in everybody. That's where Peyton is now. We just call the plays and run them and he has confidence guys are going to produce. It's great when you can get everybody involved like that."
The Colts hope to have every receiver participate in Sunday's AFC Championship Game, but Stokley's status is uncertain. His 1-month-old son, Cameron, is ill. And though Stokley returned to practice Thursday, he could be replaced by Troy Walters.
"Our concern right now is his family and his son," Dungy said. "If he is able to play and his son's condition continues to improve, then he'll play. If not, then our other guys will step in and we'll move on."
That's the way it has been all season for the Colts. A year ago, Harrison set an NFL record with 142 receptions. But that said more about what was bad about Indianapolis' attack than what was great about Harrison.
This season, Harrison had 94 catches for 1,272 yards and 10 TDs. But thanks to Wayne (68 catches, 838 yards, seven TDs), Walters (36 catches, 456 yards, three TDs) and tight end Marcus Pollard (40 catches, 531 yards, three TDs), the Colts were more balanced.
Stokley, who missed 10 games with an assortment of injuries, has been a terror in the playoffs. Against Denver, he caught four passes for 122 yards and two TDs. Against Kansas City, he caught four passes for 57 yards and a touchdown.
"That's really what defines you as a player, the last two months of the season," Stokley said. "That's when real players step up and make plays."
Stokley is no stranger to the playoffs. In 2000, he was the Ravens' second-leading receiver in the postseason and caught a 38-yard TD in Super Bowl XXXV.
"Brandon has helped us a lot," Dungy said. "Now I'm not so sure if Troy Walters was in there that Troy wouldn't be doing the same thing. But Brandon is a little bit bigger body, he's got the playoff experience and he's a tremendous player. We were hoping to get him earlier in the year, the injuries kind of held him back. But when you have guys that you know can make plays in the clutch, it helps."
In training camp, while trying to recover from offseason foot surgery, Stokley considered retiring.
"Practice was a grueling experience for me. Waking up in the morning was so tough," said Stokley, 27. "(Retirement) was a serious thought for me. I talked to my wife, she knew how I was feeling and what kind of pain I was in. If it didn't turn the corner, there was nothing I could do."
The Colts are glad he stuck it out and so is Stokley.
"I think the other guys open it up for me. I think Edgerrin (James) and Marvin and Reggie are taking a lot of pressure off me and everybody is worried about those guys and I'm just slipping through the cracks."
That's all Manning needs. Practice, it seems, has really made the Colts passing game nearly perfect.
"I remember earlier, his first couple years here, (Wayne) would get so frustrated," Manning said. "I said, "Reggie, I promise you man, just stay with me. Stay with me.' We're going to have to have all of them. Stokley down the middle. Pollard with a couple huge catches. (Tight end) Joe Dean. There's your tendency breaker right there. Him and (fullback) Tom Lipinski. There you go, jeez Louise. Reggie, with that third quarter, he was there, he was ready. Everybody is stepping up."
www.sptimes.com
Split to his right was Marvin Harrison and to his left was Reggie Wayne, the Colts starting receivers, who took off at full speed. Over and over, they ran pass patterns - curls, comebacks, digs and square outs.
The football never hit the ground and the precision passing attack looked intimidating even going against air.
Once the game started, there wasn't much difference.
When the Chiefs doubled Harrison, Manning flipped a touchdown pass to Brandon Stokley streaking down the middle. Late in the third quarter, he connected with Wayne for a TD.
The point was proven. There is no more lethal receiver for the Colts than Harrison. But it's Manning's other targets that force defenses to pick their poison.
"Marvin sets the tempo for us in the passing game and we really have to look and see how people are going to play us and how they're going to try to take him away," Colts coach Tony Dungy said. "But when they do that, we've got a lot of alternatives.
"In our offense, you have to be able to produce when your number is called. And we have confidence in everybody. That's where Peyton is now. We just call the plays and run them and he has confidence guys are going to produce. It's great when you can get everybody involved like that."
The Colts hope to have every receiver participate in Sunday's AFC Championship Game, but Stokley's status is uncertain. His 1-month-old son, Cameron, is ill. And though Stokley returned to practice Thursday, he could be replaced by Troy Walters.
"Our concern right now is his family and his son," Dungy said. "If he is able to play and his son's condition continues to improve, then he'll play. If not, then our other guys will step in and we'll move on."
That's the way it has been all season for the Colts. A year ago, Harrison set an NFL record with 142 receptions. But that said more about what was bad about Indianapolis' attack than what was great about Harrison.
This season, Harrison had 94 catches for 1,272 yards and 10 TDs. But thanks to Wayne (68 catches, 838 yards, seven TDs), Walters (36 catches, 456 yards, three TDs) and tight end Marcus Pollard (40 catches, 531 yards, three TDs), the Colts were more balanced.
Stokley, who missed 10 games with an assortment of injuries, has been a terror in the playoffs. Against Denver, he caught four passes for 122 yards and two TDs. Against Kansas City, he caught four passes for 57 yards and a touchdown.
"That's really what defines you as a player, the last two months of the season," Stokley said. "That's when real players step up and make plays."
Stokley is no stranger to the playoffs. In 2000, he was the Ravens' second-leading receiver in the postseason and caught a 38-yard TD in Super Bowl XXXV.
"Brandon has helped us a lot," Dungy said. "Now I'm not so sure if Troy Walters was in there that Troy wouldn't be doing the same thing. But Brandon is a little bit bigger body, he's got the playoff experience and he's a tremendous player. We were hoping to get him earlier in the year, the injuries kind of held him back. But when you have guys that you know can make plays in the clutch, it helps."
In training camp, while trying to recover from offseason foot surgery, Stokley considered retiring.
"Practice was a grueling experience for me. Waking up in the morning was so tough," said Stokley, 27. "(Retirement) was a serious thought for me. I talked to my wife, she knew how I was feeling and what kind of pain I was in. If it didn't turn the corner, there was nothing I could do."
The Colts are glad he stuck it out and so is Stokley.
"I think the other guys open it up for me. I think Edgerrin (James) and Marvin and Reggie are taking a lot of pressure off me and everybody is worried about those guys and I'm just slipping through the cracks."
That's all Manning needs. Practice, it seems, has really made the Colts passing game nearly perfect.
"I remember earlier, his first couple years here, (Wayne) would get so frustrated," Manning said. "I said, "Reggie, I promise you man, just stay with me. Stay with me.' We're going to have to have all of them. Stokley down the middle. Pollard with a couple huge catches. (Tight end) Joe Dean. There's your tendency breaker right there. Him and (fullback) Tom Lipinski. There you go, jeez Louise. Reggie, with that third quarter, he was there, he was ready. Everybody is stepping up."
www.sptimes.com
INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts fullback Tom Lopienski waited all season to touch the football and tight end Joe Dean Davenport went seven games without having a pass thrown his direction.
Both delivered when given the chance.
With players like Lopienski and Davenport, Brandon Stokley and Reggie Wayne now on Peyton Manning's radar, opponents look almost defenceless against an Indianapolis offence that finds new contributors every week.
"They have weapons all over the place," Patriots cornerback Ty Law said. "They have the big three, Brandon and Reggie are stepping up. You have to go out and play good, sound, team defence to stop them."
The 15-2 Patriots' biggest challenge of the season could come tomorrow when the Colts bring the league's hottest offence to chilly Foxboro, Massachusetts.
One reason is the play of the Colts' triplets, Manning, Edgerrin James and Marvin Harrison.
The other part of the equation is the Colts' supporting cast.
Stokley has become a big-play threat in the playoffs with eight catches for 201 yards and three touchdowns, including an 87-yarder - the longest pass play in the franchise's post-season history. Wayne also has emerged as a primary threat with 11 catches and two touchdowns the last two weeks. Even little-used players like Lopienski, an undrafted rookie, and Davenport, a blocking tight end, are making an impact.
Lopienski's first touch of the season came on a two-yard touchdown reception at Kansas City, and Lopienski and Davenport each had as many catches as James last week - one. That's by design.
"In this offence, you just have to stay with it," Manning said. "Joe Dean? Now there's a trend-breaker right there. Tom Lopienski, there you go."
It's these unfamiliar names who have given opponents a whole new set of worries.
"They spread the ball all around," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "They've been productive and they have so many people you have to defend. They utilize all their skill players and that makes them very hard to defend."
STOKLEY'S SON IN HOSPITAL
Brandon Stokley may not play tomorrow because his infant son Cameron was hospitalized.
Stokley practised yesterday and plans on making the trip, but coach Tony Dungy said Stokley would leave the team if he needs to be with his son.
"He is planning on making the trip," Dungy said. "He is planning on playing, as long as Cameron doesn't have any downturns."
www.canoe.ca
Both delivered when given the chance.
With players like Lopienski and Davenport, Brandon Stokley and Reggie Wayne now on Peyton Manning's radar, opponents look almost defenceless against an Indianapolis offence that finds new contributors every week.
"They have weapons all over the place," Patriots cornerback Ty Law said. "They have the big three, Brandon and Reggie are stepping up. You have to go out and play good, sound, team defence to stop them."
The 15-2 Patriots' biggest challenge of the season could come tomorrow when the Colts bring the league's hottest offence to chilly Foxboro, Massachusetts.
One reason is the play of the Colts' triplets, Manning, Edgerrin James and Marvin Harrison.
The other part of the equation is the Colts' supporting cast.
Stokley has become a big-play threat in the playoffs with eight catches for 201 yards and three touchdowns, including an 87-yarder - the longest pass play in the franchise's post-season history. Wayne also has emerged as a primary threat with 11 catches and two touchdowns the last two weeks. Even little-used players like Lopienski, an undrafted rookie, and Davenport, a blocking tight end, are making an impact.
Lopienski's first touch of the season came on a two-yard touchdown reception at Kansas City, and Lopienski and Davenport each had as many catches as James last week - one. That's by design.
"In this offence, you just have to stay with it," Manning said. "Joe Dean? Now there's a trend-breaker right there. Tom Lopienski, there you go."
It's these unfamiliar names who have given opponents a whole new set of worries.
"They spread the ball all around," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "They've been productive and they have so many people you have to defend. They utilize all their skill players and that makes them very hard to defend."
STOKLEY'S SON IN HOSPITAL
Brandon Stokley may not play tomorrow because his infant son Cameron was hospitalized.
Stokley practised yesterday and plans on making the trip, but coach Tony Dungy said Stokley would leave the team if he needs to be with his son.
"He is planning on making the trip," Dungy said. "He is planning on playing, as long as Cameron doesn't have any downturns."
www.canoe.ca
BOSTON -- Looking at the wind whipping Boston Harbor into a black lather, I'm struck by this thought: What in the hell does it take to freeze saltwater?
The AFC Championship Game between the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts will take place today at nearby Gillette Stadium, and what we've got in Beantown is a cold wave of ridiculous proportions.
These were the last two front- page headlines in the Boston Herald: "FRRRIGID'' on Thursday and "ICE AGE'' on Friday.
Maybe the harbor won't freeze, but I did, just walking out of Logan International Airport, looking for a car. Excuse me, a "cah.''
Colts coach Tony Dungy brought in four of his players on Friday afternoon. And as soon as Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Chad Bratzke and Dwight Freeney were done entertaining the media at the Hyatt Harborside Hotel, next to that frothing water, the five men were bye-bye.
"We are flying back to Indianapolis,'' Dungy said. "We are going back right after this press conference, and we are going to keep our normal routine.''
That meant the Colts would practice at home and fly back late Saturday.
"It's so nice here,'' Dungy said, "we wanted to come twice.''
The Colts are a dome team, one that has not made it to the Super Bowl since sneaking out of Baltimore and resettling in the Midwest in 1984.
It's supposed to warm up a tad by game time -- what isn't up from a wind chill of minus-35 degrees? -- and that's a good thing.
But surely the cold, whatever it registers, will affect the Colts more than the Patriots.
Last weekend, the Pats beat the Tennessee Titans 17-14 at "The Razor'' in nasty weather that bottomed at 2 degrees with a wind chill of minus-15.
Kicker Adam Vinatieri hit a 46-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter for the victory, but the ball he kicked had about as much elasticity as a beer bottle.
"I think the biggest factor in the cold is just the distance the ball travels when it's kicked,'' Patriots coach Bill Belichick said.
He added, "But honestly, I don't think it's been that bad.''
Neither do the ice sculptors.
Still, Colts kicker Mike Vanderjagt, who has made an astounding 41 straight field goals this season and is 3-for-3 in the playoffs, can't change physics to suit his liking.
And the Colts, who beat the Kansas City Chiefs on the road last Sunday with temperatures in the mid-50s, can't be used to North Pole-type games.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said the cold won't be a big deal to his team because "aside from last week, our playing surface has been mud for about six weeks.''
He said the Pats have done well this season -- 13 straight wins -- because "we do a good job of putting stuff out of our minds and just focusing on the opponent.''
But he came around to the bigger issue at hand.
"We are playing an offense that hasn't punted in two games,'' he said. "They have a kicker who hasn't missed a field goal and Peyton [Manning], who has thrown 12 incompletions and eight touchdowns [in the postseason].''
True.
And to think Manning was the guy who was supposed to fold like a cot in the postseason.
The Patriots are 9-0 at home this season. And the Colts -- the sissy dome team -- are a shocking 8-1 on the road.
All of the players who paraded in front of the microphone -- Patriots and Colts alike -- claimed the weather would be no factor in their battle.
"They didn't tell you?'' Colts All-Pro wide receiver Marvin Harrison said. "In Syracuse, we practiced out in the snow every day.''
Harrison went to Syracuse University up there in the snow belt, of course. And as he said, "My philosophy is if you're cold, you're not ready to play.''
Well, I'm not ready then.
The thing that students of the game, such as Manning, will remember are all the New England games played in the dead of winter when something like a grounds-crew guy plowing a semi-circle for a Patriots kicker made all the difference.
It might be warmer today, but there's a chance for snow, the weather folks say.
Brady, remarkably, hasn't thrown an interception at home this season, and that, he says, is just a "statistical anomaly.''
But one reason is certainly because the Patriots' defense is so good -- only 68 points allowed during the regular season -- that Brady seldom has to throw wildly from behind.
Manning dismissed the weather as not that important, like everyone else involved.
"I expect it to be a close game,'' said the co-MVP of the league, a guy who is so hot he probably warms himself. "I think it's going to come down to the very end.''
The Patriots are 15-2, and the Colts are 14-4.
These are the two best AFC teams -- one a defensive force, the other an offensive blast -- and it's thrilling to think of them playing now in nutty conditions.
The Patriots are in their own stadium and ready.
The Colts are a dome team, but golly, last week they went on the road and gave the Chiefs their first home loss in 14 games.
As Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi said, "Something's gotta give.''
Here's hoping it's not the hot-chocolate machine.
www.suntimes.com
The AFC Championship Game between the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts will take place today at nearby Gillette Stadium, and what we've got in Beantown is a cold wave of ridiculous proportions.
These were the last two front- page headlines in the Boston Herald: "FRRRIGID'' on Thursday and "ICE AGE'' on Friday.
Maybe the harbor won't freeze, but I did, just walking out of Logan International Airport, looking for a car. Excuse me, a "cah.''
Colts coach Tony Dungy brought in four of his players on Friday afternoon. And as soon as Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Chad Bratzke and Dwight Freeney were done entertaining the media at the Hyatt Harborside Hotel, next to that frothing water, the five men were bye-bye.
"We are flying back to Indianapolis,'' Dungy said. "We are going back right after this press conference, and we are going to keep our normal routine.''
That meant the Colts would practice at home and fly back late Saturday.
"It's so nice here,'' Dungy said, "we wanted to come twice.''
The Colts are a dome team, one that has not made it to the Super Bowl since sneaking out of Baltimore and resettling in the Midwest in 1984.
It's supposed to warm up a tad by game time -- what isn't up from a wind chill of minus-35 degrees? -- and that's a good thing.
But surely the cold, whatever it registers, will affect the Colts more than the Patriots.
Last weekend, the Pats beat the Tennessee Titans 17-14 at "The Razor'' in nasty weather that bottomed at 2 degrees with a wind chill of minus-15.
Kicker Adam Vinatieri hit a 46-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter for the victory, but the ball he kicked had about as much elasticity as a beer bottle.
"I think the biggest factor in the cold is just the distance the ball travels when it's kicked,'' Patriots coach Bill Belichick said.
He added, "But honestly, I don't think it's been that bad.''
Neither do the ice sculptors.
Still, Colts kicker Mike Vanderjagt, who has made an astounding 41 straight field goals this season and is 3-for-3 in the playoffs, can't change physics to suit his liking.
And the Colts, who beat the Kansas City Chiefs on the road last Sunday with temperatures in the mid-50s, can't be used to North Pole-type games.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said the cold won't be a big deal to his team because "aside from last week, our playing surface has been mud for about six weeks.''
He said the Pats have done well this season -- 13 straight wins -- because "we do a good job of putting stuff out of our minds and just focusing on the opponent.''
But he came around to the bigger issue at hand.
"We are playing an offense that hasn't punted in two games,'' he said. "They have a kicker who hasn't missed a field goal and Peyton [Manning], who has thrown 12 incompletions and eight touchdowns [in the postseason].''
True.
And to think Manning was the guy who was supposed to fold like a cot in the postseason.
The Patriots are 9-0 at home this season. And the Colts -- the sissy dome team -- are a shocking 8-1 on the road.
All of the players who paraded in front of the microphone -- Patriots and Colts alike -- claimed the weather would be no factor in their battle.
"They didn't tell you?'' Colts All-Pro wide receiver Marvin Harrison said. "In Syracuse, we practiced out in the snow every day.''
Harrison went to Syracuse University up there in the snow belt, of course. And as he said, "My philosophy is if you're cold, you're not ready to play.''
Well, I'm not ready then.
The thing that students of the game, such as Manning, will remember are all the New England games played in the dead of winter when something like a grounds-crew guy plowing a semi-circle for a Patriots kicker made all the difference.
It might be warmer today, but there's a chance for snow, the weather folks say.
Brady, remarkably, hasn't thrown an interception at home this season, and that, he says, is just a "statistical anomaly.''
But one reason is certainly because the Patriots' defense is so good -- only 68 points allowed during the regular season -- that Brady seldom has to throw wildly from behind.
Manning dismissed the weather as not that important, like everyone else involved.
"I expect it to be a close game,'' said the co-MVP of the league, a guy who is so hot he probably warms himself. "I think it's going to come down to the very end.''
The Patriots are 15-2, and the Colts are 14-4.
These are the two best AFC teams -- one a defensive force, the other an offensive blast -- and it's thrilling to think of them playing now in nutty conditions.
The Patriots are in their own stadium and ready.
The Colts are a dome team, but golly, last week they went on the road and gave the Chiefs their first home loss in 14 games.
As Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi said, "Something's gotta give.''
Here's hoping it's not the hot-chocolate machine.
www.suntimes.com
Foxboro, Mass. -- The humanization of Peyton Manning began Wednesday, when Patriots coach Bill Belichick and his defensive colonels unveiled their game plan for the AFC Championship Game.
To untrained eyes from Foxboro to Indianapolis and beyond, Manning had become an ethereal force whose exploits must have been touched divinely somehow. To Belichick and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, Manning was just a human being who was going to take three-step, five-step and seven-step drops and try to play catch with Marvin Harrison, Marcus Pollard, Reggie Wayne et al.
Belichick and Crennel told their defensive backs, and the linebackers who would drop into coverage, to forget about the guy throwing the ball and focus on those trying to catch it.
"If you can be physical and hit their wide receivers, it changes the whole complexion of the game," said safety Rodney Harrison, who had the first of New England's four interceptions yesterday in a 24-14 win over the Colts that sent the Patriots to the Super Bowl for the second time in three seasons.
Pro Bowl cornerback Ty Law had three interceptions and held Harrison to three catches for 19 yards as the Pats manhandled the Colts' receivers before and after they caught the ball at snowy Gillette Stadium.
"You cannot let him sit back there and play pitch and catch," Rodney Harrison said. "He will kill you. He'll beat us every time. A physical game? We can play that."
The Patriots extended their winning streak to 14 games and are 10-0 at home. Their next challenge is to win in Houston, where they will face the NFC champion Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII on Feb. 1.
"Two years ago was kind of an up-and-coming thing," linebacker Tedy Bruschi said. "What's happened this year has proved what type of players we have in this locker room."
The Patriots baffled Manning, who equaled a career high with four interceptions and had the second-lowest passer rating (35.5) of a six-year career. This after Manning (23-for-47, 237 yards, one touchdown) breezed through playoff wins over Denver and Kansas City with eight TDs and no interceptions.
"I was tired of all the talk and all the hype about how they were going to come in here and destroy our defense," Rodney Harrison said.
"This is probably the most simple game plan we had," Law said. "Just go out there and stick them and beat them up at the line of scrimmage. If you watch those guys all through the season and postseason putting up big numbers, you see a lot of guys running through the secondary. We said we are not going to let them do that to us."
Trailing 21-7 early in the fourth quarter, Manning faced third-and-6 from the Pats' 23. As he barked signals and motioned before the snap, linebackers Willie McGinest and Mike Vrabel came on a delayed blitz. The confusion freed end Jarvis Green for his second sack.
On fourth-and-13 from the 30, the Patriots rushed four and dropped seven into coverage. Law and Rodney Harrison bracketed Marvin Harrison near the sideline. Law stepped in front of both Harrisons for his third interception with 8:17 left, adding another insult to Manning's worst day as a pro.
"We will get over it. I will get over it," Manning said. "But it is disappointing, no question about it ... I made some bad throws, some bad decisions."
After Manning hit Pollard for a 7-yard TD with 2:27 left, making it 21-14, he suffered the final indignity, four incompletions from his 20. Pollard appeared to have been held by Roman Phifer on fourth down, but nothing was called, prompting Colts president Bill Polian to chase the officials into the tunnel while derisively shouting, "Great game! Give 'em a high-five!"
"I was just doing what I had to do to get my job done," Phifer said. "Hey, if it's not called, it's not interference."
There was one more nervous moment for the Patriots, when Tom Brady fumbled on a naked bootleg when they should have been trying to run out the clock. The Colts recovered, but a replay review determined Brady's knee was down, and Adam Vinatieri's fifth field goal, a 34-yarder, made it 24-14 with 50 seconds left.
The "other" quarterback, Brady, was typically efficient though not mistake-free: 22-for-37, 237 yards, one touchdown, one interception - his first in 330 attempts at home this season. Antowain Smith ran 22 times for 100 yards.
Brady led a 65-yard opening drive capped by a 7-yard TD pass to David Givens on a hitch-and-go. Manning was intercepted on consecutive attempts - in the end zone by Harrison on a poor throw intended for Pollard, and on a sensational play by Law. On a pass for Marvin Harrison, Law cradled the ball with his right hand and gathered it into his body on the dead run with his back almost to Manning.
After Vinatieri's field goal made it 13-0 midway through the second quarter, the Colts' Hunter Smith dropped back for his first punt in three playoff games. The snap from the aptly named Justin Snow sailed over his head and to the Colts' 4, where Smith booted the ball out of the end zone for a safety with 4:08 left in the half.
Said safety Eugene Wilson, "Everything pretty much fell our way."
Playoff Thievery
The Patriots' Ty Law and the Panthers' Ricky Manning Jr. yesterday became the seventh and eighth players to intercept three or more passes in a playoff game:
4: Vernon Perry, Houston (vs. San Diego), 1979
3: Ricky Manning Jr., Carolina (vs. Philadelphia), 2004
3: Ty Law, New England (vs. Indianapolis), 2004
3: Dennis Thurman, Dallas (vs. Green Bay), 1982
3: A.J. Duhe, Miami (vs. Jets), 1982
3: Rod Martin, Oakland (vs. Philadelphia), 1980*
3: Charlie Waters, Dallas (vs. Chicago), 1977
3: Joe Laws, Green Bay (vs. Giants), 1944
*-Super Bowl
Throw Back
Peyton Manning's gaudy postseason numbers took a big hit yesterday, when he and the Colts ran into the Patriots' stingy defense. What Manning did in Indianapolis' first two playoff games compared with his performance against New England:
First Two Games Vs. Patriots
56 Att. 47
44 Comp. 23
78.6 Pct. 48.9
681 Yards 237
8 TDs 1
0 INTs 4
156.9 QB Rating 35.5
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP
PATRIOTS 24
COLTS 14
http://www.nynewsday.com
To untrained eyes from Foxboro to Indianapolis and beyond, Manning had become an ethereal force whose exploits must have been touched divinely somehow. To Belichick and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, Manning was just a human being who was going to take three-step, five-step and seven-step drops and try to play catch with Marvin Harrison, Marcus Pollard, Reggie Wayne et al.
Belichick and Crennel told their defensive backs, and the linebackers who would drop into coverage, to forget about the guy throwing the ball and focus on those trying to catch it.
"If you can be physical and hit their wide receivers, it changes the whole complexion of the game," said safety Rodney Harrison, who had the first of New England's four interceptions yesterday in a 24-14 win over the Colts that sent the Patriots to the Super Bowl for the second time in three seasons.
Pro Bowl cornerback Ty Law had three interceptions and held Harrison to three catches for 19 yards as the Pats manhandled the Colts' receivers before and after they caught the ball at snowy Gillette Stadium.
"You cannot let him sit back there and play pitch and catch," Rodney Harrison said. "He will kill you. He'll beat us every time. A physical game? We can play that."
The Patriots extended their winning streak to 14 games and are 10-0 at home. Their next challenge is to win in Houston, where they will face the NFC champion Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII on Feb. 1.
"Two years ago was kind of an up-and-coming thing," linebacker Tedy Bruschi said. "What's happened this year has proved what type of players we have in this locker room."
The Patriots baffled Manning, who equaled a career high with four interceptions and had the second-lowest passer rating (35.5) of a six-year career. This after Manning (23-for-47, 237 yards, one touchdown) breezed through playoff wins over Denver and Kansas City with eight TDs and no interceptions.
"I was tired of all the talk and all the hype about how they were going to come in here and destroy our defense," Rodney Harrison said.
"This is probably the most simple game plan we had," Law said. "Just go out there and stick them and beat them up at the line of scrimmage. If you watch those guys all through the season and postseason putting up big numbers, you see a lot of guys running through the secondary. We said we are not going to let them do that to us."
Trailing 21-7 early in the fourth quarter, Manning faced third-and-6 from the Pats' 23. As he barked signals and motioned before the snap, linebackers Willie McGinest and Mike Vrabel came on a delayed blitz. The confusion freed end Jarvis Green for his second sack.
On fourth-and-13 from the 30, the Patriots rushed four and dropped seven into coverage. Law and Rodney Harrison bracketed Marvin Harrison near the sideline. Law stepped in front of both Harrisons for his third interception with 8:17 left, adding another insult to Manning's worst day as a pro.
"We will get over it. I will get over it," Manning said. "But it is disappointing, no question about it ... I made some bad throws, some bad decisions."
After Manning hit Pollard for a 7-yard TD with 2:27 left, making it 21-14, he suffered the final indignity, four incompletions from his 20. Pollard appeared to have been held by Roman Phifer on fourth down, but nothing was called, prompting Colts president Bill Polian to chase the officials into the tunnel while derisively shouting, "Great game! Give 'em a high-five!"
"I was just doing what I had to do to get my job done," Phifer said. "Hey, if it's not called, it's not interference."
There was one more nervous moment for the Patriots, when Tom Brady fumbled on a naked bootleg when they should have been trying to run out the clock. The Colts recovered, but a replay review determined Brady's knee was down, and Adam Vinatieri's fifth field goal, a 34-yarder, made it 24-14 with 50 seconds left.
The "other" quarterback, Brady, was typically efficient though not mistake-free: 22-for-37, 237 yards, one touchdown, one interception - his first in 330 attempts at home this season. Antowain Smith ran 22 times for 100 yards.
Brady led a 65-yard opening drive capped by a 7-yard TD pass to David Givens on a hitch-and-go. Manning was intercepted on consecutive attempts - in the end zone by Harrison on a poor throw intended for Pollard, and on a sensational play by Law. On a pass for Marvin Harrison, Law cradled the ball with his right hand and gathered it into his body on the dead run with his back almost to Manning.
After Vinatieri's field goal made it 13-0 midway through the second quarter, the Colts' Hunter Smith dropped back for his first punt in three playoff games. The snap from the aptly named Justin Snow sailed over his head and to the Colts' 4, where Smith booted the ball out of the end zone for a safety with 4:08 left in the half.
Said safety Eugene Wilson, "Everything pretty much fell our way."
Playoff Thievery
The Patriots' Ty Law and the Panthers' Ricky Manning Jr. yesterday became the seventh and eighth players to intercept three or more passes in a playoff game:
4: Vernon Perry, Houston (vs. San Diego), 1979
3: Ricky Manning Jr., Carolina (vs. Philadelphia), 2004
3: Ty Law, New England (vs. Indianapolis), 2004
3: Dennis Thurman, Dallas (vs. Green Bay), 1982
3: A.J. Duhe, Miami (vs. Jets), 1982
3: Rod Martin, Oakland (vs. Philadelphia), 1980*
3: Charlie Waters, Dallas (vs. Chicago), 1977
3: Joe Laws, Green Bay (vs. Giants), 1944
*-Super Bowl
Throw Back
Peyton Manning's gaudy postseason numbers took a big hit yesterday, when he and the Colts ran into the Patriots' stingy defense. What Manning did in Indianapolis' first two playoff games compared with his performance against New England:
First Two Games Vs. Patriots
56 Att. 47
44 Comp. 23
78.6 Pct. 48.9
681 Yards 237
8 TDs 1
0 INTs 4
156.9 QB Rating 35.5
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP
PATRIOTS 24
COLTS 14
http://www.nynewsday.com
