Manning's performance helps Colts move to 4-0
INDIANAPOLIS–After a two-game road trip, the Indianapolis Colts returned home and defeated the Seattle Seahawks, 34-17, behind Peyton Manning’s franchise record fourth straight 300-yard game. He also reached another milestone in the victory.
Manning, who threw two touchdown passes today, tied Fran Tarkenton for the third-most touchdowns in NFL history. Manning has thrown 342 touchdowns in his career.
While the Colts are undefeated, they aren’t getting caught up in the hype.
“All it does is guarantee that we don’t go 3-13,” head coach Jim Caldwell said. “This is a long season. We just finished the first quarter. [The games are] all important, but the next game is always the biggest game. I know that’s a cliché, but that’s how we stay focused.”
After Seattle’s opening drive that resulted in a punt, the Colts drove down the field on a 10-play, 80-yard drive and scored on a one-yard touchdown run by rookie running back Donald Brown. After a combined three punts by both teams, the Colts scored again on a five-yard touchdown pass from Manning to wide receiver Reggie Wayne in the second quarter, taking a 14-0 lead.
A field goal by Seahawks kicker Olindo Mare cut the lead to 14-3. With 1:22 to go in the first half, the Colts scored a touchdown on a 21-yard, one-handed catch by rookie wide receiver Austin Collie with three seconds left.
“That was pivotal at the time,” Manning said. “You call plays to go to the end zone. Collie made a great play. That was critical to get that last drive in before the half.”
The Colts opened the second half with another touchdown, this time on a 12-yard handoff to running back Joseph Addai. Manning praised Addai and his counterpart, Brown, on their efforts in the game.
“I think Donald and Joe give us a great threat in the run game and the pass game,” Manning said. “It’s a good luxury to have those two backs.”
After a Seattle (1-3) punt and a Manning interception, the Seahawks, desperate for a score, took possession with 3:31 to play in the third quarter. At the Indianapolis 36-yard line, Colts defensive end Robert Mathis’s forced fumble on Seattle quarterback Seneca Wallace was recovered by linebacker Freddie Kieaho. The ensuing drive resulted in a punt. After another punt by Seattle, an Adam Vinatieri field goal extended the lead to 31-3.
The next Seattle drive resulted in another forced fumble by Mathis. The Colts’ following drive resulted in a field goal, extending the lead to 34-3.
“We developed a lot of continuity,” Mathis said. “We’re all one. We have a potent offense. Once they build a lead, we have a fast defense. These are games that we love to have.”
“He’s powerful,” said Caldwell of Mathis. “On the football field, the guy has power, speed, and relentless desire to get to the ball. He does not stop until the whistle blows. He practices exactly that way. He’s all over the field.”
Seattle scored two touchdowns in the game’s final minutes. With 0:19 to play, Manning took a knee to end the game.
Receivers Pierre Garcon and Collie, filling in for the injured Anthony Gonzalez, had a combined 136 yards on the day. Caldwell liked what he saw from the young receivers.
“It bodes well for them,” Caldwell said. “They’re still a long way away. There are still a lot of things for them to learn. They are guys that will keep working until they get it.”
“Every game is a learning experience,” Manning said. “Austin is a big-time film studier. Pierre has a great work ethic. We just have to take it step-by-step before we crown them. It’s a learning process.”
Prior to the start of the fourth quarter, Seattle running back Edgerrin James was honored for his career in a Colts uniform through a highlight video on the Lucas Oil Stadium jumbotrons. James was drafted in 1999 by Indianapolis. He is currently 11th on the all-time rushing list. At the conclusion of the video, he waved to the crowd.
“I got a little choked up watching that tape,” Manning said. “I never forget how great he was. I can remember those runs. What a pleasure to handoff to him. That was a classic tribute from our organization.”
“What a great tribute,” Caldwell agreed. “He was a tremendous competitor for us. The crowd gave an unbelievable ovation. He’s a constant professional, in every way.”
The Colts will play against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday night at LP Field in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans, who posted an NFL-best 13-3 record in 2008, fell to 0-4 after losing to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“I do feel like that the teeth of our schedule is approaching us, starting this week with one of our biggest rivals,” Manning said. “It’ll be a tough game—on the road, in the division.”
“I don’t care what anybody says. They are a talented, hard-nosed group,” Caldwell said. “We’re going to have to go down there and play well.”
