Records abound in Colts victory over Broncos

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By Bryan Ault, December 13, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS–Talk of undefeated seasons, NFL records and a potential first-round bye in the playoffs brought excessive hype to the Colts-Broncos. And somehow, the game exceeded all those expectations.

 

The 28-16 victory over the Denver Broncos on Sunday gave the Colts their 22nd-consecutive regular season win, setting an NFL record. The New England Patriots held the previous record at 21 wins, spanning from 2006 to 2008.

 

That was not the only NFL record broken in the game. Bronco wide receiver Brandon Marshall caught 21 passes, eclipsing Terrell Owens’ previous record of 20.

 

The victory also clinched home-field advantage for the Colts through the playoffs. Indianapolis (13-0) will have a first-round bye.

 

With three games remaining in the season, there is speculation regarding whether to rest the starters for a good run in the playoffs or play tough to try for a perfect season.

 

“Obviously, it’s a huge topic for analysis,” Colts quarterback Peyton Manning said. “I don’t think there is a right answer. Either way, you’re opening yourself up for second-guessing.”

 

The Colts opened the game strong, sandwiching a Denver three-and-out between two Manning touchdown passes. Manning finished the day 20-for-42, with 220 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. The touchdowns and interceptions are both season highs.

 

Two drives later, a personal foul on Broncos cornerback D.J. Williams advanced the ball into Denver territory. On fourth-and-four, Manning’s 22-yard completion to tight end Dallas Clark moved the ball to the 12-yard line.

 

“We wanted to be aggressive, and we didn’t want to punt it,” Colts head coach Jim Caldwell said. “Peyton did a nice job of executing. It was a heck of a catch by Dallas, too.”

 

Manning completed a touchdown pass to Clark four plays later. The Colts extended their lead to 21-0. Clark finished with just 43 yards, but he caught three touchdown passes.

 

On the next drive, Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton completed five passes, including a five-yard touchdown pass, to Marshall. The scored stayed 21-7 till halftime.

 

The score remained unchanged through the third quarter. Broncos kicker Matt Prater hit a 28-yard field goal ten seconds into the fourth quarter to close the lead to 11.

 

After forcing a three-and-out against the Indianapolis offense, the Broncos cut the lead to five on a five-yard touchdown completion from Orton to Marshall.  The Broncos failed the two-point conversion attempt, leaving the score at 21-16.

 

Indianapolis drove down the field, running the ball nine times on a 13-play drive that led to Manning’s third touchdown pass to Clark. The defense forced a three-and-out to preserve the win.

 

“It was a (game of) great mental challenge,” Manning said. “It was a game of different streaks of momentum, but it was most important that we finished on a high note.”

 

The Colts will travel to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars (7-6) on Thursday night.