Caldwell opts for rest, Colts lose

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By Bryan Ault, December 28, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS–After moving to 14-0, debate began as to whether the Colts should continue their pursuit for a perfect season or rest their starters for the playoffs. Head coach Jim Caldwell elected for the latter; the Jets defense capitalized on turnovers by rookie quarterback Curtis Painter to win 29-15.

 

The loss puts the Colts at 14-1, and ends their regular season winning streak at 23 games. The Colts have already clinched home-field advantage in the playoffs.

 

Quarterback Peyton Manning was taken out of the game in the third quarter. Caldwell said he knew he would bench Peyton.

 

“The perfect season has never been one of our goals,” Caldwell said. “It’s never been anything we have talked about.”

 

With a five-point lead, Painter fumbled the ball, which was returned for a touchdown by Jets defensive tackle Marques Douglas. Painter followed that up with an interception. The Jets scored on both possessions.

 

The Colts took the first lead of the game after running back Joseph Addai ran for 21 yards for a touchdown. The extra point was blocked and the Colts led 6-0.

 

The Jets responded. After a field goal inside the two-minute warning, the opening kickoff of the second half was returned for a 106-yard touchdown by wide receiver Brad Smith, giving the Jets a 10-9 lead, their first of the game.

 

Manning did not go down without a fight. His 19-yard completion to tight end Dallas Clark put the Colts in the red zone. The Colts re-took the lead on running back Donald Brown’s one-yard touchdown run. A two-point conversion attempt was no good, making the score 15-10.

 

Painter replaced Manning in the third quarter. After that point, the Jets outscored the Colts 19-0, including two two-point conversions.

 

Although Manning did not look pleased with the decision for Painter to come in, he understood why it was done.

 

“You follow orders and you follow them with all your heart,” Manning said. “We are followers of our head coach and people that give us direction. Our job is to take instructions from our superiors and follow those instructions.”

 

Caldwell put everything into perspective.

 

 “The most important thing for us is to operate on all cylinders come playoffs,” Caldwell said. “That’s the focus for us. The most important season is the one coming up.”

 

The Colts finish the regular season at Buffalo (5-10) on Sunday.