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Lessons learned in a big Indy win

Sporting News, The, Dec 2, 2005 by Mike Chappell, Chick Ludwig

Three lessons learned from the Colts' 45-37 victory over Cincinnati that could have big implications on Indy's road ahead:

1.The Peyton Manning-led offense can adapt to any situation and remain potent. When opposing defenses have played zone coverage to limit big plays in the passing game, Manning has remained patient and leaned heavily on running back Edgerrin James. When teams crowd the line, Manning can air it out. In the first half Sunday, he passed for 272 yards and three touchdowns.

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2. Big receivers present problems for the Colts' undersized corners, Jason David and Nick Harper. The Bengals' 6-1 Chad Johnson (eight catches, 189 yards, one TD) continually exposed holes in the secondary, and 6-4 Chris Henry got loose for a 15-yard touchdown on a post pattern. Both climbed over the top of the Colts' corners, who found themselves defenseless at times.

3. Though the Colts' defense still is vulnerable to big running plays and has been gouged in the passing game lately, it is vastly improved from last season. The big difference is its ability to make a few critical plays each game. Against the Bengals it stopped a key fourth-and-1 run, rookie cornerback Marlin Jackson nabbed his first career interception and end Robert Mathis had his 10th sack.

Lessons learned in a big Indy win

Sporting News, The, Dec 2, 2005 by Mike Chappell, Chick Ludwig

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