What else is new? Colts still unbeaten

The good news for the Colts is they proved they could take down one of the NFL's best defenses on the road in their 34-31 win over the Broncos. The bad news -- or at least the challenging news -- is they have to turn around and play at New England this Sunday.

Peyton Manning was simply brilliant again in the Colts win, this time using Reggie Wayne as his main weapon. The Colts are the team to beat in the NFL, if only because of their cool under pressure.

Here's my quick analysis of the latest win:

Passing game: Nearly flawless. In fact, it would have been perfect if Manning hadn't slightly missed Dallas Clark on 3rd-and-1 on the first drive, resulting in a punt. The offensive line did a great job of protecting Manning. He seemed to be forced out of the pocket the fewest times all season. Wayne was spectacular. He's proving worth every bit of the money the Colts used to keep him in No.87.

Running game: Colts coach Tony Dungy plans to stick with the Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai combination, but it seems increasingly clear Addai is the more effective runner.

Pass defense: This area will remain somewhat incomplete until Bob Sanders returns, presuming he does. An emphasis on stopping the run early in the game forced Jake Plummer to pass and he was fairly effective, particularly to Javon Walker. Making Plummer look good was not real encouraging. Dwight Freeney got his first sack (OK, half-a-sack, but it's better than nothing.)

Run defense: Where do we start? The Colts allowed 227 yards (180 in the second half). Dungy took the blame, saying the Broncos made adjustments and he failed to make a counter adjustment. I'm beginning to think the make-up of the Colts' defense won't allow for many "adjustments" at this point and they may have to live with the glaring deficiency and hope for the best.

Special teams: I believe this game illustrated why the team signed Adam Vinatieri. Four field goals, including the game-winner, and five touchbacks on kickoffs.

Coaching: Dungy's greatest asset is his ability to keep his players poised on the sideline, no matter what the score. I didn't care for the trick play with Addai throwing to Wayne, although Wayne made a great move by interfering to prevent a possible interception.

The more the Colts change, the more they stay the same. They'll go as far this season as the offense will take them.

One final note: Dungy said today that Montae Reagor has been released from the hospital after recovering from surgery following his automobile accident. The Colts players dedicated Sunday's win to Reagor, who came to Indy from Denver in 2003.