Transition game

The Colts confirmed Wednesday that defensive tackle Montae Reagor will be lost for the season by placing him on the reserved non-football injury list. His automobile accident prior to the Washington game produced injuries that were more severe than first indicated. The Colts had hoped Reagor could return. He'll be missed, except by opposing running backs. I wish Reagor the best. He's one of the most approachable, down-to-earth players the Colts have.

Coach Tony Dungy was more optimistic about tight end Dallas Clark. Clark was ruled out for this week's game at Tennessee, but Dungy told reporters Wednesday that the knee injury might not be season-ending. We'll have to wait and see. I've learned the Colts' public optimism about injuries does not always coincide with reality. Every injured player seems to be "close" to getting back in the Colts' official words, but until I see Brandon Stokley in uniform on Sunday, I'll remain skeptical.

The signing of wide receiver Ricky Proehl seems curious. Of all the Colts' needs, wide receiver might not be at the top of the list. However, Proehl's a pro and comes at presumably a relatively low cost. It can't hurt to add another weapon. The Colts want their offense to be an unstoppable machine come playoff time, and Proehl adds another dimension. His presence can only help Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne.

Dungy defends Harrison

Marvin Harrison normally comes off as the opposite of self-centered wide receivers, such as Terrell Owens. But some people read into his body language during the Eagles' game, as well as his early exit to the locker room at halftime, as signs of discontent.

Colts coach Tony Dungy defended Harrison on Monday, saying he was "not disturbed" by anything his star wide receiver did.

No doubt Harrison was upset he had only one catch, matching the lowest single-game output of his career. But he remains a hard player to read because he generally doesn't talk to the media and he isn't as visible in other outlets, such as commercials. He always sits at the far end of the bench by himself during games, too, adding to his loner image. The world is full of different personalities, so it's probably best to cut Harrison some slack for his perceived pouting in the Eagles' game. If it becomes an ongoing issue, then Dungy will need to address it.

Finally, a super-sized win

The Colts won a game in which they didn't need to stage a fourth-quarter drive to take the lead. It might have been a struggling Eagles team without Donovan McNabb, but the Colts will take it anyway.

It wasn't all good -- Dallas Clark's injury could be a very serious one, and Ryan Diem and Antoine Bethea were hurt, too -- but there was enough positives in the Joseph Addai Show to label the 45-21 win as one of the Colts' best of the year.

Here's how I saw the win:

Passing game: The Eagles were intent on making the Colts run, and the Colts obliged. Peyton Manning threw only 20 passes (completing 14). But no game would be complete without a couple passing highlights, and Reggie Wayne's sideline catch was one of the best of his career. Plus, he hauled in a touchdown pass. Marvin Harrison had only one catch, and looked to be pouting about it on the sidelines. But, because Harrison's demeanor is so hard to interpret, he might not have intended to give that impression. NBC's announcers had a mini-debate about Harrison's body language during the telecast.

Running game: What more can be said? Addai's 171-yard, four-touchdown performance was worthy of past greats Eric Dickerson, Marshall Faulk and Edgerrin James. And Dominic Rhodes had a nice game, too, adding 68 yards. Both backs caught passes and blocked when necessary. This preseason weakness is turning into a strength.

Pass defense: Jeff Garcia was 19 of 23 for 140 yards with two touchdowns and a 121.0 passer rating. Really? Did he seem that good to you? The Colts made the plays they needed to make, and got enough pressure on Garcia to make this a step forward. Let's hope the injury to Bethea isn't serious, because the Colts need all the safeties they can find these days.

Run defense: This is probably about as good as it gets, without the return of Bob Sanders. I do like the surprising speed I've seen out of tackle Booger McFarland. There remains hope that this defense can limit teams to less than the 6.0 yards per carry the Eagles delivered. But it needs Sanders back to move in that direction.

Special teams: Terrence Wilkins remains one of the best additions to the team. He consistently gives the Colts' strong field position and is always a threat to break a big one. Is there any Colts fan who doesn't feel good when Adam Vinatieri heads out for a field goal? Colts punter Hunter Smith does what's expected of him, and the Colts coverage unit supported him well vs. Philly.

Coaching: There were some grumbles in the stands when Dungy opted for a field goal at the end of the first half, but it's hard to complain too much about a 24-7 halftime lead, especially when so many games have been so close. The Colts had a good game plan for the Eagles, as 45 points proved.

The Colts can clinch the AFC South with a win at Tennessee this Sunday. I'd be surprised if they don't build on the Philly win and remind the Titans of the conference pecking order.

Colts look to end losing "streak" against McNabb-less Eagles

The first loss of the year can be a humbling one, and it was for the Colts. Peyton Manning seemed particularly down about what he saw on film this week -- probably because he was involved in three of the four turnovers. Avoiding turnovers, more than anything, could be the key to beating the Eagles on Sunday night. Manning expressed regret that Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb is out for the season, but he and others made sure not to take Jeff Garcia lightly.

Garcia was a strong quarterback, but he hasn't been consistently effective since he left San Francisco. He will be a big target for Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis if the Colts can stifle the running of Brian Westbrook. I thought the run defense showed improvement last week and injured linebacker Gary Brackett told me he's "ready to give it a go" this week, so that should help as well. One positive of Brackett's absence was the play of Rob Morris. He showed he still has the skills to do a decent job at linebacker and makes the team stronger at that spot.

No word yet on whether Bob Sanders or Brandon Stokley will return this week. As we get later and later into the season, it's a legitimate question whether Stokley will be able to have the timing necessary to be effective once he returns. His experience suggests he will, but a player still needs game-time play to sharpen those instincts. To be effective come playoff time, he needs to return to the lineup for at least the last three or four regular-season games.

The Colts were scheduled for a short practice time today before heading to their various Thanksgiving get-togethers. Manning planned to have about 10 teammates over, including most of his offensive linemen. He won't be cooking. "Ashley (his wife) is going to take care of that," Manning said. Brackett said he is also hosting a meal and "everyone's invited." I'm not sure he should have said that to the media. We've been known to jump at free meal.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Count your blessings.

So much for perfection

The Colts won't say so, because the idea goes counter to the essence of always winning, but the 21-14 loss to the Cowboys on Sunday eases substantial pressure on the team. It put an end to the increasing buildup and attention over the Colts' record and puts them back on equal track with every other elite NFL team. There are definitely some positives in a loss. Now they can concentrate on improving and getting ready for January.

Here's how I saw the Cowboys game:

Passing offense: It looked very much like the loss to the Steelers in last year's playoffs. The Cowboys pressured Manning early and often, and played rough with the Colts receivers. If not for the four turnovers, the Colts could have survived. In this type of situation, losing the ball once is critical. Any more than that vastly increases the chances of a loss. Manning wasn't as sharp as usual because he didn't have his usual time. You could say they had protection problems. But Manning would be careful not to say that.

Running game: Largely contained by the Cowboys. It got off to a rough start on Dominic Rhodes' dancing around first carry and didn't improve a whole lot from there. Joseph Addai played OK, but not as well as some games. However, he did have some good pass-protection moments.

Pass defense: The Colts slipped in the second half, but few teams can contain Terry Glenn and Terrell Owens for an entire game. The pass rush got to Tony Romo on occasion, but not often enough. Big late gains and long drives by the Cowboys showed how much they still miss Bob Sanders. Marlin Jackson (or anyone else) can't drop those interceptions that fall right into their hands.

Run defense: For the Colts, this was a fairly strong effort. They wore down in the second half, but showed enough improvement to make this one of the more encouraging areas of the loss.

Special teams: They didn't get that huge return by Terrence Wilkins, and Adam Vinatieri was never given the chance to be a factor. The return coverage was decent for once.

Coaching: Tony Dungy should have thrown the red flag on the interception return for a touchdown. I'm sure the Cowboys didn't show multiple replays on the big screen, but coaches in the press box have to get word down to Dungy that a play like that is open to review. You can't afford to allow points on the board that could be erased by review.

Overall, this was a great effort by the Cowboys and a mediocre one by the Colts. Mediocrity can't beat a contender, especially on the road. The Colts should bounce back against the Eagles, especially since Donovan McNabb is out for the season. At the very least, the Colts are through with the irritating "Can they go undefeated?" questions for this season.

Ready for an episode of "Dallas"

The Colts might not be overly familiar with the Dallas Cowboys. They've only played twice since 1996. But, like the rest of America, they can't avoid the daily doses of Terrell Owens. As Nick Harper and Antoine Bethea told me yesterday, they're ready to treat him just like any other big-time receiver. After all, every practice puts them up against Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne.

As for the Colts' old friend, kicker Mike Vanderjagt, the Colts had nothing but good things to say about him. Peyton Manning told reporters that he feels honored to have played with two of the greatest kickers in NFL history in Vanderjagt and Adam Vinatieri:

"Mike was one of those guys that was really part of the turn-around for this franchise. He got here when I got here, coming off a 3-13 season, going 3-13 again, we got it turned around and he was as big a part of it as anybody."

On the injury front, Bob Sanders remains questionable, as does Gary Brackett and Brandon Stokley. Brackett said he will take it day-by-day, and he hopes to be able to play. But, because he has a hamstring injury, he doesn't want to push it too soon and end up out for an extended period. I'm beginning to wonder if the Colts will ever be completely healthy this season.

In the fun department, Michigan graduate Cato June was wearing a t-shirt with the words "I Hate Ohio State" on the front yesterday. Unfortunately, injured Ohio State alum Mike Doss wasn't around to offer a rebuttal.

From one Colts blog to another

The folks at Stampede Blue, a popular Colts fan blog that I regularly read, asked me to answer a few questions from the media's perspective. If you're interested in reading the interview, you can find it at Stampede Blue today.

Defense spotted; pass rush, too

The Colts' 17-16 win over the Bills was closer than expected for most, but that doesn't mean some good things didn't come out of the win. Most notably, the Colts' defense delivered its best performance of the season. Granted, the Bills aren't the Broncos on offense, but it was nice to see four -- count 'em, four -- sacks by the Colts. Indy remains a team, in every sense of the word.

Here's my quick overview of the Colts' win, en route to 9-0:

Passing game: Patience was the word of the day, as the Bills put double coverage on Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne and dared the Colts to run the ball and rely on the short-passing game. Peyton Manning resisted the urge to force the ball deep, and Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai turned in their best combined performance. Not only did they run the ball well, they were effective catching it out of the backfield. Manning also had a couple passes to Wayne where he once again put the ball in the perfect locale where only Wayne could catch it.

Running game: Addai rushed for 78 yards and Rhodes 72 (a combined 27 carries for 150 yards), which any team any day would love to have. The offensive line churned out the yardage with excellent blocking, particularly in the final drive when the Colts held the ball for more than six minutes.

Pass defense: JP Losman wasn't much interested in passing (8 of 12, 83 yards), but Robert Mathis had two sacks, Anthony McFarland one and Dwight Freeney came up with his biggest (and first solo) sack of the season. He pushed the Bills just far enough to make the potential go-ahead field goal go wide right. It was good to see the Colts' pass-rushers in the backfield on a regular basis.

Run defense: They allowed only 111 yards, second-lowest of the season and particularly impressive considering the defense was without Gary Brackett, Bob Sanders and Montae Reagor. Rob Morris did a nice job filling in for Brackett.

Special teams: Something has to be done about the coverage game. It's terrible. On the flip side, Hunter Smith's punting was superb and Terrence Wilkins continues to add a nice burst on the return game.

Coaching: Give the Colts credit for tightening up the defense. Whether it's as tight as it needs to be will be determined the next two weeks -- at Dallas and at home against Philadelphia.

This team continues to have flaws, but it's still undefeated, which is no small accomplishment.

Making the grade

My mid-season report card grades are in, and like most teachers, I try not to flunk the football players. The Colts are better in some subjects than others, of course. To find out who has the best grades, go to today's column.

Colts savvy enough to avoid letdown

One of the most impressive regular-season achievements for the Colts has been their ability to avoid surprising upsets. For all of their playoff problems, they don't seem to fall into the trap of taking teams lightly, and that comes straight from coach Tony Dungy's leadership. The Buffalo game this week would seem to be that "trap game" for most teams because: A) the Colts are coming off emotional wins at Denver and New England, and B) The Bills are anonymous, but talented enough to make it a game.

Few teams in the NFL seem as even-keeled as the Colts players, as evidenced by their comments about avoiding a letdown. Typical of the Colts' view is center Jeff Saturday:

"Even if we came back and lost a game (in an upset), I wouldn't say we overlooked our opponent. That's not your style," Saturday said. "We prepare to play as good a game as we can. But I think any team can beat you."

The Colts' defense remains vulnerable enough that anything is possible, but I don't see Buffalo as the team to end the unbeaten streak, especially in the Dome. But, the Colts may wish they could make a deal to re-acquire defensive tackle Larry Tripplett after he returns to his old stomping grounds Sunday.

Incidentally, in a less-than-shocking development, safety Bob Sanders missed practice Wednesday. As he demonstrated against New England, Sanders plays with zero regard for the punishment he dishes out and takes by sacrificing his body. The Colts could win without him this week, but he's essential to a future playoff run.

Colts: Bring on the hype

Colts players have moved into their November mode, where they aren't available to the media until Wednesdays. But I was able to grab a few quotes from the players after their 27-20 win in New England, and they seem to be taking the prospect of another run at an undefeated season in stride. You can catch some of their thoughts in my story today. I like linebacker Cato June's nonchalant approach:

“That stuff is for ‘NFL Live’ and all them boys to talk about,” June said. “We don’t worry about being undefeated or ‘Can the Colts do this?’ Everybody wants to talk about the future. We’re just talking about Buffalo.”

The Colts (8-0) have some dangerous opponents on their second-half schedule, including Dallas, Jacksonville, Cincinnati and Miami (considering their win over the Bears). It's going to get interesting and the national media will get louder and louder, but I believe the Colts can handle it simply because they went through it last season.

Colts reap rewards in New England

It's hard to say what the most rewarding part of the Colts' win at New England would be. It could be picking off Tom Brady four times and prevailing with some defensive play for a change. It could be winning back-to-back road games. It could be the fact Indy knocked off the Patriots on a day when it didn't play its best game. It could be all of the above.

The Colts are 8-0 again, and the 27-20 win over New England brought plenty to be pleased about:

Running game: The Patriots were able to stifle the Colts here, making Joseph Addai work for every one of his 43 yards (2.4 per carry). Given the quality running Addai has provided all year in his rookie season, he was probably due for a rough game.

Passing game: Constant blitzing by the Patriots led to three sacks and the pressure may have contributed to Manning's lone interception. Junior Seau looked like he was 10 years younger, at least for one afternoon. But Manning came through when he needed to and his duo of Marvin Harrison (8 catches, 145 yards, two touchdowns) and Reggie Wayne (6-90) were tremendous again. Manning said the long third-down pass on the Colts' first possession was meant to go to Harrison. "Dallas (Clark) tried to intercept it," Manning joked.

Run defense: The return of Bob Sanders at safety added intensity to the Colts' defense and should lead to continued improvement against the run. The Patriots logged 148 yards at 4.5 per carry, so work remains to be done.

Pass defense: Anytime you pick off four Brady passes, it's an A+ day. Again, Sanders' presence helps.

Special teams: Adam Vinatieri looked an awful lot like Mike Vanderjagt on those two wide-right misses, but he's forgiven. It had to be tough to come back home. Terrence Wilkins continues to be a return threat, with his fumble the only blemish on an otherwise strong day. Kick coverage had some issues in slowing the Patriots' Laurence Maroney.

Coaching: Everyone talks about the genius of Bill Belichick, and he's good, but Tony Dungy held his own and beat New England for the second straight time.

Clearly, the Colts have some flaws. But they seem tougher and tougher-minded this season, and their poise can't be beat. Having gone through the questions and attention of the long undefeated streak last year, I don't think the pressure will get to them the second half of the season.

Saving the best for last

Peyton Manning says in a perfect scenario, the Colts would jump out to a big lead early and dispense with the fourth-quarter suspense. As long as the Colts' defense can't stop the run, that seems unlikely. But, it should be great for the fans Sunday night in Foxboro, Mass., when the Colts' clutch fourth-quarter offense meets the Patriots' stubborn fourth-quarter defense in their AFC showdown, which is the subject of my column today.

The fourth quarter could be big on big, strength on strength, and a battle of wills between two of the more cerebral teams in the NFL. Manning and the Colts (7-0) live for the fourth quarter. Three of their seven wins have come on last-minute drives. They’ve put 71 points on the board in the fourth quarter.
The Patriots (6-1) plant “Closed” signs at the line of scrimmage in the fourth. They have allowed only 13 fourth-quarter points, holding four of seven opponents scoreless in the final stanza.

Of course, the Colts' defense may find itself fending off a Tom Brady-led drive late in the game. Unfortunately, it looks like Indy will have to do so without safety Bob Sanders again. While he's listed as questionable on the injury report, I talked with cornerback Jason David on Wednesday and he said Marlin Jackson will play safety again this week, an indication that Sanders is unlikely to return.