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.