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.