Peyton, Colts Blow by Houston

Manning goes 288 with 3 TDs in Super Bowl defense

(NEWSER) - After a stultifying first half, the Indianapolis Colts pounded the New Orleans Saints—and former teammate Jason David—in the second. The score at halftime in Indianapolis was 10-10; by the end of the game it was 41-10. "We kind of stayed in what we call 'in phase,'" said Peyton Manning, who helped the Colts repeatedly breeze by New Orleans' defense in the first game of the NFL season. More»

But he may practice in December

(NEWSER) - Peyton Manning may recover from surgery quickly enough to practice with the Colts by December, but the team doesn’t expect him to actually take the field until next season, owner Jim Irsay told a breakfast for Super Bowl donors this morning, according to the Indy Star . But the AP reports that he seemingly backtracked moments later—perhaps in the interest of keeping fans' attention this season—tweeting: "I didn't say Peyton out 4season FOR SURE,keeping him on ActiveRoster n taking it month by month/Outside chance of return n December possible." More»

Texans quarterback snags Pro Bowl MVP award

(AP) - In its new role as a warmup to the Super Bowl, the Pro Bowl became a series of wind sprints. Long gains were the rule and hard hitting the exception as the AFC beat the NFC tonight in Miami, 41-34. Light showers fell but uniforms remained mostly spotless, with more pushing and shoving than tackling. Game MVP Matt Schaub of the Houston Texans threw for 189 yards and two AFC scores. More»

Colts stun Texans with late surge; Redskins run over Eagles

(NEWSER) - The Dallas Cowboys nearly blew a big lead today, and the Indianapolis Colts overcame one against the winless Houston Texans:

• The Cincinnati Bengals whittled down the Cowboys' 17-point lead in the fourth quarter, but blew it when receiver Miles Austin couldn't catch an endzone pass, Dallascowboys.com reports. Cowboys 31, Bengals 22.
• The Colts scored 21 points in just over 2 minutes in the fourth quarter, beating the Texans 31-27. Peyton Manning threw two TDs and linebacker Gary Brackett returned a Houston fumble for another score, USA Today reports.

San Diego loses star to injury, faces unbeaten New England next

(NEWSER) - San Diego lost its starting quarterback and star rusher today but still clinched an upset over the Indianapolis Colts, 28-24, the AP reports. Backup QB Billy Volek led a 78-yard scoring drive late in the fourth quarter and the Chargers' D stiffened against Indy's passing attack. But San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson and starting hurler Philip Rivers departed with knee injuries. More»