LITTLE ROCK — Tonight’s game against the San Diego Chargers will test the Indianapolis Colts’ ability to forget.
Here’s what the Colts have to put out of their minds:
Last week’s loss at New England. The Colts had a victory in their sights. Peyton Manning had the offense rolling. Then the bad pass. No review necessary.
Recent history with San Diego. The Chargers have won four of the past five games between the teams, including a playoff game two years ago when the Colts couldn’t get 2 yards to seal a victory. No sense rehashing.
Missing players. This is the toughest of the tasks, leaving all thoughts of what the team would look like and play like if Joseph Addai, Dallas Clark, Austin Collie, etc., were on the field. They aren’t.
It’s not a must-win for the Colts with three division games still on the schedule, but it’s close. If the Colts can rebound and beat the Chargers, they are in line to start a roll that could lead to playoff momentum.
The chance at winning starts by looking exclusively ahead.
“[San Diego] is probably one of the hottest teams, playing with a lot of momentum right now, coming off a little winning streak here,” Manning said. “This is definitely one of our toughest tests to date here at home.”
The Colts (6-4) are 4-0 at home. San Diego (5-5) has won three in a row, seemingly righting its ship, and quarterback Philip Rivers is putting up statistics comparable to all-time great Dan Marino.
In fact, Rivers’ numbers put him in line to challenge Marino’s single-season record for passing yards. He’s already thrown for 3,177 yards. Drew Brees has more, but he’s played an additional game. As far as efficiency goes, Rivers ranks third in the league in passer rating and has a league-best 23 touchdowns, with nine interceptions.
Rivers has become every bit the thorn in the Colts’ side that Tom Brady has been over the years. Rivers’ play this season puts him alongside Brady, Peyton Manning and Brees as the elite passing quarterbacks in the league.
“Philip continues to grow as a player,” Chargers Coach Norv Turner said. “This is his fourth year in this offense and he’s just continued to get better. ... He’s playing aswell as you can. A lot like Peyton, when you start changing receivers - we have 15 guys who have caught passes - you do that and it puts a real burden on the quarterback. He’s really handled that well.”
Rivers could have tight end Antonio Gates back this week after an injury and will have wide receiver Vincent Jackson back on the field.
Jackson has missed this season with a suspension and a contract holdout. He talked of sitting out the entire season, but he had to take a reduced contract in order to play six games and qualify for free agency after this season.
He’s a big-play threat when he’s on top of his game, but a big distraction otherwise.
The game could be a shootout, a reasonable assumption given that the Chargers are ranked No. 1 in the NFL in total offense and passing offense, and the Colts are No. 2 in total offense and No. 4 in passing offense.
The Chargers’ defense is first in total defense and passing defense and has the edge statistically.
Of course, there’s no accounting for the drive Manning will bring after his failure to finish with a victory at New England.
“You do understand that we aregoing to have to play well on offense and score some points because their offense is so explosive,” Manning said. “I know what kind of challenge our defense is in for going against their offense with all their playmakers. You feel challenged to do your part and keep your defenses out of tough situations and, hopefully, be able to put some points on the board.”
Manning will be without Collie this week, as the team takes a cautious approach after the return of concussion symptoms in the New England game. Mike Hart could be back in the fold at running back after returning to full practice this week.
The Colts can retake sole possession of first place in the AFC South with a victory over the Chargers and a Jacksonville loss at the New York Giants. The Colts have two division games left with Tennessee and one with Jacksonville.
“Certainly, I need to play better than last week,” Manning said. “But I do think in order to beat them it has to be a true team win. Everybody has to do their part.”
It starts with looking forward and forgetting about the past.
Sports, Pages 28 on 11/28/2010