In his first game since winning an unprecedented fourth NFL MVP award, Peyton Manning threw for two touchdowns and a dominating defense helped Indianapolis beat Baltimore 20-3 to reach the AFC title game.
Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Caldwell played it safe Sunday, benching Peyton Manning in the third quarter but then had to watch backup quarterback Calvin Painter struggle as the Colts lost their first game of the season to the New York Jets, 29-15.
Pompei: The New Orleans Saints and Colts are so close to 16-0 seasons, but there are sound reasons to believe neither team will attain regular season perfection. Winning any game — let alone winning every game — is a difficult thing to do in the NFL.
