Foes have run up good numbers
INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy always has been known for his defensive prowess. In his 17 years as a head coach or coordinator, Dungy's defenses have been ranked in the top 10 in the NFL 11 times. That's why it is so odd that his Colts are giving up 6.1 yards per rushing attempt in the playoffs.
"It's not just the stat, but the way we're giving them up," said Dungy at Monday's news conference. "We've just got to be in the right gaps, do the right things. We've got to tackle a little bit better."
Dungy said the team has gone for about five weeks without pads in practice and it showed in its 38-31 triumph over the Kansas City Chiefs in Sunday's game. Two weeks ago, the Colts fared better in their wild-card win over Denver, 41-10.
Next up is Sunday's AFC Championship game against the Patriots, who in beating Indianapolis, 38-34, Nov. 30 scored the most points of a Colt opponent this season, though they averaged just 2.4 yards per carry in that game.
"We're playing the hottest team in football," said Dungy. "They are very well coached and they are very talented. They're playing at home and they're playing with a lot of confidence. We've won our share of road games and now we have to go in and win one more with the stakes being very high."
Foot soldiers
Sunday's contest in Foxborough matches two of the game's most accurate placekickers in Indianapolis's Mike Vanderjagt and New England's Adam Vinatieri. "I wouldn't be surprised if the game comes down to a field goal one way or the other," said Dungy. "Vinatieri has been very clutch for them in their playoff run. Mike is kicking very well for us and has made a ton of big kicks, and both of them know how to kick in adverse conditions." Vanderjagt has scored in 87 consecutive games, the longest streak in club history . . . Indianapolis is 27-5 when running back Edgerrin James scores a touchdown, and 27-5 when he rushes for 100 yards . . . The Colts are the only team in the league that has had the same starting quarterback (Peyton Manning), offensive coordinator (Tom Moore), and offensive line coach (Howard Mudd) for the past six seasons.
Plays are the thing
Dungy offered kudos to Patriots playmaking linebacker Tedy Bruschi. "I remember him coming out of school and he was a playmaker there," said Dungy. "Guys who make plays at that level generally make them at the next level. As a defensive coach, you look for guys that can make plays." . . . Manning has started the first 96 games of his career, the most ever by a quarterback. He has 167 touchdown passes in those games, an average of 1.7 per game, the second-best mark of any quarterback in league history with at least 50 touchdown passes. Brett Favre (346 TDs in 192 games) leads at 1.8. 