SPORTS WEEKEND : AROUND THE AFC / EAST : Colts Try Another Run

The Colts have lost 10 consecutive road games and 18 of their last 19, but things are looking up. They play at San Diego on Sunday.

The Chargers boast, and they do boast a lot, the top rushing defense in the league from a year ago. Against it, Colt running back Edgerrin James will be trying to become the first NFL rookie to run for 100 yards in his first three games. San Diego’s defense allowed an average of 71.3 yards on the ground last year, and limited Cincinnati to 47 last week. The Chargers have gone 20 games without allowing a 100-yard rusher. And they won six of those games, so if all goes according to form, they stop James, but lose.

Terry Allen will take over for Kevin Faulk in New England, while Faulk rests a sore ankle. Allen figured to replace him anyway, after averaging 4.3 yards in 30 carries.

Say it as it is. “If we don’t play any better, we’re not going to win any of these games,” Jet Coach Parcells said. “That’s the truth.” That’s what has happened to the Jets this season. Things have gotten so bad, Parcells has been driven to tell the truth.

It also sets up an intriguing match between the Jets and Broncos Oct. 3. After meeting in last year’s AFC title game, each team might be looking for its first win.

Stat of the week: In the last 66 drives he has directed, quarterback Rick Mirer has led his team to one touchdown. They train them well at Notre Dame. He was one for 52 with the Bears in 1997, did not play while with the Packers, and is 0 for 14 with the Jets.