Colts’ Defense Answers Critics

The Indianapolis Colts didn’t need Peyton Manning to be perfect. They didn’t need injured running back Edgerrin James at all.

Chad Bratzke and the defense made sure of that.

After enduring months of criticism, the Colt defense produced its most complete effort. Bratzke had a hand in two forced fumbles, the defense got a season-high six sacks, and went 54 minutes without giving up a point.

Add Manning’s efficient 199 yards passing, and a 100-yard rushing performance from James’ understudy, Dominic Rhodes, and it equaled Sunday’s 30-14 victory over the Buffalo Bills.

Suddenly, the Colts are playing like a balanced team and not just Manning and Co.

“You don’t feel the pressure to force one in there,” Manning said, referring to playing with a comfortable lead.

“You’re certainly just as aggressive and going for touchdowns, but it certainly enters into your thinking that, ‘Hey, our defense is playing well. Let’s protect the ball. Make big plays and try to get the win.”’

It was a solid turnaround for a defense that had given up an average of 359 yards and more than 30 points a game. Sunday, Indianapolis forced three turnovers that led to 17 points, and limited the Bills to 232 yards on offense.

“Certainly it’s one of the best games that we played,” Bratzke said. “I don’t want to say we made a statement. Let’s retract that. We executed well.”

The Colts (4-3) have won two straight after a three-game losing streak.

The Bills (1-6) have lost all four home games this season, and are 0-6 at Ralph Wilson Stadium dating to last year--Buffalo’s longest home losing streak since dropping eight in a row from 1983-84.

More disturbing, the Bills have been outscored, 162-75, during their current home losing stretch.

“I feel bad for the fans,” said Buffalo quarterback Rob Johnson, who finished 17 for 33 for 172 yards passing. “It’s tough for them to keep coming out and cheering. We played terrible. That was awful. It’s very frustrating.”