Colts Make Big Statement

The Indianapolis Colts tried something different against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, and showed that the AFC South is more than just a one-team division.

The Colts won with defense and ball control as Edgerrin James rushed for 120 yards and scored a touchdown, and the Titans managed just 236 total yards in a 33-7 decision.

Indianapolis also made a clear statement by finally protecting its home field against Tennessee.

“The game showed this team is ready to play football with the best of them this year,” receiver Marvin Harrison said.

Indianapolis (2-0) knew it needed a victory Sunday to change the division’s dynamics, and this one came almost by design.

“We held serve, to put it in Wimbledon terms,” Coach Tony Dungy said.

“Last year, we had this opportunity and we didn’t get it done and we were behind the eight-ball all year.”

James ran with power and looked like his old self, Peyton Manning threw with precision, and Tennessee (1-1) never really got started.

The Colts even knocked out Titan quarterback Steve McNair for two series with a dislocated ring finger on his throwing hand.

By beating a second straight playoff team, the Colts snapped a three-game losing streak -- two of those in Indianapolis -- against the defending AFC South champions.

They also grabbed an early lead in the head-to-head battle for what most expect to be a two-team race.

Sunday’s early season contest even had the feel of a playoff game.

Towels waved, fans chanted and when the crowd noise increased, Tennessee struggled.

On the field, the Colts also took a playoff approach, demonstrating that they could win with power football.

James carried 30 times and produced his first 100-yard rushing game since getting 106 against Dallas on Nov. 17, 2002. It was his highest rushing total since his 138 yards against Miami on Sept. 15, 2002.

Manning didn’t have to be overly productive, but he was efficient. He completed 14 of 21 passes for 173 yards with one touchdown -- a 35-yarder to Harrison, who tiptoed the sideline in the end zone for a 17-7 lead.