Manning Uses His Six-Shooter

Peyton Manning broke one of Dan Marino’s records, took a big step toward another and didn’t even have to play the whole game to do it.

In his latest brilliant display, Manning threw for six touchdowns in less than three quarters and raised his season total to 41 touchdown passes, leading the Indianapolis Colts past the Detroit Lions, 41-9, Thursday.

He set an NFL record with at least four touchdown passes in a fifth straight game -- and he did it by halftime. Dan Marino had a four-game streak with at least four touchdowns in 1984, when he also set a league mark with 48 touchdown passes in a season.

“I feel uncomfortable talking about anything individual,” said Manning, almost pleading to change the subject. “I just want to keep winning.”

Connecting with Marvin Harrison and Brandon Stokley three times each for touchdowns, Manning completed 23 of 28 passes for 236 yards and no interceptions for the AFC South-leading Colts (8-3).

Look at the performance this way: Manning had more touchdown passes than incompletions.

“He’s the best that’s ever played this game as far as quarterbacks are concerned,” Stokley said. “When he’s retired, they’ll compare everybody to Peyton Manning, without a doubt.”

The reeling Lions (4-7) didn’t help themselves by fumbling four times in their territory, missing a field-goal try and stalling repeatedly in the red zone.

Fittingly, backup quarterback Mike McMahon fumbled on the final play before scooping up the football and throwing an interception to cap what is now a five-game losing streak.

“This is the pinnacle of those five losses,” cornerback Fernando Bryant said.

The Colts replaced Manning with Jim Sorgi late in the third quarter.

Otherwise, Manning would have had a shot at tying the NFL record of seven touchdown passes in a game, shared by five players: Sid Luckman, Adrian Burk, George Blanda, Y.A. Tittle and Joe Kapp.

With five regular-season games left, Manning has already matched Kurt Warner for third-most touchdown passes in a season. Marino threw for 44 touchdowns in 1986.

Marino, now a CBS analyst, was asked at halftime how teams should deal with Manning.

“Blitz him!” Marino said.

The Lions tried that at times, but they were no match for Manning’s quick release and sound decision-making.

All the offense is helping the Colts overcome their less-than-stellar defense. Indianapolis has won four straight games, scoring at least 40 points in each of the last three.

Detroit and its quarterback are headed in the opposite direction.

A month ago, the Lions were being praised for their turnaround after winning an NFL-low 10 games the last three seasons. They have reverted to their old ways.

Joey Harrington was 14 of 23 for 156 yards before he was benched in favor of McMahon late in the third quarter.

No such problems for the Colts. Harrison caught 12 passes for 127 yards, and Stokley had five receptions for 57 yards. Edgerrin James had 23 carries for 105 yards.

Lion returner Eddie Drummond, who has scored on four punt and kickoff returns this season, left at the start of the second half because of a shoulder injury that could end his season.