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December 15, 2011

Colts could still become spoiler

Tom James Tribune-Star Correspondent

INDIANAPOLIS — Time is running short for the 2011 Indianapolis Colts.

With just three games left in the regular season, the Colts are going through one of the worst droughts in franchise history. Coach Jim Caldwell’s team is 0-13 with a pair of home games coming up over a five-day period.

First, it’s a Tennessee Titans team Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Titans, still in the hunt for an AFC playoff wild-card berth, will come to town with a 7-6 record and hopes of registering a series sweep.

Tennessee posted a 27-10 win over the Colts at LP Field in Nashville on Oct. 30.

Next Thursday night, AFC South champion Houston will be the opponent for a nationally televised game on the NFL Network.

That’s going to be a quick turnaround for a team that has struggled mightily to put together four quarters of consistent football this season.

This year, instead of being the favorite or the champion, the Colts get to play spoiler. It’s a new role for a franchise that hadn’t had a losing season since 2001 (6-10).

“I guess that’s kind of how it lined up to be. You never really want to be in that situation where that’s all you have to play for is to spoil someone else’s chances,” defensive end Dwight Freeney admitted Wednesday.

“But I do know what we’re trying to do is win, and obviously, doing that would spoil something for them. We’re not going out there saying, ‘Let’s spoil their chances.’ No, we’re thinking about winning.”

In that vein, Indianapolis is trying to rely on its past successes to help the team get through this year.

“It’s kind of been drilled into us from day one and it’s just that you’ve got to take every day one day at a time, one practice at a time and one play a time,” Freeney said.

“We go out there and try to perfect our craft. We’re professionals, and regardless if you’re going to be here or somewhere else, you’re going to go out there and try your best, and at the end of the game, you see what the score is and whatever happened.”

Quarterback Dan Orlovsky knows the Titans well. A backup at Houston for several seasons, he will be making his first regular-season start at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday.

“I think it’s probably one of the better crowds that I’ve been in front of. Having the opportunity to play here when I was in Detroit and then the few games that I’ve been around at home this year, I think the crowd speaks for itself in how enthusiastic and passionate they are about their team,” he said.

“It will be a nice opportunity to go out and play in front of them. I know it’s my responsibility to give them something to cheer about too, so hopefully it will be a win-win for both sides.”



No “new” news on Manning — Despite reports to the contrary, quarterback Peyton Manning didn’t throw a football for the first time Wednesday. Or even Tuesday.

Manning, who was cleared two weeks ago to ramp up his rehab from neck fusion surgery, has been throwing the football for the last several weeks.

He confirmed that fact while talking to the team’s media during a Dec. 2 press conference in the Colts’ lockerroom.

“So now that we can do a little more throwing [we can make a better assessment]. Throwing will be a part of this next progression, [and] that is somewhat critical to my job,” Manning said.

“I will be throwing, and have been doing some throwing, and we’re going to ramp that up a little bit and answer some more questions about where we are.”

Caldwell was surprised that questions about Manning’s throwing schedule was still an issue.

“I think he’s been doing some of that in terms of his rehab. That’s what he does, so they’ve been working with him in that area. That’s all part of it though, it’s not anything revolutionary or new,” the Colts’ coach said.

As for whether the quarterback will practice with the team anytime soon, that remains to be seen.

“With his rehab, they’re increasing [Manning’s work], ramping up a little bit here and there. But in terms of [practicing Wednesday], no. There is no plan at this point.”

• Injury list — Sitting out Wednesday’s practice, besides Manning, were defensive end Jamaal Anderson (groin), tight end Dallas Clark (burner), linebacker A.J. Edds (ankle), Freeney (rest), defensive end Robert Mathis (knee) and linebacker Philip Wheeler (foot).

Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez (groin), who has seen limited playing time this season and has yet to catch a pass, fully participated in Wednesday’s workout.

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