Indianapolis Colts Returning To Original Form

It wasn't the prettiest of wins. Denver Broncos' head coach Josh McDaniel's surprisingly efficient defense was able to corral Peyton Manning for the entirety of the first quarter. 

However, Manning cannot be held down forever. In a recurring trend, the stud QB threw the pigskin more than 40 times last Sunday afternoon.

Now the Colts begin an easier stretch. They face the cellar-dwelling Jaguars.

Colts football has taken on a new face. Many fans, such as myself, have been calling for it. A style which can have many benefits, as well as potential pitfalls. It can be summed up in two words: unleash Peyton.

In all seriousness he's a top three if not the best quarterback in the league. With potentially his most talented group of receivers, he has the ability to nickel and dime defenses and then unleash a bomb on the unsuspecting secondary. 

Austin Collie's emergence as Manning's go-to guy has been astounding. Heading into Week Four the "Soaring Mormon" leads the NFL in catches, yards, and touchdowns for a receiver.

Going into the season it was assumed that he would be the number three behind Pierre Garcon. After Garcon's continued drops and injury in the last game, Collie's status as, yet another stud receiver found in the later rounds by Polian, has been solidified. The scariest part is that Collie is in only his second year. As he and Manning become more acclimated, his stats should only get better.

The Colts defense played well. Only allowing a few big plays. Mostly to the Broncos Brandon Lloyd who was shipped to various teams, before landing comfortably with quarterback Kyle Orton and Denvers' deep-ball offense.

Manning has the most important position in the defense. If his offense scores early and often, the opposition must throw the ball. This plays right into the Colts' hands. Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis benefit the most when Indianapolis has the lead.

Rushing the passer suits their fast-paced defense. By gaining a quick 13-0 lead, Orton was forced to pass often. All this translated to an Indianapolis victory.

Manning has been forced to throw the ball more than in the past. Something many are happy to see. The run game has been non-existent in two of the three games. The Colts were held to a paltry 40-yards on 22 carries. They managed only three first downs off the run opposed to 15 in the air.

Manning can only shoulder the load for so long. At some point he running backs need to take a larger load.

Indianapolis came out and did what they had to do to get the victory. This will be good enough in the upcoming weeks. A brutal stretch follows in the middle of the schedule—Houston, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, New England, San Diego, and Dallas.

The Colts need balance on offense and play makers in the secondary. MJD and company face off next week. While the shifty back has been known to give the Fighting Mannings fits, a victory should be expected.