Colts Secure Wild-Card Playoff Berth, Beat Jaguars 31-24

It is probably old news right now, but Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is going to yet another Pro Bowl; after his performance in Thursday night’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, you would understand why. Manning threw for 3 touchdowns, leading Indianapolis to the 31-24 win over Jacksonville at Jacksonville Stadium; with the win, Indianapolis grabbed the #5 seed and wild-card berth.

The Colts overcame a 14-0 deficit in the second quarter and 24-14 early in the fourth quarter; they took their first lead of the game when cornerback Keiwan Ratliff intercepted a pass from Jaguars QB David Garrard and returned it 35 yards for a TD, giving the Colts a 31-24 lead with 4:48 remaining in the game. The Jaguars had a couple chances to tie the game, but both drives ended with sacks; they also lost running back Maurice Jones-Drew to a sprained knee late in the game during their final drive.

Manning had arguably his best game this season as he went 29-of-34 for 364 yards and 3 TD’s while Garrard went 28-of-41 for 329 yards with a TD and an INT. Dominic Rhodes led the Colts rushing attack - or lack thereof - with 27 yards while catching 6 passes for 62 yards and a TD while Drew led Jacksonville’s rushers with 91 yards and catching 7 passes for 71 yards.

Reggie Wayne led the Colts receivers with 7 receptions for 108 yards and a score while Dallas Clark caught 8 passes for 105 yards and a score. Dennis Northcutt led the Jaguars receivers with 8 receptions for 101 yards and a TD while tight end Marcedes Lewis caught 6 passes for 55 yards. Indianapolis (11-4) plays their last regular-season game when they host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, December 28 while Jacksonville (5-10) end their season when they travel to Baltimore to take on the Ravens - also on Sunday, December 28.