Colts, Chargers Renew Rivalry
Indianapolis Has Offensive Weapons Back for AFC Playoff Showdown
It’s hard to imagine a defending Super Bowl champion being an afterthought, but Tony Dungy’s Indianapolis Colts, despite a 13-3 mark and No. 2 seeding in the AFC, find themselves in that position because of New England’s historical run.
However, the Colts have soldiered on since their 24-20 setback to the Patriots in early November despite several key injuries, including the mid-season loss of end Dwight Freeney, one of the most disruptive defensive performers in the NFL.
Today’s divisional battle won’t be easy for the 81/2-point favorite Colts because their foe is San Diego, which has given them as much trouble as anybody the past several seasons.
The contest is a rematch of the Chargers’ 23-21 decision in rainy San Diego on Nov. 11, an evening in which Colts quarterback Peyton Manning threw an unthinkable six interceptions and Adam Vinatieri, the league’s most clutch postseason kicker, shanked a 29-yard field goal.
It marks the fourth meeting between these teams since 2004, with San Diego holding a 2-1 edge. In December 2005, San Diego’s last visit to the RCA Dome, Indianapolis was 13-0 and trying to maintain its quest for perfection. The Chargers harassed two-time NFL most valuable player Manning and used Michael Turner’s long TD burst to clinch a 26-17 verdict.
Third-seeded San Diego has won seven straight including last weekend’s wildcard triumph over Tennessee, but the Chargers face an uphill climb without All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates.
Chargers offense vs. Colts defense
San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers will be in the crosshairs despite throwing only one interception in his last 125 passes. The pressure also is on San Diego’s blockers to create seams for LaDainian Tomlinson, who led the NFL in rushing (1,474 yards) for a second straight season and will be the catalyst for any play-action passing. A strong running game also will play a key role in quieting the crowd. The Colts finished 15th against the run and were No. 2 versus the pass during the regular season and sport the Associated Press' defender of the year in safety Bob Sanders.
Chargers defense vs. Colts offense
Athletic linebackers Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips spearhead the Chargers’ aggressive defensive unit that must cause havoc for Manning, who’ll have future Hall of Famer and favorite target Marvin Harrison back for only the second time since hurting his knee Sept. 30.
Antonio Cromartie delivered three of his 10 interceptions in the teams’ first meeting as San Diego topped the NFL with 30 thefts. However, Colts’ tight end Dallas Clark and rookie No. 3 receiver Anthony Gonzalez also weren’t available for that showdown, so they should make a huge difference even though the Colts have struggled mightily against the Chargers and other predominantly 3-4 defensive teams such as Pittsburgh and New England in recent years.
Special teams
Darren Sproles returned a kickoff and a punt for Chargers’ scores during the November contest, so the Colts know they must stop those momentum-changing plays.
Coaching
Dungy and San Diego’s Norv Turner have plenty of playoff experience, but most of Turner’s was as an assistant in Dallas. Dungy, 9-8 overall in the playoffs, has a defense that much better complements its powerful offense than in years past.
Prediction
Indianapolis has its full arsenal on offense, which has featured running back Joseph Addai and receiver Reggie Wayne, and a raucous 12th-man advantage and should return to the AFC Championship game for a second consecutive year.
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