 Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis have re-established themselves as one of the best teams in the 2009 NFL season. They are 5-0 with three blowout victories in the last three games. The team is averaging 27.4 points a game (6th in the NFL) and allows 14.2 points a game (2nd best in the NFL). The Colts have a commanding lead in the AFC South where the closest two teams are 2-3. The Jaguars and Dolphins were able to catch Manning before he found his rhythm, but now he is playing like the best quarterback in the league with a quarterback rating of 114.1. Peyton's detractors will say that though he has 12 touchdowns, has yet throw for less than 300 yards a game, and has completed 73.5 percent of his passes he has still thrown four interceptions. Still, since the Colts offense pretty much runs through him (the running game averages only 78.8 yards a game) the football is most often in his hands so his interception percentage is 2.2 percent, which is quite good. Another thing that makes Manning so good is that he spreads he ball out. Four receivers have caught more than 20 passes and five different players have a touchdown reception. His favorite targets are receiver Reggie Wayne and tight end Dallas Clark. Each player has more than 30 receptions, though Wayne is more of a deep threat and that shows with his four touchdowns. The Indianapolis Colts are dominant on defense thanks to a stingy pass defense. The front seven allow a few rushing yards (103.2 per game, 14th in the league), but overall the team holds the opposition to 295.6 yards a game (7th in the league). Player wise, the defenses stars are defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Combined they have 10.5 sacks. This Colts unit has forced 10 turnovers with six forced fumbles and four interceptions. This is good enough to cover the offenses six turnovers. The Indianapolis Colts have a bye week in Week 6. Then they play the Rams, 49ers, Texans, and Patriots. The obvious tough ones are 49ers and Patriots, but the Colts cannot fall asleep against the Texans. Their passing offense has the potential to be just as dangerous as the Colts.
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