Colts Win Low-Scoring Affair

NFL News - September 13th, 2009 - Written by John

The effects of an absent Marvin Harrison seem to be minimal if Sunday's opener was an indication.

For the first time since 1996, the Indianapolis Colts were without their All-Pro wide out after the team declined to re-sign him. But Peyton Manning looked just fine, throwing for 301 yards and a score.

He hit eight different receivers on the day, and seemed to be continuing the terrific chemistry he had with Reggie Wayne last year. The pair torched the Jaguars for 162 yards, while Wayne actually had eight catches for 138 yards midway through the third quarter.

However, those chunky yards rarely resulted in scores and the Jaguars' defense was able to keep Indianapolis out of the end zone. Two Jacksonville players (Justin Durant and Daryl Smith) had at least 10 tackles while Derek Cox had an interception and a fumble recovery.

The Colts benefitted from a good return game to start their drives in good starting position. Chad Simpson had three returns with an average of 27.3 yards per touch.

Meanwhile, Jacksonville was effective on the ground, as many assumed they would be. Maurice Jones-Drew accumulated 97yards on the ground and got his team within two early in the fourth quarter when he scampered around the left side untouched for a seven-yard touchdown. However, Jacksonville's two-point attempt was turned away and Indianapolis' defense never broke again.

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