Luck, Defense Spoil Manning's Homecoming

The reception Peyton Manning received in his return to Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday night, was deafening.

The message sent by the Indianapolis Colts 39-33 win over previously undefeated Denver was louder.

"We knew what type of game it was going to be," said Head Coach Chuck Pagano.  "Credit our guys for sucking it up and finding a way to pull that thing out in the end and hold on.  There was a lot of ebbs and flows in that game, a lot of big plays made on both sides.  We made just enough plays to win."

The night belonged to Manning.  Colts fans gave him a rousing ovation after a video tribute that took a trip down memory lane of how he helped build a franchise. 

"It was a very nice gesture by the Colts to do that.  I truly appreciate it," said Manning.  "Great reception from the fans and I truly appreciate that, as well; something I'll always remember."

The game was dubbed as a battle between legend and young gun.  Old versus new.  Manning versus Luck. And, in many ways it was.  The two quarterbacks went back on forth as though they each had something to prove.

Manning completed 29-49 for 386 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception.  Luck hung with him every step of the way going 21-38 for 228 yards, three passing touchdowns, a rushing score, and no interceptions.

It was the finest of duals.

"Certain people may make it one person versus another, but it's never that way," said Luck.

Unfortunately for Manning, Luck and the offense had plenty of support.

The Colts defense wreaked havoc on their former signal caller.  It started with Stanley Havili stripping Trindon Holliday on a punt return that set up the Colts first touchdown, an 11-yard pass from Luck to Darius Hayward-Bey.

Then, Robert Mathis got the shot heard 'round Lucas Oil Stadium, sacking and stripping Manning that led to a safety.

"Whatever it took," said Mathis.  "If we had to bite, scratch him, or pinch him, we had to get some kind of pressure on him."

The Colts defense helped build a 36-17 lead early in the fourth quarter, but as Indianapolis fans know too well, no lead is safe when Manning is under center.

Manning put together back-to-back touchdown drives to draw the Broncos within six, aided by a Trent Richardson fumble which set up the second score.

Denver got the ball back with just over seven minutes to play with a chance to take the lead.  The stage was set for Manning to be heroic once more in the stadium that he built.

But, Erik Welden flew through the offensive line, hit Manning's arm and Pat Angerer grabbed the game's only interception.

"When he is comfortable, when he gets a chance to set up, he will kill you," said Mathis of Manning.  "So, we just tried to make him uncomfortable."

The Broncos had one more chance to make the game interesting, but again, the Colts defense shut the door, when Welden forced Ronnie Hillman to fumble at the Indianapolis two yard line.  Antoine Bethea recovered and the story book ending for Manning was officially rewritten.

"Getting wins at home, it's huge with the atmosphere that the fans create and having that pride of defending your home turf," said Luck.  "What a great all three phases of football to get this win."

Manning will forever hold a place in the hearts and history of the Indianapolis Colts.  That was evident by the waves of No. 18 Broncos jerseys - some even mixing and matching Luck and Manning jerseys.

It was also evident with the celebration that came with his return, including Marvin Harrison, Jeff Saturday, Ryan Diem and Edgerrin James coming back to honor their former quarterback who led the Colts to a Super Bowl Championship.

"I had a really good visit with them.  It was really neat," said Manning.  "I don't get to see those guys enough and really enjoyed the time I got to spend with all four of those guys."

But, Sunday proved life after Peyton isn't so bad either.

Luck proved he can handle the spotlight and the defense played its most opportunistic game of the season.

"I'm proud of the guys for just working, trusting the process, not getting caught up in the BS, so to say, surrounding it," said Luck.  "We just worked. We knew we had a great football team coming in here and again, couldn't let other things distract us or else they would expose us."

Now with a week off before heading to an ailing Houston, the Colts (5-2) appear to be full steam ahead to the playoffs and maybe even get another shot at their former friend, turned foe.

"I felt a little tired coming into this week.  I'm kind of in some ways relieved this game is over," said Manning.  "Hopefully we will have a chance to play these guys again"

"If there is a next time, (it) may be a little bit easier, because it was somewhat of an emotional week and it can be a little draining."

photo courtesy nfl.com