Manning throws six more TDs

DETROIT — Peyton Manning barks and gestures at the line of scrimmage, adjusting to defenses and changing play calls.

It might seem like chaos, but he’s in complete control. Blitzing linebackers or disguised coverages don’t faze him. Manning truly seems flustered only when he’s far from the field, standing in a locker room to talk about his remarkable performances.

In his latest brilliant display, Manning threw for six touchdowns in less than three quarters and raised his season total to 41 TD passes, leading the Indianapolis Colts past the Detroit Lions 41-9 Thursday.

He set an NFL record with at least four TD passes in a fifth straight game — and he did it by halftime. Dan Marino had a four-game streak with at least four TDs in 1984, when he also set a league mark with 48 TD passes in a season.

“I feel uncomfortable talking about anything individual,” said Manning, almost pleading to change the subject. “I just want to keep winning.”

Connecting with Marvin Harrison and Brandon Stokley three times each for TDs, Manning finished 23 of 28 for 236 yards and zero interceptions for the AFC South-leading Colts (8-3).

Look at the performance this way: Manning had more TDs than incompletions.

“He’s the best that’s ever played this game as far as quarterbacks are concerned,” Stokley said. “When he’s retired, they’ll compare everybody to Peyton Manning, without a doubt.”

The reeling Lions (4-7) didn’t help themselves by fumbling four times in their territory, missing a field goal and stalling repeatedly in the red zone.

Fittingly, backup quarterback Mike McMahon fumbled on the final play before scooping up the football and throwing an interception in the end zone to cap what’s now a five-game losing streak.

The Colts replaced Manning late in the third quarter, preventing the QB from tying the NFL record of seven touchdown passes in a game, shared by five players: Sid Luckman, Adrian Burk, George Blanda, Y.A. Tittle and Joe Kapp.