Colts offense bucks trend

INDIANAPOLIS – All the talk has focused on the Colts’ leaky defense.

But don’t leave their suddenly ordinary offense out of the equation.

Three losses in four weeks have not only ruined what seemed like a certain run to the AFC’s top seed just a month ago, but also put more pressure on two-time Most Valuable Player Peyton Manning to start putting up more points.

“I think the commitment has always been here as far as knowing what to do,” Manning said Thursday. “It’s a matter of doing it, and I think actions carry more weight than words right now.”

Yes, the run defense has deservedly received the brunt of the blame after allowing nearly 600 yards rushing in the past two weeks, but Indianapolis (10-3) also needs to fix things on the other side of the ball.

The typically dependable unit that Manning has led the last nine seasons used to win games despite of poor defenses. Instead, it’s getting bogged down by dropped passes, penalties and turnovers, a combination that has allowed Indy to score more than 17 points only once in four weeks. Manning has been pressured more in the pocket and his passer rating has dropped into the mid-90s after throwing six interceptions and four TDs in the past four games.

Although they’ve maintained the NFL’s No. 2-ranked offense, the reality is they haven’t been themselves.

“Everybody here is an athlete who loves to compete and we’re hard on ourselves,” tight end Ben Utecht said. “When things don’t go as expected, it is frustrating.”

Last week’s game at Jacksonville was another example.

While the Colts produced 339 yards in offense, they managed only one meaningful touchdown – a 1-yard run by Dominic Rhodes in the second quarter that gave Indy a brief 10-7 lead.

There are explanations for the uncharacteristic play.

Tight end Dallas Clark has missed two straight games with a right knee injury, and the Colts remain hopeful he will return this season.

That is not the case for receiver Brandon Stokley, who ruptured his right Achilles tendon against Jacksonville. Stokley, who has been plagued by injuries all year, was placed on injured reserve Thursday, ending his season.

In past years, the Colts have managed to overcome such losses. This time, it’s taking a toll on the entire locker room, including Manning.

“There’s no question those guys are hard to replace and may not be replaceable,” Manning said. “You have to lean a little heavier on the guys that you know have been here for a long time, and guys that are constantly making plays like Reggie (Wayne) and Marvin (Harrison) and Joe (Addai) and Dominic (Rhodes).”

But the Colts believe the offensive part can be fixed and they have the playmakers to do it.

Manning is the most studious quarterback in the league. Wayne and Harrison have each topped 1,000 yards, and Addai and Rhodes have combined to rush for nearly 1,400 yards.

Coach Tony Dungy believes it comes down to concentration.

“It’s been finishing and fundamentals, and it’s been turnovers the last three games,” Dungy said. “When you put up 17 points and have over 400 yards, that’s not normal for us.”

Nor is a poor week of practice, which Manning attributed to last week’s debacle in Jacksonville.

Manning believes that will change this week as Indy tunes up for a showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals – a game it may have to win in a shootout.

“It starts on the practice field and getting in rhythm and trying to come out and be really sharp on Monday,” he said. “The idea, though, is to be sharp in practice. That’s the only way I know how, is to go back and work and be sure you’re doing the same things that you’ve always done – just try to do them a little better.”