National Football League

Colts' comeback more than just about Manning

Published Jan. 2, 2009 8:51 p.m. ET

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There were no wild players-only meetings.

"Those are scary,'' Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning said. ``We don't have those here.

There were no Knute Rockne-like inspirational talks.

"I'm not much for speeches,'' Colts coach Tony Dungy said.

Without a hint of drama, the Colts climbed back from a brink-of-disaster 3-4 start to establish themselves as the hottest team going into the NFL playoffs. They did it the Colts way: with workmanlike efficiency and a superb quarterback.

"We feel like we've been playing elimination games for a while,'' said Manning, won won the NFL's Most Valuable Player award on Friday. "We had a lot of pressure on us. It's nice to know you can answer the bell when you challenge yourself.''