National Football League

Struggling Colts turn attention to fixing problems

Published Nov. 29, 2010 8:43 p.m. ET

foxsports

Suddenly, the defending AFC champs look mediocre.

The Colts have lost two straight meaningful regular-season games for the first time in more than two years and have lost three times in November for the first time since 2001.

Even Mr. Consistency, Peyton Manning, is mired in a slump. He's thrown seven interceptions over the past two weeks and nine interceptions in November - something he's done only one other time since his second NFL season.

What's wrong? Take a look around.

''We've all just got to play a little better,'' tight end Jacob Tamme said Monday. ''We've got to run better routes, we've got to pass protect better, we've got to run the ball better, and that's what we have to work on. Like Peyton said, he takes responsibility, but we all have a responsibility to play better.''

For the Colts (6-5), it's been a forgettable season, with problems popping up everywhere.

Manning was harassed all day in the season opener at Houston, prompting concerns about Indianapolis' offensive line. Then came an injury rash that has been so debilitating longtime NFL executive Bill Polian said he's never seen anything like it.

And now the offense can't seem to give Indy the points it needs to play from the lead - and help the defense.

The primary reason: Manning has spent the last month working with a makeshift unit.

He lost his top outlet receiver, All-Pro tight end Dallas Clark, with a season-ending wrist injury on Oct. 17. Two-time 1,000-yard rusher Joseph Addai went down in the same game with a nerve injury in his left shoulder and hasn't played since. Addai's replacement, Mike Hart, hasn't played in four weeks because of a sprained ankle, and the Colts have lacked a consistent running threat since Hart's departure.

Manning also been without receiver Anthony Gonzalez and has had receiver Austin Collie for only three quarters in the last five games because of his injuries.

The changes have clearly taken a toll on the Colts' offensive production, and specifically, Manning's reputation for playing almost flawless football.

He started Sunday's game with two interceptions in his first 14 attempts, giving him three picks in a 15-throw span, and finished the game with four picks - two of them returned for touchdowns.

Afterward, Manning blamed himself for the mistakes, though teammates and coaches insist it's not the four-time MVP's fault.

Yes, the first interception was thrown into a crowd of three Chargers defenders. But Manning's arm was hit on the second pick, and on the third one, the Colts still contend safety Eric Weddle shoved Reggie Wayne to the ground to make the play. No flag was thrown.

''Turnovers distort your view,'' coach Jim Caldwell said less than 24 hours after Indy saw its streak of seven consecutive 12-win seasons end. ''Look, our defense played hard, played tough and held that team to five field goals. They were 0 for 8 on third downs. They were 1 for 5 in the red zone.''

The turnovers were devastating.

In the last four weeks, Manning has those nine interceptions and been sacked eight times. The Colts also have lost one fumble, shocking numbers for a team that usually ranks among the league's most efficient in turnover margin and sacks allowed.

But the season is far from lost.

Despite all their problems, Indy still shares the AFC South lead with Jacksonville, and has a favorable schedule down the stretch. The Colts will play at home three times in the final five weeks and only one of those opponents, Jacksonville, has a winning record. The Jaguars also are 6-5 and are tied with the Colts atop the AFC South.

Plus, Caldwell said Monday he expects most of the Colts' injured players to be back this week or next.

The Colts are hoping it will be enough to help them extend their streak of consecutive playoff appearances to nine, and then, maybe, make a healthy run at an AFC title - if they can get things righted.

''It is disappointing, but it is what it is,'' cornerback Kelvin Hayden said. ''The season is not over. We'll continue to fight and try to get these things worked out and get this thing rolling.''