The Colts beat the Ravens 20-3 last night to qualify for the AFC Championship Game for the third time in seven seasons. They will host the winner of today's New York Jets-San Diego Chargers game next Sunday.
The Indianapolis defense was the star of the day, forcing four turnovers and holding the Ravens to three consecutive three and outs in the first half. The Ravens could only muster a field goal on their first possession and did not score the rest of the way.
The Colts were in control from the outset. Every time Baltimore had an opportunity to sthe shift the momentum, they were hurt by either a penalty or a fumble. The most memorable play of the game will have to be when Ed Reed intercepted a Peyton Manning pass in the third quarter only to have the ball stripped from him by Colts wide receiver Pierre Garcon.
Another Reed interception was called back due to a pass interfearance penalty. When Ray Rice had a big run in the fourth quarter for the Ravens, he fumbled the ball and the Colts recovered. Even in the first half, Baltimore had a 60 yard kick return called back for holding. And of course there was the Ray Lewis helmet to helmet hit on Austin Collie near the end of the first half that gave the Colts a first and goal.
Collie caught a touchdown pass from Manning to put the Colts up 10-3 late in the second quarter. After the defense forced a three-and-out, the Colts came back down the field and scored with three seconds remaining on a four yard pass from Manning to Reggie Wayne.
Tired of hearing media criticism that they would be too rusty and unable to win with so much time off, they came out and played one of their best games of the season. The two weeks of practice definitly paid off.
The fun continues. Regardless of who wins today, the Colts will be at home, and that is a very good place for them to be.
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