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The Indianapolis Colts are counting on their more opportunistic defense to help make this year's playoffs one to remember -- not another to forget.
While inconsistency plagues the defense, a plus-10 turnover margin is an encouraging sign. A second year in coach Tony Dungy's defensive scheme has players reacting quicker and pouncing on more mistakes.
A victory in the
turnover battle could be the difference between making Sunday's game against
Denver another first-round loss or the first step toward an extended playoff
run.
``I think it's essential,'' tight end Marcus Pollard said. ``I can remember
back in '95, when we started our playoff run. If we get a lot of turnovers,
then it's going to give our offense a short field. It's going to give us excitement,
enthusiasm. And if we can get the score up, that's to our advantage.''
Historically, the Colts haven't fared well in the turnover department, finishing minus-61 in the 10 previous seasons. In Jim Mora's four seasons as coach, they were minus-39.
Last year, Dungy's first in Indianapolis, the Colts improved to minus-5. He made finishing on the plus side a priority this year.
``I told the team last year we were fortunate to get into the playoffs minus in the giveaway-takeaway,'' Dungy said. ``It generally doesn't happen. We did it last year, but you don't do it often.''
The Colts' offense has done its part, minimizing mistakes. Although the team's high-flying offense is the primary reason the team has been in the playoffs four of the last five years, turnovers were a significant reason for last year's early exit.
Against the New York Jets, the Colts were at their worst, giving away two interceptions and a fumble as the Jets cruised to a 41-0 playoff victory.
Quarterback Peyton Manning responded this season with a career-low 10 interceptions, and the team's 10 fumbles were fourth fewest in the AFC.
``Anything like that you've got to attribute to the players,'' offensive coordinator Tom Moore said. ``Of course, (coaches) are the ones who stress it and emphasize it, but they're the ones who have done the job.''
On defense, the Colts are beginning to more closely mirror the ballhawking style of Dungy's defenses in Tampa Bay.
One key difference this season has been that the players have a better understanding of Dungy's scheme, making it easier to anticipate and capitalize on opponents' mistakes.
``When you're in a new system, a lot of times things come so new, you just concentrate on lining up,'' said defensive end Chad Bratzke, who ended the 2003 season with three sacks and a forced fumble. ``But once you've been in the system, it's second nature.''
The results, so far, have been tough to dispute. Dwight Freeney and Mike Doss combined to force eight fumbles. Nick Harper's four interceptions not only led the team, but were one more than the Colts' cornerbacks combined for in 2002.
In their Dec. 21 meeting with Denver, linebacker Gary Brackett returned an errant Jake Plummer pass 31 yards to give the Colts an early 7-0. But a leaky run defense kept the Colts' offense on the bench as the Broncos rolled up 227 yards rushing in a 31-17 win.
With top running back Clinton Portis expected to play for the Broncos, the Colts will lean on the formula that helped them win their first division title since 1999 -- while hoping to get a little farther in the playoffs.
``Guess this year, everybody realized the defense does work,'' Harper said. ``All you can do is be accountable for your actions.''
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