Colts get passing grades on tough opening

INDIANAPOLIS -- The NFL schedule-makers sent Indianapolis an early message. Play well in the opening month, and it could lead to a better finish.\nFour weeks into the season, the Colts have done their part. They are 3-1 and hold a distinct advantage in the AFC South after wins at Tennessee and Jacksonville.\nBut the players understand there's still more to do.\n"I don't really know what we've done yet," quarterback Peyton Manning said. "We're 3-1, but that means absolutely nothing now."\nManning, last year's co-MVP, called the opening obstacle course the most challenging start of his seven-year NFL career.\nThe Colts opened the NFL season at defending Super Bowl champion New England, then played the Titans and Green Bay Packers -- both playoff teams last year -- before visiting unbeaten Jacksonville last week.\nAlong the way, the Colts met three of the AFC's top defenses, two other MVP quarterbacks, a two-time Super Bowl MVP and a rapidly improving division contender.\nYet the only blemish was a 27-24 loss to the Colts' biggest nemesis, New England. Indianapolis even had a chance to force overtime in the league's opener until Mike Vanderjagt pushed a 48-yard field goal wide right, his first miss in 43 attempts. The loss still troubles the Colts.\n"What still bothers me a little bit about the so-called record is that if they get it, three of those wins were against us," defensive tackle Larry Tripplett said, referring to the Patriots' quest for an NFL record 19th-straight win Sunday.\nIndianapolis' other results have been virtually flawless.\nThe Colts rallied for 21 fourth-quarter points in a 31-17 victory at Tennessee, scored five touchdowns in the first half of a 45-31 shootout against Green Bay and drove 74 yards for the game-winning score at Jacksonville last week.\nThey also won despite having a secondary riddled with injuries that have put both starting safeties out of action. Their top draft pick, safety Bob Sanders, also has not played after a lengthy holdout and both starting cornerbacks have played despite being banged up.\nIt's a promising sign for the defending AFC runner-ups who know this season's biggest goal, a Super Bowl victory, may well be dictated by their successes or failures in the season's first month.\n"We knew it was going to be tough," tight end Marcus Pollard said.\nAs usual, the Colts' offensive numbers have been staggering.\nManning already leads the NFL with 11 touchdown passes, has thrown just two interceptions and leads the AFC with a quarterback rating of 115.4. He's on pace to throw for nearly 4,500 yards.\nThe Colts also have three players ranked among the AFC's top nine in receptions and Edgerrin James is fourth in the conference in rushing.\nThere is, of course, one glaring weakness: A defense that has allowed more points than 24 of 32 NFL teams and opponents to rush for 4.4 yards per carry.\n"I don't think this team is there yet," defensive tackle Montae Reagor said. "We are very hungry and you know you can't relax."\nIf this was a test, the Colts passed the first part. Now they comes the dangerous portion.\nCoach Tony Dungy knows that for the Colts to make good on another fast start, they must get continue to improve. His job is to keep the Colts focused even if it appears two straight home games sandwiched around a bye week will make things easier.\n"There's a tendency to say we've been through the tough part of the schedule and we're at a place you can relax," Dungy said. "When you do that is when you get tripped up."\nThe Colts' next test comes when Oakland (2-2) visits. Then there is a rematch with Jacksonville - the only South Division team to beat Indianapolis last season.