Colts Rock The Giants 38-14

by shake n bake 

More photos » Andy Lyons - Getty Images 

about 12 hours ago: INDIANAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 19: Austin Collie #17 of the Indianapolis Colts scores a touchdown while defended by D.J. Johnson #29 of the New York Giants during the NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 19 2010 in Indianapolis Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

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Yeah, remember everything that was terrible last week? It wasn't tonight. The Colts put the first 24 points on the board before Mario Manningham got behind Jacob Lacey for the Giants first score of the game in the 3rd quarter. Eli Manning was sacked four times, stripped three, (recovered by Indy twice) and once picked off by Jerraud Powers. Massive back Brandon Jacobs recorded just 8 yards on 4 carries before an outburst ending with his helmet in the 10th row of the LOS seats got him fixed to the bench for the rest of the game. Addai put up 113 yards on 23 touches with Brown adding 83 on 16. Peyton was a deadly 20 for 26 for 255 and 3 TDs.

While Ahmad Bradshaw ran for over 5 YPC (89 yards on 17 carries) with the Giants in a deep hole early they had to take to the air where Eli was constantly harassed by the Colts pressure completing less than half his passes for barely over 100 yards in the first 55 minutes before garbage time drives got him to his final 13 for 24, 161 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT line.

While many will see this as a rebound for Indy, or an indication of the relative strength of the Texans and Giants, it is, but I also see a major testimonial for the benefits of an early lead. When the Colts can get out in front of a team they have to play into the strength of the Colts D. When they can't the D's strength is neutralized and weakest point exposed.