Indianapolis – Cato June ran to the Indianapolis Colts’ sideline, celebrating the first big break of the game.
It was a big break, all right. But it went the New England Patriots’ way. No one was more surprised than June, a Colts linebacker. June was jumping up and down, celebrating an Indianapolis turnover at the goal line. Problem was, the Patriots’ offensive linemen also were celebrating – in the end zone with the football.
It was that type of night in the Colts’ 38-34 victory to advance to the Super Bowl against Chicago in Miami on Feb. 4. Three linemen scored in the game.
To start it off, New England guard Logan Mankins fell on a bouncing ball in the end zone after a fumble on a bad handoff exchange between quarterback Tom Brady and running back Laurence Maroney at the 4. Several Colts tried to fall on the ball but it danced out and into the end zone. Mankins’ dive gave the Patriots a 7-0 lead.
In the third quarter, the Colts tied the game at 21-21 on a 1-yard pass from Peyton Manning to defensive lineman Dan Klecko, who was in on a tackle-eligible play. Yes, Manning’s only touchdown pass was to a defensive lineman.
Early in the fourth quarter, Indianapolis tied the game at 28-28 when Colts center Jeff Saturday fell on a Dominic Rhodes fumble.
“Two unlikely touchdowns helped us out,” Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy said.
Footnotes
It appears former Miami coach Scott O’Brien has emerged as the leading candidate to work with the Broncos’ special teams. …
Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis, a former offensive coordinator at New England, watched the game with his family from the press box.
EYE ON … The Indianapolis Colts
For the record: The Colts were 12-4 and won the AFC South.
Streaking: The Colts won their first nine games of the season. They are on a four-game winning streak.
Who’s hot: After a sluggish first two playoff games this month, Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is smoking into his first Super Bowl. He threw for 349 yards Sunday night against New England.
Who’s not: Colts star receiver Marvin Harrison was the focus of New England’s defensive attack. He had just four catches for 41 yards.
Key stat: The Colts scored on five of their seven drives in the second half and scored 32 points.
FYI: Chicago coach Lovie Smith was an assistant on Colts coach Tony Dungy’s staff when Dungy was the head coach in Tampa Bay. The two remain close friends.
Injury update: Colts tight end Ben Utecht suffered a knee injury, and cornerback Nick Harper suffered an ankle injury. They will be evaluated in the coming days.
Line: Colts by 7
Coachspeak: “It’s a shame we have to go all the way down to Miami. We should play this thing in Fort Wayne.” – Dungy, on the battle of the Midwest
