INDIANAPOLIS — Peyton Manning got Indianapolis’ makeshift offense chugging like its old self Monday night.
The four-time league MVP threw for two touchdowns, then watched Mike Hart run for a career-high 84 yards and Jacob Tamme score his first career TD to help the Colts get past the Texans 30-17.
The victory allowed the Colts (5-2) to get even in the head-to-head series with Houston (4-3) and gave the defending AFC champions sole possession of the South Division lead.
Although the Colts were missing all-pro tight end Dallas Clark, receiver Austin Collie and running back Joseph Addai with injuries, Manning and his teammates didn’t miss a beat.
“Whoever’s in there has to find a way to do the job. It’s not always going to be pretty, but we’ve just got to keep grinding and making some plays,” Manning said.
Manning went 26-of-45 for 268 yards. Hart provided the Colts with a rare ground game, and Tamme, Clark’s replacement, caught six passes for 64 yards.
But it wasn’t just the new guys making plays.
Reggie Wayne caught a touchdown pass, Manning ran for a first down for the first time in nearly two years, and even became the lead blocker on a first- down catch-and-run by Pierre Garcon in the third quarter.
