Colts begin title defense with convincing win

INDIANAPOLIS – Maybe all the Indianapolis Colts needed was a pick-me-up from the IU Marching Hundred. \nAfter playing to a 10-10 tie in the first half – and after a halftime performance by the Marching Hundred – the Colts’ offense exploded in the second half to trounce the New Orleans Saints 41-10 in both teams’ season opener at the RCA Dome. \nPeyton Manning and Reggie Wayne hooked up seven times for 115 yards and 2 touchdowns in the victory.\n“It was fun; (a) fun day to watch,” said Colts coach Tony Dungy.\nManning was 18 of 30 for 288 yards with three TD passes on the night.\nThe Colts much-maligned defense limited the Saints rushing attack of Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister to just 76 yards and allowed no runs longer than 12 yards all game. \n“We’ve got a fast defense, there’s no question about it,” Dungy said. “And we played very physical.\nThe Colts defense did not allow any touchdowns against last season’s top offensive team. \n“It’s kind of exciting to watch,” Dungy said. “I didn’t envision (the defense) holding them to three points.”\nIndianapolis was first on the board when Manning hit receiver Marvin Harrison for a 27-yard TD strike midway through the first quarter. \nThe Saints responded in the second quarter when former Colts cornerback Jason David stripped the ball from Wayne and ran it back 55 yards for a score. \nField goals by Saints kicker Olindo Mare and Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri knotted the score at 10 heading into the half. \n“We were a little bit out of sync in the first half offensively,” Dungy said.\nAfter limiting the Saints offense to three-and-out to start the second half, Manning meticulously marched his offense down the field, setting up a two yard run for Joseph Addai. \nAddai, playing his first game as Indy’s sole running back since the Colts did not resign Dominic Rhodes, finished the night with 118 yards rushing and three catches for 25 yards. \n“Joe ran hard,” said Manning, adding Addai helped open the Colts passing attack in the second half. “He’s the reason the Saints had to go to some blitzes and single safety (coverage).” \nManning’s two strikes to Wayne – 28- and 45-yard touchdown passes – helped ice the game for the blue and white.\n“Reggie has gotten even better since last year, which is saying a lot,” Manning said. \nIndianapolis added a late field goal and interception return for a touchdown to round out the game’s scoring.\nManning’s biggest complaint of the night? Missing the moment the Colts’ new Super Bowl banner dropped from the top of the dome. He was in the tunnel when the large white banner unfurled. \n“Everyone’s always asked me, ‘What will it be like,’” he said. “Well, I still don’t know.”