Manning's big season ends with another thud

INDIANAPOLIS - Peyton Manning's best season still came up short.

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While he was breaking records, winning awards and putting together arguably the best season by an NFL quarterback, Manning's sole focus was leading the Indianapolis Colts to the Super Bowl.

His mission failed Sunday with another loss at New England.

"We really thought we were a better team this year, and it just didn't finish the way we wanted it to," Manning said.

It was about all he didn't achieve in a season that was as much for the story books as it was for the record books.

But the most frustrating aspect was that the Colts (13-5) devoted so much time to overcoming their nemesis and still lost playing against a defense that was missing three key starters.

The numbers suggested that the Colts improved in almost every phase over the team that lost the 2003 AFC Championship game.

Manning broke NFL records for touchdown passes (49) and passer rating (121.1) while setting a career-high in yards (4,557) and tying a career-low with 10 interceptions. He was a nearly unanimous choice for his second straight MVP award.

Edgerrin James returned to pre-injury form, rushing for 1,548 yards and averaging 4.6 yards per carry.

Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne and Brandon Stokley became the first receiving trio in NFL history to each top 1,000 yards and catch 10 TDs.

The Colts scored 522 points, the fifth-highest total in league history, and outscored four straight opponents during the second half of the season by a combined 182-57.

The offensive line allowed a league-low 14 sacks, while Dwight Freeney led the NFL with a franchise-record 16 sacks. Indianapolis led the NFL with a plus-19 turnover margin.

In the end, though, the gaudy stats didn't matter. The season ended the way it began - with a loss at New England.

"We've just got to continue to grow and get better, and eventually we'll get to the point where we beat those guys," coach Tony Dungy said Monday.

For Manning and the Colts, it was another bitter playoff exit and a painful reminder of what they must still overcome to reach their first Super Bowl since moving to Indianapolis in 1984.

The Patriots have been the biggest obstacle. In the past two years, the Colts (13-5) have lost just 10 games, but four, including two in the playoffs, have come to the Patriots.

What must the Colts do now? Perhaps spend some money on defense.

"Well, the teams that seem to play better defense do seem to win championships," tight end Marcus Pollard said.

Changes, as always in the salary cap era, are expected.

The Colts have a long list of potential free agents which includes six starters: James, offensive linemen Ryan Diem and Rick DeMulling, linebacker Rob Morris, cornerback Nick Harper and safety Idrees Bashir.

Although the Colts have room to sign most of the players, it's doubtful all will return.

Plus the Colts face some potentially tough choices with Pollard and kicker Mike Vanderjagt, who may have to redo their contracts to stay in Indianapolis.

Team owner Jim Irsay already has said he is prepared to put the franchise tag on James, keeping one key player in place. The Colts have already agreed to deals with Harrison and Stokley, which will keep the receiving corps together.

And, of course, the expectations will only increase for Manning, who has six years remaining on a $98 million contract that he signed in March.

So Dungy isn't contemplating an overhaul.

"Most of the time, taking the next step is just doing what you do a little bit better," Dungy said.

In the Colts' case, that means they must figure out a way to contend with New England.

On Sunday, the Patriots rushed for 210 yards and used three time-consuming drives to limit the Colts offense to just 57 plays.

When Manning was in the game, the Patriots defense made sure he wasn't himself. His 69.3 rating was his second lowest of the season and he failed to throw a touchdown.

It was not the ending Manning or the Colts envisioned.

"It was an excellent run," Manning said. "It was a fun run, but you know obviously when you finish with a loss in the playoffs, it is disappointing. Hopefully, we will be back next year."