LOS ANGELES: Quarterback Andrew Luck stole the show on a night when the Indianapolis Colts paid homage to their former hero Peyton Manning.
Luck tossed three touchdown passes and ran for another in the Colts’ 39-33 win yesterday over the Denver Broncos in Manning’s return to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Colts released Manning, 37, in March, and the quarterback joined the Denver Broncos.
“Our team prevailed,” Lucks said. “What a great atmosphere here.”
The game marked Manning’s return to Indianapolis for the first time since his departure. The Colts faithful cheered Manning as a tribute video was played when Denver came out of the tunnel prior to the game. Manning waved and thanked the crowd following the conclusion of the video.
“I just look at it as a chance to play football for a great team. I never looked at it as being the guy who replaced Peyton,” Lucks said.
Luck and Indianapolis rock solid defense spoiled Manning’s night and snapped the Broncos’ 17-game regular season winning streak. Manning was 29-of-49 for 386 yards with three touchdowns and an interception.
“I enjoyed coming back here,” Manning said Sunday. “I appreciate the tribute but the game was disappointing for us. I was glad I got to see my old teammates.”
Manning hasn’t slowed down since joining his new team. Heading into Sunday’s game he led the NFL with 2,179 passing yards, 22 touchdowns -- the most ever through the first six games of a season.
Alex Smith threw for 240 yards while rushing for a touchdown, and the stingy Kansas City defense helped keep the Chiefs unbeaten with a 17-16 victory over the Houston Texans. The Chiefs held an injury-plagued Houston offense to a pair of Randy Bullock field goals while sacking back up quarterback Case Keenum five times over the final two quarters to make a 14-10 halftime lead stand up. AFP
