Manning expected to start season opener for Colts against Bears.
August 29, 2008
Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy expects star quarterback Peyton Manning to play in their NFL regular-season opener against the Chicago Bears next week.
“I would be shocked if he’s not there (a week from) Sunday,” Dungy said Thursday after the preseason finale. “He would have to have a dramatic setback. Right now, every step we’ve taken has been good.”
Manning, who has never missed a start in his 10-year NFL career, has made significant progress in the past week, six weeks after having surgery to remove an infected bursa sac from the knee.
He was activated from the physically unable to perform list Tuesday and then did some light work at practice. When he returned Wednesday, with no soreness in the knee, coaches increased his workload.
On Thursday, he was in uniform and warming up for the first time at any of the Colts’ five preseason games this year. He didn’t play but now, it appears, he’ll be ready to go when the Colts play their first regular-season game at the new Lucas Oil Stadium.
“What we wanted to do was really kind of simulate what he was going to do on game day, see how everything felt and see if he wanted to alter his routine for next Sunday,” Dungy said. “I think he came away feeling pretty good about it. He told me on the sidelines that if he started, he would have felt in good shape and ready to go.”
Hookscenter.com wire report.
Colts activate Manning as 2-time MVP participates in practice.
August 26, 2008
Peyton Manning is finally healthy enough to start practicing with the Indianapolis Colts.
Coach Tony Dungy says the team activated the two-time NFL MVP on Tuesday, clearing the way for him to begin working out with his teammates. Manning had been on the physically unable to perform list since training camp opened after surgery to remove an infected bursa sac from his left knee July 14.
He didn’t appear with the team until last week when he lobbed a few passes to teammates as the Colts practiced at the new Lucas Oil Stadium.
Manning was expected to go through team drills for the first time Tuesday afternoon.
Hookscenter.com wire report.
Colts getting ready to activate Peyton Manning for 2008.
August 25, 2008
Peyton Manning might be activated by the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday, although the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player is not expected to play in the team’s final preseason game Thursday night.
Manning underwent surgery July 14 to have an infected bursa sac removed from his left knee and has been on the physically unable to perform list the entire preseason. He has never missed a regular-season start in his 10-year career.
“We have a chance to get Peyton activated and out to practice. So we’ll see how that goes,” Colts coach Tony Dungy said Monday.
Manning got limited light work in practice last week and was on the sideline, but not in uniform, during Sunday night’s 20-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Backup quarterback Jim Sorgi, who started the first three preseason games in place of Manning, also missed Sunday’s game because of a sore knee.
Dungy said the Colts would not thrust Manning into a full workout schedule, even if he is activated.
“I think we’ll ease him in and see how he practices and what he’s able to do,” Dungy said. “We’ll see from there.”
Manning did not speak with reporters Monday.
Dungy said with only three days to prepare for the Bengals, Manning is not likely to play Thursday against Cincinnati. Sorgi, kick returner T.J. Rushing and center Jeff Saturday also could miss the game because of knee ailments.
Rushing was hurt early in the first quarter against the Bills, and Saturday left in the third quarter. Sorgi was scratched after battling a sore knee in practice last week. He was hurt in the Colts’ 16-9 win at Atlanta on Aug. 16, although the injury didn’t appear to be serious at the time.
All three underwent MRIs on Monday, but the results were not immediately announced.
Dungy also said rookie tight end Tom Santi and wide receiver Roy Hall might return to practice this week.
Santi also has been on the physically unable to perform list after undergoing a surgery similar to Manning’s in early July. Hall has been nursing a strained hamstring for the past two weeks.
Hookscenter.com wire report.
Colts open Lucas Oil Stadium in preseason tilt against Buffalo.
August 23, 2008
They have looked it over, inside and out.
The Colts’ players and coaches have toured Lucas Oil Stadium, the new, state-of-the-art facility in downtown Indianapolis where they will begin playing home games this season. They have practiced there.
They have seen the locker rooms and scoreboards. They know where to park.
Now, comes the next phase:
Playing a game.
And although the Colts’ game Sunday against the Buffalo Bills is just a preseason game, it’s still a game, and Colts players and coaches said this week that makes it something special, and makes it an important step in their new home feeling like . . . like . . .
Well . . . like home.
“We’re real anxious,” Colts middle linebacker and defensive captain Gary Brackett said this week as the Colts (1-2 in the preseason) prepared to play the Buffalo Bills (1-1) Sunday night at 8 p.m. in a preseason game that will be the first NFL game played in Lucas Oil Stadium.
“Playing somewhere for the first time is always fun. Obviously, our fans are excited about being in the stadium and we’re just as excited about playing.
“It is a home game – our new home. I’m sure it will be fun.”
The Colts played home games the last 24 years in the RCA Dome, which sits across the street from Lucas Oil Stadium, a retractable-roof facility with moveable window wall that has been under construction the past two years.
The first NFL regular-season game is scheduled to be played in Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, September 7, when the Colts play host to the Chicago Bears.
But Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy said getting acclimated to the new stadium before a regular-season game was important. The process began on Tuesday, when the Colts held their first practice there, and will continue Sunday.
“I’m pretty excited,” Dungy said. “It will be fun, even though it’s just a preseason game. I think our guys going in there Tuesday with no crowd at all were excited and had a very good practice just because of the atmosphere, so I think it’s going to be great.
“I think opening up new places is always fun. It’s not very often you get to do it. But especially for our veteran guys, seeing the difference between the (RCA) Dome and Lucas Oil – just feeling that pride and that environment – it’s a difference and it will be good for us.”
Dungy, who was the head coach in Tampa Bay in 1998 when the Buccaneers moved from Tampa Stadium to Raymond James Stadium, said “one thing you learn (moving stadiums) is the stadium doesn’t win for you or the amenities or the crowd.”
“You still have to show up and play,” Dungy said. “I think we will.”
Said Colts tight end Dallas Clark, “It will be fun. It will be awesome to open up the stadium, just to have the fans geared up, but it’s important for us to be out there for the preseason games, just so we’re not lost or we can find the locker room and kind of get comfortable with our surroundings.
“That’s what will be beneficial for this preseason game, not only getting better on the field, but getting used to the new routine that we’ll have.”
Dungy said this week there’s more to the game against Buffalo than becoming accustomed to surroundings.
The game is the second-to-last preseason game, traditionally the closest thing to a dress rehearsal NFL teams have during the preseason. Dungy said that’s how the Colts will approach the Bills game, with the team having game-planned for Buffalo throughout the week and with the first-team offense and defense expected to play deep into the third quarter.
“We’re taking the time to break things down and see what tendencies they have, what they like do to on offense and defense – plus our ones should be out there a little bit longer,” Brackett said. “I think it will be a good gauge heading into the season.”
The Colts throughout the preseason have spoken of wanting consistency from the first-team offense and defense. Dungy said following this past Saturday’s preseason victory over the Falcons that he was disappointed with the number of mistakes the Colts committed throughout.
The first-team offense in the preseason has had three extended drives – with each ending in a field goal – and also had drives end in a punt, interception and fumble.
“If there’s been one thing disappointing about our offense in general it has been our red-zone production,” Dungy said. “We’re zeroing in. We took a lot more plays in the red zone this week just to put a little more emphasis on it. Overall, it hasn’t been bad. We’ve move the ball well and that’s what we’d like to get, some consistency.”
Hookscenter.com wire report.
Manning makes first 2008 appearance at practice for Colts.
August 19, 2008
Peyton Manning proved on Tuesday he can stand, walk and talk.
Next question: Will the two-time MVP start in the Indianapolis Colts’ NFL season opener?
Manning made it to his first practice of the season on Tuesday, then ended his self-imposed silence by saying he wanted to play in Indianapolis’ first regular-season game on Sept. 7 against the Chicago Bears — although he couldn’t provide a guarantee.
“I’ve not really had a whole lot to say to tell you the truth,” he said. “As to when I’ll be back on the practice field, that’s still to be determined. Obviously, the sooner the better for me. My goal is to be back for the first game.”
Indy’s franchise quarterback had been kept out of public view since having surgery to remove an infected bursa sac from his left knee on July 14. Team officials said he was staying away to reduce the risk of another infection.
Since he was drafted No. 1 in 1998, Manning has started all 160 regular-season games and 14 straight playoff games, leading the Colts to eight playoff appearances and a Super Bowl title in 2007.
Team owner Jim Irsay doesn’t want to take any chances with his prized player.
If it means Manning would get healthier by taking the first week off and ending the NFL’s second-longest streak for consecutive starts by a quarterback, Irsay implied Manning would sit out.
At practice, Manning was minus a helmet and pads, and wore a wrap around his left knee. He threw a few passes but spent most of the time chatting with Irsay and coach Tony Dungy at the new Lucas Oil Stadium.
Throughout Manning’s absence, team officials repeatedly said Manning’s rehabilitation was on schedule. He was expected to miss four to six weeks, and Dungy believed Manning could be practicing by next week.
The time table remains uncertain, though, and Dungy could not assure fans that Manning would be ready to face the Chicago Bears.
“I don’t know if any of those (injured) guys will be out there on the 7th, but my guess is they will be,” Dungy said.
Hookscenter.com wire report.
Freeney and Sanders cleared to return to practice for Colts.
August 18, 2008
Safety Bob Sanders is ready to start hitting, and the Indianapolis Colts are finally ready to get him back on the field.
Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy said Monday that Sanders, the 2007 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and defensive end Dwight Freeney, a former league sacks leader, should be cleared for practice this week — easing two of the team’s biggest preseason concerns.
“Our hope is that they will practice this week,” Dungy said. “We expect both to practice by Wednesday.”
If Sanders has his way, the return could come even sooner. He’s hoping to be on the field when the Colts hold their first workout at the new Lucas Oil Stadium on Tuesday.
Both were placed on the physically unable to perform list — along with two-time league MVP Peyton Manning and two other starters — when training camp opened July 24 and all five starters were held out during the Colts’ entire three-week stay in Terre Haute, Ind.
Sanders is recovering from his second straight offseason shoulder surgery, while Freeney is coming back from November foot surgery. Manning had an infected bursa sac removed from his left knee July 14 and was expected to miss four to six weeks.
Coaches were concerned about rushing the Colts’ two defensive leaders back too soon even though Sanders and Freeney continually lobbied to practice.
Now, it appears the coaches and doctors, have embraced the players’ wishes.
“That’s my plan,” Sanders said when asked about practicing Tuesday. “I guess you’ll have to talk to coach Dungy and see what happens. I’m getting excited, I’m ready to go, and hopefully I’ll get out there this week.”
But Sanders, Freeney and Manning aren’t the only starters who have been knocked out with injuries.
Other starters who have missed practice time include middle linebacker Gary Brackett, outside linebacker Tyjuan Hagler, backup linebacker Clint Session, who replaced Hagler in the lineup, and offensive linemen Ryan Diem, Ryan Lilja and Tony Ugoh.
Session and Brackett have since returned to the field and Ugoh played in Saturday’s 16-9 preseason victory at Atlanta.
If Sanders and Freeney do return this week, the Colts could have all of their defensive starters except Hagler on the field for Sunday’s stadium debut against Buffalo. Hagler is not expected back until October after tearing a pectoral muscle while lifting weights during the offseason.
Without Sanders and Freeney, the Colts have been susceptible to the run. On Saturday, Indy allowed Michael Turner to break long runs on each of the Falcons’ first two series and wound up running four times for 113 yards. Through three preseason games, the Colts have given up more than 176 yards rushing per game.
Sanders hopes to change that this weekend.
“I think playing in a game is important just to get the chemistry back with the first guys and getting your timing down,” he said. “I think if you get that down, you play a little better.”
The biggest question, of course, is Manning, who has been kept out of public view since camp opened. He has not taken questions since his teammates reported to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
The result: Indy’s offensive starters have not scored a touchdown in the first three preseason games and fans have grown increasingly concerned about Manning’s absence.
Yet Dungy and other team officials have continued to say his recovery is on schedule, and Dungy said Monday that Manning could be back on the field next week.
It wasn’t all good news on the injury front Monday.
Dungy said the team may be looking for another defensive lineman after Saturday’s victory, just the third in Indy’s last 17 preseason games.
Starting end Robert Mathis sprained an ankle, rookie end Marcus Howard has a strained oblique muscle and Curtis Johnson, an undrafted free agent, injured his shoulder. All are expected to miss some time this week although Dungy called the injuries minor.
But at least it appears they can rely on Sanders and Freeney to get the defense clicking again.
“I’m definitely ready,” Sanders said. “My body feels good. I’m just trying to be smart about the things I do on and off the field.”
Hookscenter.com wire report.
Colts post first preseason win in 2008 against Falcons.
August 17, 2008
Jim Sorgi proved he can help the Indianapolis Colts convert third downs.
Now the next goal for Peyton Manning’s backup: Lead Indianapolis on a touchdown drive.
“It’s great to have long drives,” Sorgi said. “We had one where we started inside the 15-yard line and drove all the way down to the 5, but we have to put it in. We’ll figure it out and put some points on the board next week.”
Sorgi was glad he could ease some concerns at quarterback while Indianapolis waits on a timetable for Manning, the former NFL and Super Bowl MVP who’s recovering from knee surgery.
The Colts’ 16-9 preseason win Saturday night had an opposite effect on the Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback situation.
Atlanta rookie Matt Ryan and journeyman Chris Redman both struggled enough to make the Falcons wonder who will run their offense in 2008.
“We’ve got to get better,” Atlanta coach Mike Smith said. “When you’ve got a chance to convert and score, you have to do it but my hat’s off to the Colts.”
For Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy, Sorgi eased concerns after a fumble and interception last week at Carolina led to early scores in the Colts’ exhibition loss.
This time, Sorgi completed 7 of 12 passes for 67 yards on two possessions. His first drive stalled when Sorgi threw into double coverage and out of the reach of tight end Dallas Clark. The next possession, covering 85 yards in 17 plays, lasted 8:30 after Adam Vinatieri’s 24-yard field goal cut the Falcons’ lead to 6-3.
In three preseason starts, however, Sorgi still hasn’t led the offense into the end zone.
“We are moving the ball,” Dungy said. “We are making first downs. We haven’t had a lot of big plays.”
Atlanta’s hopes that Ryan, the NFL’s No. 3 overall draft pick, would improve on an impressive debut last week were dashed late in the second quarter.
After entering in the second quarter, Ryan misjudged the tight coverage of Kelvin Hayden, who easily jumped the route for an interception he returned for a 67-yard touchdown.
“Matt did not play as well as he did last week,” Smith said. “But like we’ve said, it’s a maturation process. Am I surprised by it? Not really. Going from college to the NFL is the steepest learning curve in football.”
Hayden’s score gave Indianapolis a 10-6 lead it never relinquished and helped the Colts (1-2) realize they can win without Manning, who has never missed a regular season start in his 10-year career. Safety Bob Sanders, the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, also sat as he recovers from shoulder surgery.
Ryan, who completed 9 of 15 attempts for 113 yards and a touchdown at Jacksonville, finished with a 33.9 passer rating that was 71.8 lower than his performance last week.
The Falcons (0-2) earned little momentum from running back Michael Turner’s big gains in the first quarter. Turner, a major acquisition in free agency, broke off a 52-yard run to the Colts 26 on the game’s first play from scrimmage.
Indianapolis stopped him for no gain and minus-2 yards on consecutive plays from the 5, however, and Atlanta settled for a 25-yard field goal from Jason Elam.
“We can’t have spurts where we play well here and there,” Turner said. “We have to put it all together at one time.”
On the first snap of the Falcons’ next possession, Turner ran 63 yards to the 22. Joey Harrington, who started for Atlanta, was nearly picked off on the next play, throwing methodically to Roddy White on a pass that Marlin Jackson nearly intercepted on the left side.
Two plays later, Elam’s 35-yard field goal made it 6-0.
Turner’s long runs didn’t sit well with Indianapolis linebacker Gary Brackett.
“Obviously, we’re still making mistakes,” Brackett said. “The problems we faced can all be corrected. If get a little more experience, we’ll be fine.”
Elam added a 40-yard field goal in the third to cut Indy’s lead to 10-9.
Adam Crossert, Vinatieri’s backup, kicked a 20-yarder in the third and another field goal late in the fourth.
Redman and D.J. Shockley each threw interceptions in the fourth quarter for Atlanta.
Hookscenter.com wire report.
Lucas Oil Stadium is officially open for the 2008 Colts season.
August 16, 2008
Local leaders and dignitaries gathered at Lucas Oil Stadium this morning to pat each other on the back and officially open the $720 million project to the public.
Several hundred blue-clad fans gathered around a stage at the stadium’s north end for the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“Opening this magnificent stadium is one of the most important days we’re going to experience in Indianapolis for several years to come, at least until the Super Bowl comes here in 2012,” Mayor Greg Ballard proclaimed. “It is a terrific day.”
Ballard noted the positive economic impact the stadium will have on the city.
“Indianapolis has worked too hard to attract and hold on to certain conventions and special events. Some of those meetings were starting to outgrow us and those organizations were turning to other communities that were building new venues,” he said. “With today’s grand opening, we’re more than back in the game. We’ve moved back to the forefront.”
Former Mayor Bart Peterson said the stadium was “worth every penny” because the Indianapolis Colts bring the community together.
“There are a lot of tangible benefits to building this stadium, but the real reason is far more significant than any dollars and cents analysis. It is because the Indianapolis Colts bring us together as a city and a state,” Peterson said.
“There is nothing that warms my heart more than to see an old man with a Colts cap, walking next to his daughter in a Peyton Manning jersey with a little baby in a stroller with a Colts bib on. All generations, all races, all political backgrounds – we all come together for professional sports.”
Colts owner Jim Irsay stressed a similar theme.
“This is about a place where we gather. It’s about community. It’s everyone’s stadium. This is the people’s stadium,” Irsay said. “As time passes, we’ll gather here for a lot of joyful events. They’ll be some disappoints, and they’ll be some sorrows. But it’s about the community, gathering and bringing us all closer.”
NCAA President Myles Brand touted Lucas Oils as a terrific venue for Final Four basketball games.
“Indianapolis is already America’s leading sports city, and this gold medal stadium confirms that,” Brand said. “Indy and Indiana can be very proud of everything that has been done to make this possible.”
Gov. Mitch Daniels said he was most impressed by the work of those who built the stadium.
“I want to say thanks, most of all, to the workers who made this marvel possible. I don’t know how that happens,” Daniels said. “I struggle to build a birdhouse that any bird would dare to inhabit.”
Forrest Lucas, the man who paid $121.5 million for the stadium’s naming rights, said he was anxious for an estimated 100,000 fans to get the chance to tour the stadium.
“You probably look at this place and say, ‘It’s magnificent,’” Lucas said. “But you don’t know how magnificent it is until you get inside.”
Hookscenter.com wire report.
Colts look for consistency, preseason win tonight in Atlanta.
August 16, 2008
The way Dallas Clark sees it, the objective is clear.The Colts, who broke 2008 Training Camp Friday morning after three weeks at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, will play the Atlanta Falcons in a preseason game Saturday.
The Colts want to win.
And they want to see improvement from this past Saturday’s loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Mostly, Clark – the Colts’ sixth-year veteran tight end – said what the Colts want was best exemplified in the words of Head Coach Tony Dungy after a practice this week.
“I think Coach said it best – more consistency in all three phases of the game,” Clark said as the Colts (0-2 in the preseason) prepared to play the Falcons (0-1) at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
“It has been two-and-half weeks of camp and that’s what we need to start seeing this time of year, I think. We’ve got the whole offense. We’ve repped everything once. We have the foundation. Now, we have to build it and make it strong.
“That starts with more consistency.”
The Colts, the five-time defending AFC South Champion, have started four of the past seasons with records of 5-0 or better, including each of the past five seasons.
But in the preseason, Dungy said the Colts haven’t won as consistently as would be ideal.
Since Dungy’s 2002 arrival, the Colts have a preseason record of 9-18, including 2-13 the past three seasons.
“We haven’t won nearly as many preseason games as I would like to,” Dungy said. “A lot of people think, ‘Oh, you don’t care about winning.’ I think it’s always important to win, but more than that, you are looking for different things.
“You’re looking for how young guys that you’re going to count on – how they play, and then you’re looking for new young guys to step in and do well in certain situations.”
The Colts lost their preseason opener this season, 30-16, to the Washington Redskins, then lost in overtime to Carolina, 23-20, this past Saturday. Dungy said earlier this week that while the starting units played well in the opener, the first-team offense and defense wasn’t as consistent against Carolina.
“We didn’t play well last week, so I’m looking for that group to play a little more, play better, and play more like we did the first week and really work on developing that consistency,” Dungy said. “The thing about the preseason is a lot of times the winning and losing depends on how your second and third group play. They’re playing the majority of the game.
“It tells you a little about your depth and what you’re getting out of those units. You can’t always read into the score. You want to see how the flow of the game is and how you’re doing compared to the other guys you’re playing whether it’s your first group or your third group.”
The Colts have fallen behind early in each of their first two preseason games, with Washington taking an early 7-0 lead and Carolina taking a 14-0 lead by turning two Colts turnovers into short touchdown drives.
“We want to look together when we go out there as a first unit,” Colts defensive end Raheem Brock said. “We still don’t have everyone healthy, but that’s no excuse. We still should look good the first couple of plays.”
Cornerback Kelvin Hayden said after allowing three touchdowns in a little less than two quarters, the first-team defense’s goal Saturday is to “be sharp.”
“It would be good to get a three-and-out,” Hayden said. “We’ve come out these first two games and we’ve given up seven points fast. You just want to be sharp, play fast, play physical and play our game. Hopefully, we can get that done.”
Offensively, quarterback Jim Sorgi – who will make his third consecutive preseason start in place of quarterback Peyton Manning – said the Colts are looking for a “a better start than we had against Carolina.”
Sorgi lost a fumble on the Colts’ first drive against Carolina and had a pass deflected that was intercepted on the second drive. On the team’s third possession, Sorgi led the first-team offense on its second field-goal drive in as many games.
“That’d be nice,” Sorgi said. “I was proud of the way we handled Carolina. We came out, had a rough first four plays, then we put a solid drive together. We came back and handled the pressure. I think if we had played a little longer, we would have done better. We were finally getting a grasp of what they’re doing.
“Atlanta, we have a little bit more of a feel for what they’re going to do. I think we’ll get a little more time this weekend and it’s time to get a rhythm. It’s time to get a couple of solid drives going. It’s time to put the ball in the end zone and get to celebrate a little.
“That’s what I’m looking for.”
Sorgi, with Manning recovering from surgery to remove an infected bursa sac from his left knee, has started two preseason games, completing 13 of 19 passes for 131 yards and an interception with no touchdowns.
“These games are all important to me,” Sorgi said. “Last year and the year before, I haven’t taken many snaps. These are my snaps right now. These are the ones I have to take advantage of. We do such a good of practice here of keeping it pressure-packed and up-tempo that it feels like a game.
“I feel like if I play the way I practice I’ll be OK.”
The Colts on Friday announced that the following players will not play against Atlanta:
Defensive end Dwight Freeney (foot, Physically Unable to Perform), safety Bob Sanders (shoulder, PUP), Manning (knee, PUP), tight end Tom Santi (knee, PUP), offensive guard Ryan Lilja (knee, PUP), linebacker Tyjuan Hagler (chest, PUP), safety Melvin Bullitt (thumb), offensive tackle Ryan Diem (shoulder), wide receiver Roy Hall (hamstring), defensive end Josh Thomas (groin), linebacker Philip Wheeler (knee) and linebacker Victor Worsley (hamstring).
Hookscenter.com wire report.
Colts lose preseason game, 23-20, to Panthers in overtime.
August 10, 2008
Julius Peppers was too good in Carolina’s preseason debut to give Jake Delhomme much of a chance to test his surgically repaired right elbow.
Peppers was too dominant to give Jim Sorgi an opportunity to cement his status as Peyton Manning’s backup in Indianapolis.
Determined to erase memories of a miserable 2007 when he was held to a career-low 2½ sacks, Peppers sacked Sorgi, forced him to fumble and hurried him into an interception on the first two possessions Saturday night in the Panthers’ 23-20 overtime win over the Colts.
“He worked very hard this offseason,” coach John Fox said of Peppers, who didn’t make the Pro Bowl for the first time in four years. “I think physically, when you look at him, he looks outstanding. I think he’s gotten stronger, and I think you’re seeing the results of that.”
Both turnovers gave the Panthers the ball inside the Colts’ 20. DeAngelo Williams, who had nine carries for 55 yards, finished off the short drives with touchdown runs as Carolina built a 14-0 lead.
Well after the starters left, a botched snap prevented John Kasay from attempting a 27-yard field goal on the final play of regulation. Kasay then missed a 50-yard try on the first possession of OT before finally connecting from 46 yards with 3:53 left.
Delhomme had long taken off his pads after his successful, if uneventful, return. Facing two short drives, Delhomme attempted only one pass — an incompletion in the end zone — in his first game since undergoing ligament-replacement surgery in October. Matt Moore replaced him on the third drive.
“I’ll take that any day of the week,” Delhomme said. “I knew I was going to play one or two series, get a few throws. Would I have liked to have gotten a few more? Absolutely, but I know I’m going to play a whole lot more coming up this week and the following week.”
Sorgi’s future is more uncertain. Getting his second straight start as Manning recovers from knee surgery, Sorgi has played little the past four seasons as the two-time league MVP Manning racked up the second-longest starts streak behind Brett Favre.
With Jared Lorenzen completing 12 of 23 passes for 117 yards and two touchdowns to rookie Jacob Tamme, Sorgi’s cushy job as Manning’s understudy is in jeopardy.
“It was just a rough start,” Sorgi said. “All you can do is watch film and see how you can improve and what you can do better. I’m sure we’re going to have a nice, long meeting when we get back to camp.”
Sorgi finally found some rhythm later in the first quarter when he connected three times with eight-time Pro Bowl receiver Marvin Harrison, making his preseason debut following knee surgery.
“I think Marvin did fine,” coach Tony Dungy said. “I really wasn’t thinking he was going to play. He wanted to go tonight.”
After the drive stalled and Adam Vinatieri kicked a 42-yard field goal, Lorenzen, of Kentucky, found a target in fellow former Wildcat Tamme, who caught touchdown passes of 9 and 14 yards.
Quinn Gray, the Colts’ third QB, threw two interceptions as Indy (0-2) lost for the 14th time in 16 preseason games.
“Our first group on either side of the ball weren’t really sharp,” Dungy said. “That was disappointing.”
It was an impressive debut for the Panthers, who showed no hangover from the training camp fight in which receiver Steve Smith broke cornerback Ken Lucas’ nose.
With Lucas still sidelined, Smith drew cheers from the home crowd when he made his only catch, a leaping 19-yard grab over the middle. Smith, who was suspended for the first two regular-season games, twice pounded his chest and pointed to the sky.
But the star treatment went to Peppers after his nearly invisible 2007.
His sack forced Sorgi to fumble and Carolina’s Charles Johnson recovered. On the second possession, Peppers hurried Sorgi, and his forced pass was deflected by Gary Gibson and intercepted by Adam Seward.
The poor early field position didn’t give the Colts’ defense much of a chance despite the return of middle linebacker Gary Brackett, who had four tackles after missing the Hall of Fame game loss to Washington on Sunday with a groin injury.
Both sides were missing key players. The Colts were without 16, including Dwight Freeney and Bob Sanders. The Panthers played without defensive starters Lucas, Chris Gamble, Chris Harris, Jon Beason and Damione Lewis.
First-round pick Jonathan Stewart also sat out following his offseason toe surgery. It allowed Williams to take the early lead in the competition to replace last year’s starter, DeShaun Foster.
Hookscenter.com wire report.