Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning did everything he could to bring his team back after trailing 27-10 nearly halfway through the fourth quarter, but his 433 passing yards and three touchdowns were simply not enough. The Colts struggled on the ground with only 44 rushing yards – all by running back Joseph Addai – while surrendering 257 to the Texans, including 231 by Arian Foster.
Indy’s defense also suffered a severe blow when former Defensive Player of the Year Bob Sanders tore his biceps muscle in his right arm and had to undergo season-ending surgery. Sanders has managed to play just eight games over the past two seasons and was best known for helping the Colts stop the run, something they will need to do against the Giants.
New York is coming off an impressive 31-18 home win over Carolina last week, a game in which the team actually trailed 16-14 at halftime. Giants quarterback Eli Manning will be out to even the score against his brother Peyton in a battle between Super Bowl winners after the Colts beat them 26-21 in their first meeting back in 2006. Eli was able to overcome three interceptions against the Panthers by completing 20 of 30 passes for 263 yards and throwing three touchdowns passes, all to wide receiver Hakeem Nicks.
Nicks has been battling an ankle injury but did travel with the team to Indianapolis along with defensive end Osi Umenyiora, who is dealing with a knee injury and will be a game-time decision. New York will be without tight end Kevin Boss (concussion) and linebackers Chase Blackburn (knee) and Phillip Dillard (hamstring), none of whom made the trip to Indy for the game.
Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw hopes to follow Foster’s lead and attack the Colts defense after rushing for 76 yards on 20 carries last week, including a 4-yard touchdown run. Brandon Jacobs also chipped in with 12 carries for 44 yards and added two catches for 21.
The Colts have dropped six straight games including an 0-4 preseason, with a 1-5 record against the spread during that stretch dating back to their Super Bowl loss to New Orleans. The total has gone OVER in the last five for Indy as well. Even though the preseason is essentially meaningless, it is worth noting that the Colts have surrendered 29 points or more in nine of their last 11 games overall, including six in a row.
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