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Manning Rallies Colts Past Vikings

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The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 15, 2008

MINNEAPOLIS - The Indianapolis Colts were overwhelmed at the line of scrimmage again, and the swarming Minnesota defense frequently pounded Peyton Manning into the Metrodome turf.

But the Colts put the Manning touch on another impressive rally, thanks to a handful of clutch completions near the end by their stalwart quarterback, and reminded the Vikings it's just not possible to win without throwing the ball.

Manning passed for 311 yards and moved Adam Vinatieri in position for the winning field goal with 3 seconds left, leading Indianapolis to an 18-15 victory on Sunday after Minnesota led 15-0 late in the third quarter.

"We played a lot of man, got in their face, got a lot of pressure, but it wasn't enough," said Antoine Winfield, who had one of Manning's two interceptions. "He's been around. He's seen it all. You can never rattle him, I don't think."

Not since his rookie season in 1998 had Manning and the Colts started a season 0-2.

"That's one of the most satisfying wins I've had, definitely, since I've been in Indianapolis," Coach Tony Dungy said. "It wasn't the most artistic, and I told the team we've got a lot of glass-half-empty-glass-half-full stuff, but I was very, very proud of our effort."

The Vikings (0-2) wasted more dominant defense, done in by a handful of critical lapses and repeated failure to figure out that pesky old forward pass. Adrian Peterson rushed for 118 of his 160 yards in the first half, and Minnesota was across midfield on its first eight possessions.

The prize for that? Five field goals by Ryan Longwell and three punts.

"It's real frustrating," said wide receiver Bernard Berrian, who had no catches. "It's kind of embarrassing, actually, to go out there and just have field goals all day."

Min-FG Longwell 45, 10:10.

Min-FG Longwell 27, :09.

Second Quarter

Min-FG Longwell 53, :00.

Third Quarter

Min-FG Longwell 46, 10:38.

Min-FG Longwell 28, 4:09.

Ind-Addai 1 run (Vinatieri kick), 1:24.

Fourth Quarter

Ind-Wayne 32 pass from Manning (Rhodes run), 5:54.

Ind-FG Vinatieri 47, :03.

A-63,585

RUSHING-Indianapolis, Addai 15-20, Rhodes 2-5, Manning 2-0. Minnesota, Peterson 29-160, Taylor 4-18, Allison 1-1, Jackson 1-1.

PASSING-Indianapolis, Manning 26-42-2-311. Minnesota, Jackson 14-24-0-130.

RECEIVING-Indianapolis, Gonzalez 9-137, Wayne 5-93, Santi 5-29, Robinson 2-15, Addai 2-13, Rhodes 2-8, Harrison 1-16. Minnesota, Peterson 4-20, Wade 3-42, Allison 2-37, Tahi 2-(minus 2), Shiancoe 1-23, Kleinsasser 1-12, Taylor 1-(minus 2).

MISSED FIELD GOALS-Indianapolis, Vinatieri 30 (WR). Minnesota, Longwell 48 (WL).

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