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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, September 18, 2006

Manning's 3 TDs guide Colts past Texans, 43-24

Associated Press

Peyton Manning's pass to rookie Joseph Addai gave him 2,797 completions, one more than Johnny Unitas had for the Colts.

MICHAEL CONROY | Associated Press

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INDIANAPOLIS — The NFL's biggest perfectionist found little to quibble with yesterday. Sure, Peyton Manning would have preferred scoring a few more touchdowns and fewer mistakes.

But what more could the two-time MVP really ask of his teammates?

Manning threw three touchdown passes, broke John Unitas' franchise record for completions and led the Colts (2-0) to scores on six of their first seven possessions in a 43-24 rout over Houston (0-2) that wasn't that close.

"The main thing our veterans are having to battle is enjoying regular-season victories," he said. "All everybody wants to talk about is what are you going to do when you get to the playoffs? You hang 43 on a team, you ought to be happy about it."

Again, Indy's offense dominated the Texans, who have lost all nine games in the series.

Indy produced 515 yards, converted on eight of its first 10 third-down chances and didn't punt until early in the fourth quarter as the record-setting combination of Manning and Marvin Harrison had another milestone day.

Manning's second TD pass, a 21-yarder to rookie Joseph Addai in the first quarter, gave him 2,797 completions — one more than Unitas had in his Colts career. He finished 26 of 38 for 400 yards, his seventh-highest yardage total as a pro, and with 2,820 career completions.

"I always feel uncomfortable, a little awkward when you're talking about records of Johnny Unitas," Manning said. "That's a real special mention any time you can be in the same sentence as him."

Harrison and Reggie Wayne also were busy.

Wayne caught six passes for 135 yards, while Harrison had seven catches for 127 yards and passed Art Monk for fifth on the career receptions list. Harrison now has 943 career receptions.

BILLS 16, DOLPHINS 6

MIAMI — Even with an injury-depleted defense, Buffalo ruined Daunte Culpepper's first home game before his new fans.

The Bills (1-1) sacked Miami's quarterback seven times — five in the first 15 snaps — plus blocked a punt in beating the Dolphins, 0-2 for only the second time in the past 37 seasons.

Rian Lindell had three field goals and Josh Reed caught a 4-yard touchdown pass from J.P. Losman, who was 11 of 18 for 83 yards. Willis McGahee had 91 yards on 25 carries for Buffalo.

RAVENS 28, RAIDERS 6

BALTIMORE — No shutout this time, yet there was little else Baltimore's defense didn't accomplish against Oakland. The Ravens (2-0) forced six turnovers, got a safety from Adalius Thomas and kept the Raiders (0-2) out of the end zone.

Matt Stover kicked four field goals for the Ravens, who were coming off a 27-0 rout of Tampa Bay. The only other time they opened with two victories was in 2000, the season they won their lone Super Bowl.

Quarterback Aaron Brooks was pulled with an injured right shoulder in the first quarter after twice fumbling snaps from center, turnovers that led to a pair of Stover field goals. He was replaced by Andrew Walter, who lost one of three fumbles and threw three interceptions.

BENGALS 34, BROWNS 17

CINCINNATI — Chad Johnson made a toe-tapping catch in the corner of the end zone, popped up and flapped his elbows in a "Chicken Dance" celebration. Then, he shuffled to the bench in pain.

It was that kind of a day for Cincinnati, which won despite losing three starters to injury.

Even with their patchwork lineup, the Bengals (2-0) had their way against the Browns (0-2).

Carson Palmer threw for 352 yards and his first two touchdowns of the season.

During the first half, the Bengals lost center Rich Braham to a knee injury, safety Dexter Jackson to an ankle injury, and linebacker David Pollack, who was taken to a hospital for evaluation of an unspecified neck injury. Pollack had full movement in his arms and legs.

PATRIOTS 24, JETS 17

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New England (2-0) took a 24-0 lead on touchdown runs by Corey Dillon and Laurence Maroney, and a TD catch by Chad Jackson. But the Jets (1-1) stormed back in the second half. Jerricho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles each scored touchdowns, Mike Nugent kicked a 42-yard field goal and Jonathan Vilma blocked a late field-goal attempt to give the Jets one last chance in their home opener.

But an interception by Tedy Bruschi ended the comeback hopes.

CHARGERS 40, TITANS 7

SAN DIEGO — LaDainian Tomlinson ran for two first-half touchdowns and Shawne Merriman led a defense that's starting to take this "Lights Out" thing seriously.

Six days after blanking the Raiders, the Chargers (2-0) came within 3:09 of consecutive shutouts for the first time in club history. Titans' No. 1 draft pick Vince Young threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Drew Bennett to end the bid.

Merriman, nicknamed "Lights Out" for his hard hits, lived up to it against Tennessee (0-2). The linebacker intercepted a pass, batted away two others and San Diego held the Titans to 218 total yards and 14 first downs.