Dec 23, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne (87) catches the winning touchdown pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Colts won the game 20-13. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Horseshoe Hero

Colts 20 - Chiefs 13

The Colts did not win the game of statistics on Sunday afternoon in Kansas City, but they did win the scoring contest, and that not only earned them their 10th victory of the season, but it also clinched them a place in the playoffs. The Colts have clinched the 5th seed in the AFC, and they will be a Wild Card team when the postseason begins in 2 weeks. Postseason appearances have become all but expected of the Colts over the years – this is the 12th time the Colts will contest the playoffs in the past 14 seasons – but few imagined the winning tradition would continue after the Colts cut most of their roster after last season’s 2-14 debacle. The Colts are just the 4th team in NFL history to win 10 games after recording a season of 2 or fewer victories.

Offense

With one week of regular season play remaining, quarterback Andrew Luck surpassed Cam Newton’s rookie passing record, throwing for 205 yards to bring his season total to 4,183 passing yards. The previous record was 4,051 yards. However, while Luck’s passing yards have skyrocketed, his accuracy has waned. Luck completed less than 50% of his throws, and at one point in the second half he had 9 consecutive incompletions. Luck may not be the most accurate passer yet – proof that he is indeed a rookie – but his strength continues to be his unflappable psyche, his ability to not let bad plays get to him. Luck played his best when the pressure was the greatest, when he was needed most. He led the Colts to yet another 4th quarter winning touchdown drive that culminated with a beautiful 7-yard catch in the end zone by Reggie Wayne. He also did not throw an interception for the second straight week.

After having an off week of his own, Wayne returned to his team-leading ways, topping the Colts’ charts in receptions (5) and receiving yards (81). He had an especially productive 4th-quarter, again playing his best football when it mattered most.

The Colts’ rushing game regressed a bit Sunday. Vick Ballard only managed 69 yards on 20 carries after rushing for 105 yards in Houston last week with two fewer carries.

Defense

The Colts defense of late has done a very good job of stopping the run but has struggled with containing receivers. In Kansas City, however, that trend was reversed. The Colts allowed a whopping 352 yards on the ground, 226 of which belonged to Jamaal Charles. However, linebacker Pat Angerer arguably had the play of the day when he forced Charles to fumble late in the first half, which the Colts turned into a field goal.

Darius Butler, who was signed as a free agent by the Colts in late September, has turned out to be a great addition to the team. Butler had a pick-six of Chiefs QB Brady Quinn early in the game. The interception was his 4th of the year, which ties the franchise record. Cornerback Vontae Davis, whom the Colts picked up in a mid-season trade with the Miami Dolphins, also had an interception. Dwight Freeney recorded the team’s only sack, and Jerrell Freeman led the team in tackles with 8 tackles and 2 assists.

Special Teams

Adam Vinatieri had another perfect game, contributing 8 points to the Colts scoreboard with his 2 field goals and 2 extra point kicks.

Punter Pat McAfee was also solid. His 7 punts averaged 45.5 yards, a number that would be higher had the punt protection been a bit better.

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Surprisingly, the Colts will have less to play for than the AFC South-champion Texans when the teams conclude their regular seasons together at Lucas Oil Stadium next week. The Texans are in danger of losing their top seeding in the AFC, while the Colts playoff position will not change with any particular outcome. Still, the Colts will look to seek revenge of an embarrassing loss last week in Houston and will likely give their best effort, because head coach Chuck Pagano – in remission from leukemia – will be back on the sidelines for the first time since his diagnosis in the bye week. Horseshoe Hero will have the game recap for you after the score is final.

Stay #CHUCKSTRONG, Colts fans!

Naptown’s Finest – What is the current (and possible future) state of the Kansas City starting quarterback situation?

Arrowhead Addict - Right now you’re getting Brady Quinn. If anything happens to him (he has some banged up ribs) they you will likely see Matt Cassel. Ricky Stanzi likely won’t be active. As for the future, I expect a full house-cleaning. The Chiefs will probably lose out and the new regime will take the best QB available with the first pick in the draft.

NF – What is your prediction for Sunday’s game?

AA – The Colts are on their way to the playoffs and the Chiefs are on their way to the draft. If KC can run the ball they have a chance of making it competitive but they’ve only played one really good game all year and that was against another bottom-feeder in Carolina. I expect another blowout.

I would like to thank Patrick Allen for his time and input. You can read more about this game at Arrowhead Addict.com, and can also read the first part of our discussion. “Five Questions About the Indianapolis Colts vs Kansas City Chiefs, Part One”.

Naptown’s Finest – The Chiefs Have had a rough season for many reasons, on and off the field. Could you sum up the state of this team and their fan base right now?

Arrowhead Addict – It’s a disaster. The Chiefs came in to the season with what many people thought was a playoff caliber roster. The QB situation was a bit of a question but most figured the team around Matt Cassel was good enough to support average QB play.
The problem, I think, starts with the coaching staff. I think they are just awful and they put a team on the field that is playing undisciplined football. There is talent on this team and there is just no excuse for the poor performance. It may be one of the worst coaching jobs in NFL history.

NF – The Chiefs have had trouble scoring since Dewayne Bowe went down. Where would you expect points to come from this week?

AA – If points come from anywhere, it will be from Jamaal Charles or our kicker, Ryan Succop. The Chiefs’ only hope is to try to run the ball. If Indy can hold serve up front, they’ll easily win the day.

NF – Jamaal Charles is quietly second in the AFC in rushing yards, and has  rushed for over 100 yards in four of his last six games. What would you  expect from him on Sunday?

AA – Charles is one of the most dangerous backs in the NFL. If he gets his touches, he’ll almost always produce. Every once in a while the KC offensive line gets stonewalled but you can hardly blame Charles for that. If they give him a chance to get to the line of scrimmage consistently, he’ll burn you for some yards.

Stay posted for the second half of my discussion with Patrick Allen, which will be up on Naptown’s Finest.com soon. You can also read more about this match-up on Arrowhead Addict.com. Follow our two websites on Twitter – @arrowheadaddict , @hootiewhodisbe.