NFL

Colts not banking on homefield edge

By RICK STROUD
Published January 15, 2006

INDIANAPOLIS - In eight postseason appearances, Tony Dungy has never had a team with the No. 1 seed, a first-round bye and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs.

But as evidenced last week, when home teams went 1-3 in the NFL wildcard, there are no sure things.

"I've never been a big believer that you can rely on home field," Dungy said. "We really felt the bye was critical and I think it has served us well to rest up guys. But you have to go out and play. You can't rely on the fact that you're at home to win.

"Home has some advantages, the crowd noise, No. 1. Not hindering your offense and helping your defense, that's probably the biggest advantage. But other than that, it's still a football field and you have to go out and play. We're excited to have the bye, we're happy to be playing in front of our home fans, but not really counting on that home field to win it for you."

REST VS. RUST: The Colts haven't played a meaningful game in nearly a month and were not sharp in practice early last week. Quarterback Peyton Manning says the passing game should be in rhythm despite the layoff.

"It's not going to be a problem because we have been practicing every single day all season," Manning said. "To me, when you are out there in the playoff games and executing a third and 5, that's when your offseason work is supposed to kick in. The first week of April, Marvin Harrison and I are out there on that field. When you do that, you're simulating a playoff game in January."

ONLY A FOOL: The Colts are ready for some trick plays from the Steelers. It happened in their 26-7 win on Nov. 28 when Pittsburgh opened the second half with an onside kick trailing just 16-7. And last week at Cincinnati, receiver Antwaan Randle El took a direct snap from center, rolled right, then threw a backward pass to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who lofted a 43-yard touchdown to wideout Cedrick Wilson.

"He's faked a punt in the Pro Bowl," Dungy said of Steelers coach Bill Cowher. "It's just part of your job: You have to read your keys and you can't assume that anything is going to take place. But if you're on top of your job and on the details, you can turn those into big plays for you."

[Last modified January 15, 2006, 01:48:18]