Oct 20, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (81) scores a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Indianapolis, IN – The return of Peyton Manning to Indianapolis has gone exactly how Indianapolis Colts fans were hoping. The Colts came out strong and played up to the level of the Broncos and weathered early troubles to come away from the first half with a 26-14 lead heading into the second half.
Peyton Manning has had a fairly nice game, throwing for 110 yards and two touchdowns. The Colts defense has done a great job defending as a whole, but with another whole half of football remaining, we aren’t going to say the defense has played great tonight just yet. Knowshon Moreno is leading the way for Denver on the ground with 34 yards on 11 carries. Eric Decker has three catches for 69 yards and a touchdown to lead the Broncos in receiving.
Andrew Luck has outplayed Manning to this point, throwing for 199 yards and three touchdowns in the first half. The Colts gameplan started off run heavy, but they are now putting the football in the hands of their new franchise quarterback and are allowing him to make plays. Trent Richardson has carried the football six times for 24 yards to lead the Colts in rushing. Darrius Heyward-Bey came up with a big first half to lead Indianapolis in receiving, catching three passes for 45 yards and a touchdown.
Obviously this game is far from over, but the early stellar play is very exciting and encouraging for Colts fans. There are 24 minutes left in one of the biggest games in the NFL’s regular season this year, and it’s going to be a great finish! Make sure you catch the second half of Sunday Night Football.
Evan Massey is an Editor at Naptown’s Finest. Follow Evan and Naptown’s Finest on Twitter.