Colts cruise to win over Bengals, advance to play Broncos in divisional round
The Indianapolis Colts dispatched an undermanned Cincinnati Bengals team 26-10 on Sunday to advance to play Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos in the divisional round.
As usual, the Colts got a big day from quarterback Andrew Luck. He finished 31-of-44 passing for 376 yards and a touchdown - a pinpoint pass to rookie Donte Moncrief made with a Bengals defender hanging off his leg.
The Bengals couldn't muster any momentum on offense, largely due to injuries to their top receiving weapons, and were eliminated in the wild-card round for a fourth consecutive year.
Top Performers
Dan Herron, RB, Colts
56 yards rushing, 85 yards receiving, TD
Herron led the Colts in rushing attempts (12) and receptions (10). Trent Richardson was a complete non-factor.
T.Y. Hilton, WR, Colts
103 yards receiving
Hilton's final numbers led all receivers, but he should have produced a much bigger stat line. Luck targeted Hilton 14 times but the latter reeled in only six receptions.
Turning Point
Leading 13-10 in the third quarter, Luck took a snap, dropped back, watched his pocket collapse and then stepped up to throw perhaps the best pass of the season.
With a Bengals defender wrapped around his legs, Luck managed to muscle a deep pass to a streaking Moncrief that fell perfectly into the rookie's waiting arms for a touchdown.
You won't find a better illustration of why Luck is so special:
Must-See Moments
Bengals almost come to blows
After surrendering an opening-drive touchdown, Bengals defenders Adam Jones and Geno Atkins nearly got into a fistfight on the sideline. Head coach Marvin Lewis had to step in to break the pair up.
Herron takes a low blow
The Bengals briefly appeared to seize momentum after forcing a fumble late in the second quarter. Upon review, it's easy to see why Herron lost his grip on the ball: he was punched in a sensitive area.
Up Next
The Colts move on to the divisional round, where they'll travel to Denver to confront the greatest player in franchise history, Peyton Manning. It's the first time Manning will face his former team in the postseason.
The Colts and Broncos played in Denver back in Week 1 with Manning's squad emerged with a 31-24 win.