Colts like 'The Streak' hype

Indianapolis is one win away from becoming the second team to go 14-0.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Forget the pressure. The Indianapolis Colts are having too much fun with this whole perfection thing.
Sure each successive win intensifies the spotlight, but the Colts don't mind. They like the attention, welcome the scrutiny and are unfazed by the endless questions about chasing an undefeated season. Coach Tony Dungy expects nothing less.
"My message to the players has been you don't get too many runs like this and it may not happen again, so don't let it bother you," Dungy said. "Enjoy the questions, enjoy the national spotlight."
The players have heeded the advice.
In the locker room
In the locker room, they still listen to music, play video games or cards and laughter resounds loudly when they're not being hounded by questions about "The Streak."
Little has changed on the practice field, either. Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James and Marvin Harrison would still rather work than take breaks. Dungy says they have maintained their focus through a 13-0 start.
Perhaps recent experiences have helped them cope with the magnitude of their quest.
In 2002, Harrison shattered the single-season receptions record. In 2003, the Colts reached the AFC Championship game. Last season, Manning broke Dan Marino's record for TD passes in a season.
And each time, the Colts survived the distractions.
This time, it's been different. Every player, from Manning, the two-time MVP, to his little-known backup, Jim Sorgi, has been asked about joining the 1972 Miami Dolphins as the NFL's only perfect team. None of this is hurting the Colts.
Other numbers
They have won 21 of their last 22 regular-season games, seven of their last 10 by at least 17 points. While people want to talk about an undefeated season, the Colts have managed to keep everything in perspective and still have some fun.
"Whenever you win in this league, it's fun," receiver Reggie Wayne said. "But our opponents, I think, are probably getting sick of it."
The reason for Indy's relaxed attitude can be summed up in one word: Dungy.
He rarely frets about outside distractions and provides a calming influence even when wins and losses are at stake.
So Dungy, who has spent 28 years in the NFL -- including three as a player -- is trying to be himself and encouraging players to do the same.
A victory Sunday against San Diego would put the Colts with the Dolphins as the only NFL teams to reach 14-0. With three postseason victories, including the Super Bowl, the Dolphins finished 17-0.
"Making history would be good, but our ultimate goal is to win the Super Bowl," defensive tackle Montae Reagor said. "It can happen. We could lose a game or two, but we're trying to get our ultimate goal."
Starters' status
The Colts' quest will proceed with fewer starters Sunday. Dungy all but ruled out former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Corey Simon and defensive end Robert Mathis, who have foot injuries. But linebacker Cato June, left tackle Tarik Glenn and Wayne have recovered enough from injuries and ailments to play against the Chargers. All practiced Friday.
Why should the Colts worry? They've already won 13 straight, have the AFC's top seed and home-field advantage though the playoffs. So, it's time to have some fun.
"We've earned the right to be there, so you've got to enjoy the moment in the moment," Reagor said. "It's good to see all the media and all the coverage because we've worked hard and it's been a long journey, but it has been fun."