Colts primed for Steelers

Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS

The Indianapolis Colts thrive under football’s brightest lights.

They’ve been the most successful Sunday night team since 2000.

So with the losses piling up and the experts already writing off the season, the Colts return to their favorite prime-time stage with a chance to change the perception that they can’t win without Peyton Manning.

Nope, Indy can’t wait to face Pittsburgh tonight.

“You get the lights, the bright lights, the moon out, it just gets my blood going faster,” Pro Bowl defensive end Dwight Freeney said. “A game like this comes with added excitement.”

They’ll need it.

The Colts are 0-2 for the first time in 13 seasons. The stability that defined the Manning era has temporarily vanished, and Indy’s remarkable run of nine straight double-digit win seasons and a record-tying nine straight playoff appearances could soon be history, too.

For now, though, the Colts still own prime time.

Three-time Super Bowl champ New England has only eight Sunday night wins since 2000 — half as many as Indy’s 16. America’s Team, Dallas, and defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay, have 10 during that span. Even Pittsburgh, this week’s opponent, can only claim nine Sunday night wins in the last 11 years.

But all 16 of Indy’s wins were engineered by Manning, who won’t be around to help tonight.

Everybody, including the Steelers (1-1), can see it’s not the same.

“I wish nothing but the best for him and his health and recovery,” Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. “But, also, you have to respect the fact that he is one of the best in the game, and anytime a guy like that is not playing, it, obviously, bodes well for your team. ”

Nationally, analysts are debating how low the Colts’ victory total will go — and how lopsided Pittsburgh’s projected win will be.

Has it really gotten this bad in Indy? Yes.

The Colts have produced two touchdowns in two weeks. The defense is ranked 15th in the AFC in third-down percentage. The Colts gave up a punt return for a touchdown at Houston, and a 43-yard punt return and a 52-yard kickoff return in last week’s loss to Cleveland.