INDIANAPOLIS — Peyton Manning got Indianapolis’ makeshift offense chugging like its old self last night.
The four-time league MVP threw for two touchdowns, then watched Mike Hart run for a career-high 84 yards and Jacob Tamme score his first career TD to help the Colts get past the Texans 30-17.
The victory allowed the Colts (5-2) to get even in the head-to-head series with the Texans (4-3) and gave the defending AFC champions sole possession of the South Division lead for the first time this season.
And even though the Colts were missing All-Pro tight end Dallas Clark, receiver Austin Collie and running back Joseph Addai with injuries, Manning and his teammates didn’t miss a beat.
“Whoever’s in there has to find a way to do the job,” Manning said. “It’s not always going to be pretty, but we’ve just got to keep grinding and making some plays.”
Manning went 26 of 45 for 268 yards. Hart provided the Colts with a rare ground game, and Tamme, Clark’s replacement, caught six passes for 64 yards.
But it wasn’t just the new guys making plays — or only the offense.
Reggie Wayne caught a touchdown pass, Manning ran for a first down for the first time in nearly two years, and even became the lead blocker on a first-down catch-and-run by Pierre Garcon in the third quarter. Indy’s defense put consistent pressure on Texans quarterback Matt Schaub, too.
“It’s a big win and we needed it,” Tamme said.
Schaub struggled horribly in the first half and couldn’t rally the Texans in the second as defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis applied pressure. Indy had three sacks.