Damon Hack covers the game for SI
1. Peyton Manning did not need to win this game to certify his greatness, but it was an important milestone for him and the organization. The Colts were 0-4 coming off playoff byes (0-3 with Manning), a point not lost upon the team going into its divisional playoff game against Baltimore. “A lot of the guys who have been here for awhile, we feel like we left a lot of chances [to win Super Bowls] and didn’t take advantage,” said defensive end Raheem Brock. “We’re not trying to miss this one. Us being healthy and fresh going into the first game, that’s all we wanted.” Said Manning: “I don’t think you’re going to find many teams that are in the playoffs that are content to just to make it to the first round or second round or third round.”
While the Colts organization took heat locally and nationally for benching their starters in Weeks 16 and 17 instead of chasing a perfect record, the Colts looked fresh in defeating the Ravens for the eighth straight time and earning the right to host the AFC championship against either the Chargers or Jets. San Diego has eliminated Indianapolis from back-to-back postseasons — one more wrong Manning and the Colts may get to address next weekend.
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