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INDIANAPOLIS – The Colts haven’t been running the ball often, and they haven’t been running well.
For a team that seeks offensive balance, that’s not something the Colts (7-0) are pleased about.
“I’m not really the one to speak for the (offensive) philosophy,” Colts quarterback Peyton Manning said. “But we’re going to continue to try to be balanced.
“The numbers are what they are; we are throwing it better than we are running it. That’s a safe statement. But we are still going to try to continue establishing the run every week. You never know when it’s going to pop.”
The Colts’ passing game ranks first in the NFL with 316.3 yards per game. They’re atop the league, along with this week’s opponent, Houston (5-3), with 16 touchdown passes.
The Colts rank fifth with 8.5 yards per attempt, and they’ve attempted 264 passes, sixth most in the NFL.
The running game tells a much different story.
The Colts rank 30th with 87.3 yards per game and 10th with seven touchdowns. Their average of 3.7 yards per carry ranks 26th. They’ve rushed the ball only 165 times, fourth fewest in the NFL.
“We’re probably not overly concerned,” Colts coach Jim Caldwell said, “but it is something we’d like to improve upon.”
Caldwell remains confident in running backs Joseph Addai and Donald Brown, saying they’ve been “efficient” in their runs.
Addai has 336 yards, four touchdowns and an average of 3.3 yards per carry.
Brown, questionable to play Sunday as he recovers from a shoulder injury, has 212 yards, two touchdowns and an average of 4.6 yards per carry.
“I’m OK with (the number of carries). I’m good with it,” said Addai, who threw for a game-winning touchdown in a 18-14 victory over San Francisco on Sunday.
“We’re still getting better and doing what we’re trying to do. We’re heading in the right direction with what we’re trying to do and it’s still early in the season.”
The Colts contend that the statistical disparity is because they are adjusting to what opposing defenses are giving them.
But there was acknowledgement that if Manning continues to throw the ball so effectively – he has 15 touchdowns and four interceptions – teams will try to buckle down on the pass and dare Indianapolis to run.
“You obviously want to be balanced,” tight end Dallas Clark said. “If you are, it means you’re doing both things really well. But in a lot of cases, it’s what the defense is giving us.
“Sometimes, it calls for some passes here or there. If that’s the case, we’re going to throw it and not try to force a run. We’ve just got to be effective and get the most out of every play.”
Notes: Colts linebacker Tyjuan Hagler, who had 14 solo tackles, was placed on injured reserve with a ruptured biceps and is out for the season. The team signed linebacker Cody Glenn off the practice squad.
