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BY MICHAEL MAROT
AP Sports Writer | Saturday, December 17, 2005 | (No comments posted.)
INDIANAPOLIS | Forget the pressure. The 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, 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 the 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.
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.
PRO FOOTBALL
Chargers (8-5) at Colts (13-0)
When: Noon Sunday
Where: RCA Dome, Indianapolis
TV: CBS
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