Chargers at Colts: Philip Rivers vs. Peyton Manning
By Jason Lisk
In breaking down those games, one thing that sticks out is how San Diego controlled the Indianapolis rushing game. Manning threw over 40 passes in each of those games, while the Colts averaged less than 3.0 yards a carry in the last five meetings. Manning has had to throw a lot, and has 11 interceptions in those games, including a memorable Sunday Night game where Manning threw six interceptions, but still brought Indianapolis back only to have Adam Vinatieri miss the winning field goal.
Rivers has been able to play from ahead in previous contests as the Chargers jumped to early leads and also ran the ball effectively, and he was able to throw off play action. The Colts need to control the San Diego running game, while trying to do just enough to keep the pressure off Manning by having some semblance of productivity when they hand the ball to the backs.
[photo via Getty]