INDIANAPOLIS — You want offense? You want defense? You want special teams?
The Indianapolis Colts brought all three to the table on Monday night against the New York Jets — and then some.
The Colts put in, by far, their most complete performance of the season — in front of a primetime audience, no less — by dismantling the Jets, 41-10, at MetLife Stadium.
By doing so, Indianapolis (6-6) moves into a three-way tie for first place with the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans in the AFC South Division standings with just four games to go, and just so happens to welcome those Texans to Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday for sole possession of first place.
The Colts certainly hope to carry their momentum from Monday night's game into that matchup against the Texans.
Offensively, the team never trailed, as quarterback Andrew Luck put in an especially efficient first half, as he had thrown as many touchdowns — three, all to tight end Dwayne Allen — as he had completions.
The defense also came to play, and after entering the game tied for last in the NFL with just three total interceptions, the Colts picked off three passes in the Jets game alone — plays by Darius Butler, Mike Adams and Darryl Morris — and held New York to a 3-of-11 mark on third downs and allowed just 36 net rushing yards.
The special teams, meanwhile, continued to do their thing. Adam Vinatieri nailed another field goal from 50-plus yards, Pat McAfee was pinning the Jets within their 10-yard line, the kick and punt coverage was solid and Chester Rogers showed marked improvement as a punt returner.
So before you completely turn your attention to that looming matchup against the Texans, let's check out the Top 10 quotes from the Colts' victory over the Jets:
• "We talked about this time of year, December football, playoff football time, to stay in the hunt you've got to win football games. Again, I'm proud of our guys for pulling this one out." — Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, on his team's resolve as it tries to earn a playoff spot.
• "In all phases we were clicking. When that happens, it's easier to call plays and do different things. We executed the best we could. Every guy stepped up. A lot of the guys came in with the mindset that we were not going to be denied in this game." — Colts center Ryan Kelly, on what was working against the Jets.
• "We managed to make them pay if they did. It was a great plan by (offensive coordinator Rob) Chudzinski. We executed better as players. It wasn't perfect. They're a tough team. They have some great football players. We managed to make enough plays tonight to put some points on the board." — Quarterback Andrew Luck, on how the Colts' offense was able to neutralize the Jets' blitz attack.
• "Everything. Everything changes. The speed, the playcalling, how tight you have to be, the reads, everything. Everything is so much faster. The sense of urgency is picked up. I'm not saying guys are lackadaisical on this team or on any other team, but everything gets stepped up a notch." — Colts safety Mike Adams, on what changes when the team starts playing "playoff" football.
• "Rob Chudzinski does a great job spreading the ball around and calling the plays. As we started off in the beginning of the year, he said, 'Guys, be patient. It can be anyone's night on any given night.' Tonight just so happened to be my night." — Colts tight end Dwayne Allen, on his three first-half touchdown receptions against the Jets.
• "Yeah, just pitch and catch. For him, I just wanted him to know I'm going to be there. Whenever he needs a security blanket, I'm going to be there for him. The other guys just stepped up and made plays, whether it was blocking or going out there and making a big catch. Guys just stepped up, especially Dwayne Allen." — Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, on his connection with quarterback Andrew Luck throughout Monday's game.
• "Couldn't be happier for him. He had a freaking hat trick in the first half!" — Colts tight end Jack Doyle, via the IndyStar, on fellow tight end Dwayne Allen's three touchdown catches vs. the Jets.
• "We have four one-game seasons left. … Stay focused. Don't get ahead of ourselves. Big one coming this weekend with Houston coming to town." — Colts guard Jack Mewhort, via the IndyStar, on what lies ahead for the Colts as they try to earn a playoff spot.
• "This is when you want to get hot going toward the end of the season It's kind of playoff football for us, being in the position we're in. There's no better time to get hot than now."— Colts cornerback Darius Butler, via ESPN.com, on how his team must perform in the final weeks of the season to make the playoffs.
• "Anytime your name gets mentioned with the great guys who played this game in the past, it's big. … I'm just blessed, man. I'm blessed to be able to still play this game right now, and I'm still having fun." — Colts running back Frank Gore, via The Herald Bulletin, on passing Tony Dorsett to move into eighth place on the NFL's all-time rushing list.
