!!! DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS !!!
But, this year will be the exception to the rule. Colts win out based on their offense. They only need to hold the other team's offense to 1 less score than their own. And they can actually score on special teams too. This is a drag race team if their ever was one (just like the Rams that won a few years back).
Peyton Manning lights up the scoreboard every time he steps on the field. Even if someone rolls out a top 5 defense, he can pick them apart. NFL defenses are predicated on down and distance tendancies because of the specialized personnel packages. With Manning's film study and fluid audibilizing on the field, he can make the defense be in the wrong package, wrong front, and worng coverage on every snap. And GOD forbid you man blitz or zone dog him. He recognizes it no matter how it is stemmed or how long it is delayed.
I'm not an Indy Colts homer, but Manning is the most complete QB to date to play TODAY'S game.
M. Gipson