In Brief
Chris Long has yet to record a sack through six games this season.
(Bill Nichols / Associated Press)
Last meeting:
Edgerrin James rushed for 143 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Colts past the Rams, 45-28, in Week 6 of 2005.
Streaks:
The teams have split their last eight meetings, but the Colts hold a 22-17-2 overall series advantage.
Last week:
St. Louis came close to earning its first win of the year, before falling to Jacksonville in overtime, 23-20. ... Indianapolis was on a bye.
Keep your eye on ...
Chris Long's ability to generate pressure: The second overall pick of the 2008 draft has yet to live up to expectations in St. Louis. In 22 career games, Long has only four sacks. He finally got his first start of the season last week and if the Rams are to have any chance of slowing down Peyton Manning, they will need Long and Co. to create some kind of pass rush against the league's least-sacked QB.
The Rams' self-belief: On paper, St. Louis would appear to have almost no chance of winning this game. The Colts are undefeated, at home and Manning is playing some of the best ball of his career. As the Raiders showed the Eagles last week, though, anything can happen in the NFL. The Rams must maintain faith that they can pull off the stunning upset.
Indy's young cadre of offensive contributors: Whether it be second-year wideout Pierre Garcon, rookie receiver Austin Collie or rookie running back Donald Brown, the Colts are doing much of their damage with players that many fans may not even have heard of prior to the season. The trio has to avoid the wall that sometimes affects other up-and-coming players early in their career.
Did you know?
Indianapolis has a league-high 14-game regular-season winning streak. ... Since 2004, the Colts are 48-7 when Manning has at least two touchdown passes. ... Steven Jackson has averaged 123.9 yards from scrimmage per game since 2006 -- the highest average in the league. ... Rams WR Donnie Avery has a touchdown catch in two straight games.
