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Colts look to take control of AFC South

Dec 2, 2007 - 12:32 PM Jacksonville (8-3) at Indianapolis (9-2) 1:00 pm EST

INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) - The Indianapolis Colts are used to playing big games in December. They have another one Sunday.

The Colts host the surprising Jacksonville Jaguars in a battle for first place in the competitive AFC North.

Heading into the final month of the season, Indianapolis only has a one-game lead over the Jaguars, who continue to get solid play from quarterback David Garrard, perhaps the NFL's best-kept secret.

Although Garrard missed three games with an ankle injury, he still has not thrown an interception in 209 passes this season. Last week, he passed for 296 yards and a touchdown in the Jaguars' 36-14 victory over the Buffalo Bills.

Fred Taylor rushed for a season-high 104 yards and Josh Scobee kicked five field goals for the Jaguars, who head to Indianapolis with plenty of momentum.

After dropping back-to-back games to New England and San Diego, the Colts appear to be on track. They shook off a sluggish start on Thanksgiving night to defeat the Atlanta Falcons, 31-13.

Peyton Manning tossed three touchdown passes for the Colts, who spotted the Falcons an early 10-0 lead before their offense awakened.

Manning became the 10th quarterback in NFL history to throw for 40,000 yards, passing another Colts' legend, the late Johnny Unitas. He also passed Warren Moon for fifth place on the all-time touchdowns list with 294.

Manning has passed for 40,407 yards. Next on the list is Joe Montana with 40,551 yards.

"I'm a big fan of quarterbacks," Manning said. "I had big respect for Warren Moon. Unitas, I never saw him play, but it's an honor to be wearing the same uniform as Unitas."

The Colts are looking to complete a season sweep of the Jaguars, posting an impressive 29-7 win at Jacksonville on October 22.

A victory on Sunday will point Indianapolis in prime position to win a fifth consecutive division title.

A win, combined with losses by Buffalo, Tennessee and Denver, will allow the Colts to clinch a playoff spot.