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Manning, Colts trying to get back to .500 vs. Patriots

Nov 2, 2008 - 2:02 PM NEW ENGLAND (5-2) AT INDIANAPOLIS (3-4), 8:15 pm EST

INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) -- It won't be Manning vs. Brady, but that doesn't take away from the importance of Sunday's showdown between the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots.

Peyton Manning and the Colts will attempt to climb back to .500 on Sunday night when they host the rival Patriots, who have managed to stay atop the AFC East without reigning league MVP Tom Brady.

Manning passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another but was intercepted twice Monday night as the Colts suffered their second straight loss, a 31-21 setback to the undefeated Tennessee Titans.

While Manning has not missed any playing time, he hasn't seemed like himself after having multiple knee surgeries this offseason, which resulted in him missing all of training camp and the preseason.

A two-time MVP, Manning has passed for 1,754 yards and 10 touchdowns with nine interceptions this season.

Indianapolis has been playing without running back Joseph Addai and safety Bob Sanders, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.

The injuries have continued to pile on the Patriots, even after losing Brady for the season in Week One. Running back Laurence Maroney and safety Rodney Harrison also have been placed on injured reserve.

While Matt Cassel will not be confused with Brady, he has helped keep New England afloat without its star quarterback.

Cassel passed for 267 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions during last Sunday's 23-16 win over the St. Louis Rams.

Brady's backup for the previous three seasons, Cassell has 1,362 passing yards and seven scores with six picks this year.

The Patriots are currently tied with the Buffalo Bills (5-2) for first place in the AFC East.