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NFL: COLTS: A BIG CHALLENGE

Dallas Cowboys Likely to be Tough Test, Dungy Says

/noticias.info/ By John Oehser - Colts.com

INDIANAPOLIS – They’re unfamiliar to the Colts, and at the same time, and they’re very, very well known.

But the Colts are familiar enough after a day of preparation and a few days watching tape for Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy to know this much:

The Dallas Cowboys, the Colts’ opponent this week?

They’re as good as their reputation, and perhaps better than their record and their place in the NFC East standings.

“They present a tough challenge,” Dungy said Wednesday as the AFC South-leading Colts (9-0), the NFL’s last remaining unbeaten team, prepared to play the Cowboys (5-4) at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas, Sunday at 4:15 p.m.

“They’re playing well and we’re kind of looking forward to the challenge. For us, it’s about trying to get our fundamentals down, do what we do, and see if we can just play a little better than we played last week.”

The Colts beat the Buffalo Bills Sunday, 17-16, a game in which the Colts outgained Buffalo 384-162, but committed two turnovers and forced none.

“We’re progressing well and we’re doing a lot of good things,” Dungy said. “Unfortunately, some negative things can really turn that around. We’re playing a game (last) Sunday in pretty good shape. We have a chance to make it 13-3 or 17-3 (near the end of the first half) and we’re going to get the ball to start the second half, so you’re feeling pretty good.

“All of a sudden, you have one fumble, and they pick it up and run for a touchdown and it’s 10-10. The game’s completely different in one play. That’s the lesson you’re trying to teach guys – that every play is important and you try to execute every one.

“We’re doing a lot of positive things and we’re certainly happy to be 9-0.”

The Colts haven’t played the Cowboys since 2002, when they beat Dallas at the RCA Dome, 20-3.

Also this week, Colts defensive tackle Montae Reagor – out since being injured in an automobile accident on October 22 – visited the Colts’ complex.
He is still on the active roster and could be cleared to begin working out by next week, Dungy said.

“It was really good to see him and hear his voice and see that enthusiasm in his spirit,” Dungy said. “We think there’s still a possibility (Reagor could return this season), so we want to keep our options open as long as we can.”

The Colts’ injury report reads as follows:

Reagor (head, out), middle linebacker Gary Brackett (hamstring, questionable), offensive tackle Ryan Diem (calf, questionable), tight end Bryan Fletcher (ankle, questionable), safety Matt Giordano (calf, questionable), cornerback Kelvin Hayden (knee, questionable), cornerback Tim Jennings (ankle, questionable), guard Ryan Lilja (knee, questionable), defensive tackle Anthony McFarland (elbow, questionable), wide receiver Aaron Moorehead (low back, questionable), linebacker Keith O’Neil (ankle, questionable), safety Bob Sanders (knee, questionable) and wide receiver Brandon Stokley (knee, questionable).

Reagor, Brackett, Fletcher, Giordano, Hayden, Lilja, O’Neil, Sanders and Stokley all missed practice according to the team’s injury report.

“We had a few guys who didn’t practice,” Dungy said. “Talking to Bryan Fletcher, he feels like he’s going to be able to go. Kelvin Hayden didn’t go today, but he feels like he’s going to be able to go.”

Sanders, who sustained a knee injury after the Colts’ Week 2 victory over Houston, played against New England on November 5, but has not practiced since.

“I have gotten to a point where I don’t expect him to practice, and I don’t expect him to play,” Dungy said of Sanders. “If he does, it’s a bonus. He’s played two games for us in eight or nine weeks. Hopefully one day, he can come back and all that soreness will be gone. That’s what we’re trying to get to. We don’t want to play, not be able to practice and have that up and down yo-yo.

“I’m at the point where we’re getting the other guys ready. When he comes out to practice and starts practicing, it will be a nice bonus.” notas_de_prensa_archivo