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Colts in prime postition, lookout Ravens

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You’ll forgive the Indianapolis Colts if they look ahead for a moment.

Through three quarters of the regular season, the Colts are sitting in a comfortable position in the division and AFC playoff picture.

Virtually a shoe-in to claim their fifth consecutive AFC South crown, Sunday’s season sweep of the Jacksonville Jaguars put the 10-2 Colts essentially three games up in the division with four games remaining.

Only one of the Colts remaining games is against a team with a winning record. That contest, the team’s regular season finale versus the Tennessee Titans, will likely be inconsequential should the team perform as expected this quarter.

The meatiest portion of their schedule officially eaten, the Colts are breathing a bit easier, firmly in control of their postseason destiny. Still, head coach Tony Dungy and crew appear focused on delivering in crunch time as nothing is yet a foregone conclusion.

“We’re excited heading into the fourth quarter of the season,” said Dungy, whose Colts’ teams have never finished with fewer than 10 wins. “We’ve got a lead in the division, we’re in second place in terms of overall standings, so we’ve got to finish December off right, and that’s our plan.”

With the division all but assured, the Colts know victories versus at least two of their next four opponents, or a single Jacksonville or Tennessee loss guarantees the AFC South crown. As the Colts have not been 100 percent virtually all season, the team must also feel good in being able to rest Marvin Harrison while gaining valuable experience for a group of young players that may be relied upon in the playoffs.

Thus far, the team’s youth has blended well; however, their performance in the final month of the regular season could determine their reliability in the postseason.

“We’re young but we play fast, that’s what helps us continue to move forward without having any setbacks,” said safety Bob Sanders. “We’ve got a lot of young guys who back up a lot of starters, guys who play. We’ve just got to make sure they’re ready. I think they understand what we’ve got going on around here.”

The Colts have prided themselves in not looking past their next opponent though the reality of their current position suggests a first round playoff bye also well within their grasp.

The team holds a one-game lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers for the No. 2 seed in the AFC. The Steelers face the undefeated New England Patriots this weekend, then follow the contest against a Jaguars team that cannot afford another loss.

On the other hand, the Colts next two contests are against teams with a combined record of 8-16. On the immediate horizon for the Colts is a showdown this weekend in Baltimore against a Ravens team that took the Patriots to the brink Monday.

Losers of six straight, the Ravens enter this weekend’s contest with a chip on their shoulders from what they believe was questionable officiating Monday night.

The cellar-dwelling AFC West Oakland Raiders follow the Ravens contest.

Very winnable games ahead; one can’t blame the Colts for exhaling a bit. But if anyone believes the Colts are content with their position, they don’t know the defending champs.

“Obviously this is when you have to get hot, you have to play good football in December leading into January,” said defensive captain Gary Brackett. “This is where you want to get healthy, and I think that’s what we’re getting ready to do.”

Next Game

Colts at Baltimore Ravens

Dec. 9 — 8:15 p.m.

TV: WTHR Channel 13

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