Super Bowl Action

Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts would define perfection as winning a Super Bowl title. Anything more would be a bonus.

But with five weeks left in the regular season, the Colts' three-decade quest to return to the Super Bowl now carries an added burden - trying to join the 1972 Miami Dolphins as the only unbeaten teams in NFL history.

The big question now is whether anyone can beat this team. Coach Tony Dungy wants everyone to keep things in perspective.

"Hopefully we win the next two because that means we will wrap up the division," he said Tuesday. "If we win them, we know there will be a lot of talk about, 'Can you go undefeated?' But that's never really been our goal."

Steelers

Hours after Pittsburgh's worst loss in more than two years, there were no apologies from coach Bill Cowher.

There was no mea culpa for the failed onside kick at the start of the second half that the unbeaten Colts quickly converted into a touchdown and a 16-point lead en route to their 26-7 win Monday night- the Steelers' second straight loss.

"The call was made to try to get us a spark and get us another possession," Cowher said. "That's my decision. If it works, it's a good play. If it doesn't, you're open to second guessing, which is the nature of this business."

Rams

Coach Mike Martz wants to return to the field after missing the past six games with a heart ailment.

Martz said he would ask his doctor for permission to return. The Rams are 3-3 under interim coach Joe Vitt since Martz stepped down.

Seahawks

The NFL denies telling the Seahawks that officials erred when they ruled two Giants touchdown receptions complete in Seattle's 24-21 overtime win.

Eagles

Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) backed off a threat to have a Senate subcommittee investigate if the NFL and the Eagles violated antitrust laws in their handling of Terrell Owens.

Buccaneers

Tampa Bay kicker Matt Bryant's status for this week's game against New Orleans is uncertain because of a sore right hamstring, prompting the Buccaneers to sign Todd France to the practice squad.

Jaguars

Jacksonville placed backup linebacker Jamie Winborn on injured reserve because of a knee injury.

Raiders


Oakland claimed cornerback Lenny Walls off waivers from the Broncos and placed safety Reggie Tongue on injured reserve.

Bengals

Nate Webster was activated off the physically unable to perform list. .