It’s Mora the Same for Colts
BALTIMORE — This time, Jim Mora was almost serene in the wake of a frustrating defeat. Maybe it was because he had already seen the same thing so many times this season.
Rod Woodson set an NFL record with his 10th career interception return for a touchdown, going 47 yards with the last of the Indianapolis Colts’ four turnovers to clinch the Baltimore Ravens’ 39-27 victory Sunday.
After the Colts’ loss to San Francisco last week, Mora, their coach, repeatedly slammed his hand, calling the performance a “disgrace†and indirectly chiding quarterback Peyton Manning for his four interceptions.
Manning was guilty of two turnovers Sunday and Indianapolis (4-7) lost its fourth straight, but Mora took it all in stride.
“I took [medication] before I came in here and it calmed me down,†he said, forcing a grin. “I know it’s no consolation when you lose a game, but I’m proud of our football team.... We fought them tooth and nail.â€
He even spoke kindly of Manning, who was 28 for 48 for 310 yards and two touchdowns, but whose miscues led to 10 Baltimore points.
“Peyton played good,†Mora said. “The offense struggled in the first half against a very good defense, but we started doing better in the second half. We moved the ball and scored some points.â€
Except in the fourth quarter, when it counted most. Baltimore (8-4), which also had four turnovers, won with a typical fourth-quarter performance.
The Ravens have won five of six heading into their bye week. In each of those five victories, the Super Bowl champions either trailed or were tied entering the fourth quarter.
The Colts led, 27-26, until Elvis Grbac, who passed for 268 yards, threw his second touchdown pass, a five-yarder to Qadry Ismail with 13:29 left.
Woodson broke a tie with Ken Houston for most career interceptions for a touchdown, going the distance with 1:34 left. It was the sixth time this season that Manning threw an interception that was returned for a score.
“He threw it right to me,†Woodson said. “Luckily, nobody was on the outside so I could run right to the end zone.â€
Go beyond the scoreboard
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