As Indy's passing party carries on, it's now Wayne's world
"Reggie's a playmaker now," Manning said. "He has got some real 'want to' in him as far as wanting to stay on the field, not wanting to punt and keep our offense out there. Of course, you have to look for a guy like Reggie on third downs. You feel good. You trust him. He is going to be in the right spot and make the catch."
Wayne was playing with a heavy heart Sunday. He was a friend of Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor, who died on Tuesday after being shot Monday in a home invasion. The two worked out together with the rest of the Miami alums in the NFL in the off-season.
"This one is bittersweet," Wayne said.
He will head to Miami Monday for the funeral.
Manning threw four touchdown passes against the Jaguars, giving him 23 on the season. He has tossed 20 in 10 consecutive seasons, tying Dan Marino for the NFL record.
But it hasn't been easy.
"You always expect 100-percent effort and execution," Manning said. "But there is no question when you don't have all your starting players it's probably not going to look like what it usually looks like."
Colts coach Tony Dungy wouldn't put a timeline on Harrison's return. He did say that the victory over the Jaguars, which pretty much seals the division, will allow them the luxury of not rushing him back.
If they are wise, they hold him out until the playoffs. What's the rush? They'll need the full arsenal for the Patriots. When he does return, he will join a group that is even better than it was when he left. Gonzalez is playing much better than he was early in the season, which gives them an additional weapon. He started outside against the Jaguars, but would move to the slot when Harrison returns.
Wayne is the anti-Harrison. Where Harrison is aloof and private, Wayne is open and accommodating. He is also much closer with his teammates. You get the idea when talking to them that they are all happy for Wayne. Harrison sulks after games. Wayne stands up and faces the music when things don't go well.
"I have so much respect for the guy," Clark said.
The opposition does now, too. You can see it in the way they play him. It's his time to catch the Manning passes. It's his time in the spotlight.
Marvin and Reggie? Right now, it's Reggie and Marvin.
The supporting actor has taken over the lead role and he's doing one hell of a job with it.




