NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A few thoughts on the Indianapolis Colts' 27-10 victory Sunday against the Tennessee Titans:
What it means: This game meant nothing outside of Indianapolis winning 11 games for the third consecutive season. The Colts entered the game wanting to fine-tune things before the playoffs start next weekend. By the end, they were simply hoping to get off the field without being hit with any more injuries to key players. Tight end Coby Fleener caught two touchdown passes and finished with 56 yards on five receptions. The Colts defense did its part by limiting the Titans to 192 total yards. Fifty-two of those yards came on a run by RB Shonn Greene in the third quarter.
Stock watch: Jonathan Newsome continued his strong rookie season by finishing with six tackles and two sacks, giving him 6.5 on the season, third most by a rookie in Colts history.
Not a pleasant birthday for Vinatieri: Kicker Adam Vinatieri's 42nd birthday didn't go as expected. His streak of consecutive field goals came to an end at 36 when he missed a 46-yard attempt in the third quarter. Vinatieri entered Sunday's game a perfect 28-of-28 on the season.
Luck plays only a half: Quarterback Andrew Luck's 2014 regular season ended after a half of playing time. He finished 10-of-16 for 160 yards and two touchdowns. Luck did move up in the record books before taking his spot on the sideline. He moved ahead of Peyton Manning for most touchdown passes through three seasons in franchise history with 86. Luck also set a team record for most passing yards in a single season, also passing Manning, with 4,761 yards. Luck joined Manning as the only quarterbacks in Colts history to throw for 40 touchdowns in a season.
Hit with injuries: Receiver Reggie Wayne (groin), linebacker Andy Studebaker (hand), offensive lineman A.Q. Shipley (ankle), safety Sergio Brown (hand) and offensive lineman Hugh Thornton (shoulder) all left the game with injuries. The Colts went into the game without four starters because of injuries.
Game ball: Take Luck off the Colts and their season would have ended Sunday. He is the main reason the Colts won the AFC South for the second straight season and why they are going to the playoffs for the third straight season. Luck finished his third season going 380-of-616 for 4,761 yards, 40 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.
What's next: The Colts will host the loser of the Cincinnati/Pittsburgh game in a wild-card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Jan. 3 or 4. The only way the Colts get the No. 3 seed is if the Bengals and Steelers tie.
