NFL: Colts' receiving corps catches on with Manning

INDIANAPOLIS — Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark worked in unison all season.

When one was double-teamed, the other exposed single coverage. When one went deep, the other exploited the middle. And when one got open, three-time MVP Peyton Manning repeatedly threw the ball their way.

Now they're heading into the playoffs as just the fourth 100-catch receiving duo in league history.

"They're great competitors and they're outstanding route runners," coach Jim Caldwell said. "They have outstanding spacial awareness, they can run away from coverage and have spectacular hands. That's what makes them a little unique."

Indy knew it had something special with Wayne and Clark long ago. But the Colts (14-2) never dreamed the tag-team tandem would do so much in 2009.

Both finished with exactly 100 catches and 10 touchdowns and both topped 1,000 yards. They played instrumental roles in the development of youngsters Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon, and Wayne and Clark excelled when Indy needed them most.

For the first time in Manning's NFL career, Marvin Harrison, the franchise's career receiving leader, was not around. He was released in a cost-cutting move last February, making Wayne, who was named to his fourth straight Pro Bowl last week, the unquestioned leader of Indy's receiving corps.

Caldwell, Manning and others then expected 2007 first-round pick Anthony Gonzalez to become the No. 2 receiver. But in the first quarter of the season opener, Gonzalez sprained ligaments in his right knee and never returned.

Suddenly, Clark was Manning's No. 2 guy, with Garcon and Collie taking turns sharing the spotlight in one of the league's highest-scoring offenses.

Each finished with their own prize.

Wayne produced his second career 100-catch season, four short of the career high set in 2007. Last weekend, the combination of Manning to Wayne also moved into second place on the career list for completions, behind only Manning to Harrison. Those numbers are still not good enough for Wayne.

"My personal goal is to catch Marvin's record, 143," Wayne said. "But I want to catch as many passes as I possibly can so I know I'm helping my team."

Clark became the second tight end in league history to have 100 catches in a season, two short of Tony Gonzalez's all-time mark. Clark was selected to his first Pro Bowl — one he hopes to skip later this month so he can play in the Super Bowl.