Peyton Manning, Colts rally past Jets, reach Super Bowl

INDIANAPOLIS — This is perfect for the Indianapolis Colts: They have Peyton Manning and they're back in the Super Bowl.

The four-time MVP threw three touchdown passes, and the Colts rallied from an 11-point, first-half deficit to beat the New York Jets 30-17 Sunday in the AFC championship game.

The Colts (16-2) are now headed back to the NFL title game for the second time in four years, and their fourth Super Bowl in franchise history.

Better yet, they're heading back to their lucky city — Miami, where they've played all four of those games.

"I thought we just kept our mouths shut and went to work this week," Manning said.

The big-talking Jets, and their equally big-talking coach, Rex Ryan, were all the incentive they needed.

A month ago, when the New Yorkers were last in town, Indianapolis coach Jim Caldwell pulled his starters in the third quarter and gave up a chance at a perfect season to focus on a Super Bowl run.

This time, Manning was on the field for the very last play.

"We talked about being patient against these guys," Manning said. "We knew it would be a four-quarter game."

The Colts will face the New Orleans Saints in two weeks at the biggest game in football. Manning was the MVP when the Colts beat Chicago in the Super Bowl three years ago.

Fans counted down the final seconds, streamers and confetti hung in the air, flash bulbs popped incessantly, and when the official announcement was made, roars cascaded from the rafters.

The Colts' career rushing leader, Edgerrin James, presented the team with the Lamar Hunt Trophy, which goes to the AFC champs, and some players savored the celebration by staying on the field long after the official celebration ended.

"The guys have always been a very confident bunch and they do a great job of hanging in there," Caldwell said. "Peyton had just an outstanding game. He's one of those guys that can adjust to different situations. ... A real champion."

Manning finished 26 of 39 for 377 yards. He became the first player in league history with seven 300-yard postseason games. That broke a tie with Kurt Warner and Joe Montana.

The Jets' magical run ended with their first road loss in six games.