It was a complete game all around. The offense, which got of to somewhat of a slow start, was able to put up 27 points against a formidable Bengals defense. The defense, pitched a shut out against the two-headed monster of Giovanni Bernard and Jeremy Hill. And Special Teams was good as advertised, with Pat McAfee pinning the Bengals deep on six punts and Adam Vinatieri nailing two field goals.

Both offenses struggled early, with the two teams combining for 0/11 on third downs midway through the second quarter. Two possible Colts scoring drives were stalled in Bengals territory, with both Trent Richardson and Ahmad Bradshaw losing the ball on two separate possessions. The Colts, however, were able to put up ten points in the half with an Adam Vinatieri field goal and a touchdown run from Ahmad Bradshaw.

The second half brought continued Colts dominance. Cincinnati was unable to cross the 50-yard line until halfway through fourth quarter. Andy Dalton was sacked three times throughout the game, including one from Bjoern Werner, who now has four sacks on the season. Rookie Jonathon Newsome, who filled in for Erik Walden (ejected in the second quarter for touching a referee) played effectively as well. The Colts pass rush continues to impress even without Robert Mathis.

The Colts defense held Andy Dalton to 126 yards through the air and kept Giovanni Bernard and Jeremy Hill to a combined 32 yards rushing. On the other side of the ball, Andrew Luck continued his MVP-caliber season by throwing for 344 yards and 2 touchdowns. The running backs, despite their fumbles, continued their effective season, with Ahmad Bradshaw scoring two touchdowns and Trent Richardson rushing for 77 yards. Dan Herron, who came in late in the fourth quarter, made the most of his opportunities, rushing for 37 yards on five carries.

The dominant performance against the Bengals makes the Colts a formidable team in the playoffs and a threat for the Super Bowl title. After two losses to open the season, five straight wins against division rivals and AFC playoff contenders put the Colts in a great spot for the playoffs. Wins against the Ravens and Bengals will help the Colts in tiebreak scenarios for playoff seeding.

Next up, the Colts travel to Pittsburgh to continue their run against AFC opponents. Check out the Colts Week 8 Preview for more information on the matchup.