With the Colts' 20-13 win over the Chiefs on Sunday, the Cols became just the second team to win double digit games one season after lossing 14 or more, joining the 2008 Miami Dolphins. 

But that wasn't the only record on the day, in fact, the Colts got several records in the win. Since it's Christmas Eve, and it's a busy time for us all, I just wanted to give you a few extra tidbits to brighten up your Christmas Eve. Some of these are pretty well known, others may not be. 

We're lucky.

Is there a better way to describe Colts fans? With their 20-13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, the Colts moved their record to 10-5 (their 12th time winning 10 or more games in the past 14 years) and clinched a playoff berth (their 12th playoff berth in, coincidentally, the last 14 years). A year after going 2-14, after an off-season in which the owner, Jim Irsay, fired the General Manager and Head Coach, after he cut Peyton Manning and a handful of talented veteran players, the Colts were able to make the playoffs.

And how about that owner? For all of the grief Irsay is given for his quirky personality, is there anyone Colts fans would rather have own the Colts? In a climate that sees sports owners fighting to pocket more cash, Irsay isn't afraid to aggressively spend to the salary cap. He isn't afraid to hand out up-front cash via signing bonuses. And while he has a vision for the team, he hires men to execute that vision, and then gets out of the way and lets them do their job. In the 16 seasons since Irsay took over full control of the team in 1997, the Colts have had only 4 losing seasons while making the playoffs 12 times.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne (87) catches a 7-yard touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, in Kansas City, Mo. The Colts won 20-13. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

op·por·tun·ism [op-er-too-niz-uh m, -tyoo-] noun

1. the policy or practice, as in politics, business, or one's personal affairs, of adapting actions, decisions, etc., to expediency or effectiveness regardless of the sacrifice of ethical principles.  (Source: Dictionary.com)

Very applicable apart from the disregard of ethics part. 

pro·fes·sion·al·ism

[pruh-fesh-uh-nl-iz-uh m] noun: 1. professional character, spirit, or methods.  2. the standing, practice, or methods of a professional, as distinguished from an amateur.

It Doesn't Have to be Pretty

Today, with 0:49 left in the first half, and the Colts driving toward what would end up being another Adam Vinatieri field goal, Andrew Luck broke the NFL record for passing yards by a rookie.  There was no celebration, no pats on the back or hugs from teammates, not even a subdued fist pump, just a timeout to stop the clock in a crucial scoring situation with a tenuous lead.  Luck jogged to the sideline to strategize on getting into scoring position on a day where moving the chains had been difficult.  For the Colts, and for Luck, it’s about winning and accepting nothing less.      

Just a few hours earlier, in the fourth quarter of the Falcons-Lions game, Calvin Johnson broke Jerry Rice’s single season receiving yardage record.  A wild celebration ensued.  While it was certainly a bigger accomplishment than a rookie record (and a home game), the Lions were down 31-16 late in the fourth quarter.  It was garbage time. 

It could be argued that the Lions just needed something to celebrate, and is more than a little valid.  However, there is no denying the Colts, and their impressive rookie’s professional attitude.  Just tune everything else out and win.  This attitude is why the Indianapolis Colts are in the playoffs, while other clubs with seemingly similar talent levels are fighting for, well, pride and roster spots right now. 

The first half today was a statistical blowout.  Before the touchdown drive and final, icing kneel downs, Indianapolis had been outgained 507-202 by the talented but inconsistent Chiefs.  The Colts had little to no pass protection and not much to speak of in the running game early on.  But, somehow, they would be in position to seize the day at the end.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) fumbles the ball as he is hit by Indianapolis Colts defensive end Clifton Geathers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, in Kansas City, Mo. The Colts recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Stay tuned for our full recap within the hour. 

Outgained by 305 yards before their final two drives, the Colts pulled a rabbit out of their hat in Kansas City to come up with a victory.

First Impressions

-A win is a win.  The better team didn’t play better, but they did enough to win the game. 

-The Defense had a rough day but took advantage of every opportunity that came their way. 

-Jerrell Freeman is not a man I want tackling me when he’s angry…or ever, for that matter. 

-The Colts need to do something about their abysmal pass protection.  That kind of thing is going to shorten Andrew Luck’s career if it continues. 

-Dwight Freeney fought through some blatant holds in this game. 

-The Colts are in the playoffs, but the downward trend in offensive production puts a damper on the excitement. 

-As I type this, Cincinnati is also clinching the playoffs.

Full recap is on the way.

The Colts beat Ron Winter and the Chiefs 20-13 today to move to 10-5 AND CLINCH A PLAYOFF BERTH! Join us for a special holiday recap!

Here's your open thread for the Colts and Chiefs.

Remember to follow all your favorite Colts Authority writers and "honored alumni" on Twitter as well:

Nate Dunlevy, Greg Cowan, Todd Smith, Kyle Rodriguez, Scott Kacsmar, Luke Dunlevy, Laura Calloway, Brent Fatig, Lou Pin, Josh Boeke, and Marcus Dugan

Here's the Colts Gameday Follow list.

We'll have post-game coverage here on CA, but also check out Todd, Kyle and me at Bleacher Report today as well.

Also, catch me on 1070 the Fan at 8 pm with Jersey Johnny after the game.

Happy Holidays!

Hello, Colts Fans.  I hope your Christmas season has been positively wonderful thus far.  This week, since the world did not, in fact, end, our NFL Picks series is back by somewhat popular demand, and the picks are posted with all manner of bragging rights at stake. If you would like to get into the mix, jump in and add your picks into the comments (or, as some prefer, just email them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ). 

It won't take very long, and if you beat us, I'll mention your name (or username) in next week's article just for being awesome.  You're off to a solid 1-0 start already since you know who won on Thursday night.  So kick off your Christmas weekend with a little friendly competition, and pick some NFL games with us. 

I promise it will be fun, or your money back (insert clever comment here about how there is not money to refund).

12 Things to Watch For in Sunday's Colts-Chiefs Game

She's the Chief's best option at quarterback

Last week, the Colts got smacked around by the Texans, but their dream season can get back on track with a win in Kansas City. The Colts have owned the Chiefs for almost two decades now, and the dominance should continue this year. Here's what to keep an eye on...

1. Watch the bounce back. The pendulum has swung on Andrew Luck. A few weeks after he was anointed Moses on the mountain top, everyone just as suddenly wonders why he's "regressed". The truth is that there's nothing wrong with him. For all our justified focus on rate stats, it's easy to forget this kid will pass the 4,000 yard mark and will likely finish the year with 30 combined passing and rushing touchdowns. In some ways, Luck's 2012 reminds me a lot of Manning's 2010 season. High volume passing leads to supressed rate totals. That's just how football works. Luck will come out and have a nice game and remind everyone exactly why he's such a big deal.

2. Watch his back. The Chiefs only real strength is their dual pass rushers of Justin Houston and Tamba Hali. As long as the motley crew that makes up the Indy offensive line can get a hand on them once in a while, the Indy offense should operate with impunity. At some point the Colts simply have to start blocking for Luck. Look for it to start this week. Of course, it's possible that line will still be exhausted from not sleeping all week. Word has it they were up all night with Watt related nightmares.

(Photo from   Colts  . com  via Yahoo! Spo rts ' Shutdown Corner)

Today, we’ll talk Chuck Pagano, the threat posed by a losing team, and a few items of statistical miscellany.  All quotes come from the Indianapolis Colts PR Department.  And on we go, to the Notebook:

Chuck Pagano Expected to Return

The big news from the Colts yesterday was that Dr. Larry Cripe, Head Coach Chuck Pagano’s doctor at the IU Cancer Center has cleared him to go back to work.  He should be able to return on Monday so he can be back on the sideline, coaching the Colts in their season finale December 30^th, which has been his and the team’s goal for much of the season. 

“We are so blessed to have a leader like Chuck,” said Guard Joe Reitz. We’ve all been praying for him and are glad that things have gone well. I think we all look forward to the day when he’s back in there, hopefully sooner rather than later.” 

The Colts head to Kansas City in week 16 to take on the Chiefs and to try to secure a playoff berth! Join Colts Authority Radio Live at 9pm ET as we break down the game, tell you who will win, and why.