Luck helps Colts run through Browns 17-13

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Tough to believe, but the Colts won this game in the trenches, rushing for nearly 150 yards, the most in a game since last December.

Ball control, and a solid second half from a beat up and maligned defensive front got it done.

"Our D-line played tremendous. We were able to run free, make our fits, and our guys were doing their jobs. It really helped us out, when we're on, we can be alright," said linebacker Pat Angerer, seeing his first action of the year after breaking his foot in the pre-season opener.

"We definitely stepped up. We understand this is a running team with the ability to pass. This is a tough team, they can pass and they can run the ball, they've got good running backs coming out of that backfield. We all collectively did a great job," added Dwight Freeney.

Tom Zbikowski, who had some key passes broken up thought this was the total team victory.

"It's never flawless, always going to be mistakes but when we play together as an entire team as a whole until you're out there on the field, you've always got a chance to win."

It's been a struggle with the running game so far, so to be able to finally make a difference had to feel good for the Colt backs and line.

"It felt really good being a big part of it, and the big guys up front helped us a lot. It feels great because we got the win and are 3-3 just where we want to be," said rookie running back Vic Ballard, who rushed for a career high 84 yards.

Guard Mike McGlynn loved it.

"We took a step forward in the run game, able to control the clock a little bit and put the game away that last drive. We took a step forward, lets hope it carries over to next week."

Andrew Luck was relieved.

"It's nice to see a little pound, get some first downs, eat up some clock, two runs in a row, three runs in a row and get those first downs. It makes life a little easier as a quarterback."

"Obviously excited about the win. To get to 3-3 and be in the hunt in the AFC with a bunch of other teams and start to get healthy, hopefully next week and take this on the road,"said interim coach Bruce Arians.

The victory is the Colts third of the season, one more than all of last year, and we're not yet to Halloween.