Keep on winning

As the final four weeks of the 2005 NFL season begins, there are six teams with winning streaks of at least five games – led, of course, by the 12-0 Indianapolis Colts.

The total of six such clubs is the most since 1970 at this point in a season.
The ’05 teams are the Colts, the 8-0 Bears and Seahawks, and the 5-0 Chargers, Jaguars and Vikings.

“It’s hard to get wins,” said Bears head coach Lovie Smith. “But our team finds a way to win each week. It’s fun watching them play.”

Imagine how much fun Tony Dungy is having. His Colts this week in Jacksonville seek to extend their record to 13-0 – a mark that only three teams in history have reached (1934 Chicago Bears, 1972 Miami Dolphins and 1998 Denver
Broncos) -- and a record that only one team has extended to 14-0 (’72 Dolphins).
A victory for the Colts also would clinch the AFC South Division and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs.

“I know how hard it is to win nine games, 10 games, 11 games,” said Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. “To win 12 games is extremely hard, but to win 12 in a row…You don’t have time to pat yourself on the back as a team.”

The back-patting can wait. As the final four weeks of the season begin, there are division titles – and more -- to be won. The Seattle Seahawks already have guaranteed play-off football having won the NFC West Division, as have the Colts.

The Cincinnati Bengals can join them if they win and the Chicago Bears continue their fine defensive form to topple the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Last year’s Super Bowl winners, the New England Patriots can clinch the AFC East Division with a win and a Miami loss.