Colts remain unbeaten after win over Ravens

BALTIMORE (Reuters) - The Indianapolis Colts improved to a perfect 10-0 record this season with a 17-15 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

Peyton Manning threw for 299 yards and a touchdown and Joseph Addai rushed for 74 yards and a touchdown as Indianapolis won their 19th consecutive regular season game stretching back into last season.

The Colts now have the second longest streak in the NFL behind the New England Patriots, who won 21 games in a row between 2006-2008.

On Sunday, the Colts needed an inspired effort from their defense to finally subdue the Ravens, who were desperate for a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

"We scored touchdowns, they scored field goals, that was kind of the difference," Manning told reporters. "Our defense was huge today and we made some real big turnovers that helped us a lot."

Baltimore had one more chance in the final minute but that ended when Ed Reed fumbled on a punt return with 17 seconds left.

Matt Stover's 25-yard field goal with 7:02 remaining gave the Colts the lead for good, much to the relief of coach Jim Caldwell.

"He's a true professional," said Caldwell. "He's been through it and certainly he's been kicking for 18 years.

"Nothing really gets him upset. Not too high, not too low. He wasn't too overly excited, he just came in and did his job, and I'm certain he felt some kinship. These guys love him around here."

Indianapolis have struggled to keep their streak alive, winning their last four games by a combined 10 points. However,

once again they generated just enough offence to get the win.

Billy Cundiff kicked five field goals to account for all the Ravens scoring, as Baltimore slipped to 5-5.

(Writing by Roger Lajoie in Toronto; Editing by Peter Rutherford