"Set aside any gimmicks and gadgets and the Indianapolis Colts' gaudy passing attack. Go directly to the bottom line, to where the cleats meet the turf.

"We have to be able to run the ball to win," coach Tony Dungy said.

The Colts did that surpassingly well through the most crucial stretch of their quarter century in Indianapolis. They bulled their way through the playoffs and Super Bowl XLI with a punishing ground game while winning the 2006 championship. They came back pounding last fall but lost their momentum during the second half of the season, when injuries sidelined both starting tackles, compromised the effectiveness of the offensive line and nagged running back Joseph Addai.

The Colts open the 2008 season and brand-spanking-new Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday night against the Chicago Bears. Last time the teams met was Super Bowl XLI. The Colts dominated by rushing 42 times for 191 yards during a 29-17 victory.

Last time the Colts were on the field, it was a different story. It was last January, an AFC divisional home playoff game against San Diego. They rushed 18 times for 44 yards. They lost 28-24.

"For us to be at our best, we want to be balanced," quarterback Peyton Manning said. "We don't want a team to put us in a one-dimensional mode. We want in any down-and-distance to be able toback and pass, to run the ball or run play-action and keep a defense on its heels."

The depth of the Colts' determination to restart their stalled running game was expressed during the offseason.

Right guard Jake Scott departed for Tennessee as a free agent, but the Colts locked up left guard Ryan Lilja with a long-term contract. Then they drafted more offensive linemen than they had in any year since 1991. They took Mike Pollak, Steve Justice and Jamey Richard, all of whom can play guard and center. They drafted one running back, Mike Hart. They signed another as a free agent, Super Bowl XLI hero Dominic Rhodes.

"I think we can get back to running it just as well or better," said Rhodes, who spent a frustrating season with Oakland last year. "I think it might take us a little while because of the injuries, but we'll get going."

Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday, Lilja and Pollak will not play Sunday because of knee injuries. That leaves the interior offensive line manned by backups, guards Charlie Johnson and Dan Federkeil, with Richard, or possibly Justice, at center.

The running game is expected to perform regardless, and right away.

"Next guy," right tackle Ryan Diem said. "That's kind of the way we operate around here. Our backups are ready to step in.""