"Dallas Clark is coming off one of the best games by a tight end in NFL history. The Colts veteran had a career-high 14 receptions in last Sunday's victory over Houston, one shy of tying the league record.

Clark offered some advice as he looked ahead, beginning with tonight's prime-time clash with the New England Patriots in Lucas Oil Stadium. Don't get too used it, he said.

"You can throw out that stat,'' Clark said. "(Houston) was a different game. We wanted to attack. We wanted to get them running, get them tired and try to take advantage of that. To do that, it's best when you throw the ball a lot.

Quarterback Peyton Manning threw early, late and often. He had 25 attempts in the first quarter, 40 by halftime, 50 at game's end. Sixteen were directed at Clark.

"That was kind of an abnormality and you probably won't see that again,'' Clark said.

That depends.

On one hand, Manning isn't about to shy away from one of his most dependable and versatile options, one who just happens to be in the midst of a Pro Bowl-deserving season. Clark ranks second in the league with 60 catches, sixth with 703 yards.

"We've certainly got to find ways to get him the ball,'' Manning said.

That might not be easy. It doesn't take a defensive savant to recognize Clark's importance to the Colts' offense, and realize the need to limit his contributions."