He's quiet. He's shy. He's careful not say something he regrets. Considering the 24/7 media coverage around the NFL, the latter move isn't necessarily a bad one.

Addai's media reticence, on display again after the Colts' 33-27 win over the Houston Texans on Sunday in Lucas Oil Stadium, is part of his personality. It's why you don't hear a lot of sound bites from him over the course of the season.

Because of that, and other more important reasons, it's good to have Dominic Rhodes around.

Not only does Rhodes spell Addai and offer some inside-the-tackles punch to a Colts running game that might be back from the dead, he also talks and talks and talks.

My tape recorder loves Rhodes.

"This is a testament to the O-line and how they prepared this week, and what their intentions were," Rhodes said. "Their intentions were to get down and get dirty and provide the yards for us, and they did that. We ran hard and broke tackles, and it was a total team effort."

The Colts' third straight improved their record to 6-4 as they head to San Diego next Sunday. In the big picture, beating the Texans (3-7) at home won't rank with knocking off the Patriots or the Steelers. But it could be the game that returned the balance of power to the Colts' offense.

There's a little more swagger in the Colts' offense again, a sense that timing and rhythm are returning to classic form.

"I definitely feel like we're getting hot at a good time, and that's November and December," Rhodes said. "Everybody gets all excited at the beginning of the season, but that stuff at the beginning of the season is for the showboating teams. They come out, nobody knows what they're doing and they're pulling out wins and looking fancy and stuff like that.

"When it comes to November and December, everybody has film, they know what's coming," Rhodes continued. "It comes down to who can execute and come out with big wins, and we did it today."

On Sunday, the return of the running game gave the Colts that elusive offensive balance. Peyton Manning racked up 320 yards passing and two touchdowns (including one to the not-irrelevant-yet Marvin Harrison), and the running backs combined for 153 yards (Addai 105, Rhodes 48, both at 4.8 yards per carry).

Addai's (and the Colts') last 100-yard rushing game came against New England on Nov. 4, 2007. Entering Sunday, the Colts ranked dead last in the league in rushing. And yes, that included the Bengals and Lions.

"The offensive line takes a lot of pride in (the running game)," Manning said. "They have a lot of pride and so do Dominic and Joe, and it has gotten a lot of attention around here, been a topic of discussion. Those guys felt challenged and they really answered that challenge today."

The Colts' defense had a few troubling moments, such as every time someone tried to tackle Steve Slaton (156 yards, a 71-yard TD). But it also was hit by the unexpected loss of Bob Sanders, who was scratched as a game-time inactive because of swelling in his knee.

Good moments for the defense included a pair of sacks by Dwight Freeney, and twice forcing Houston into field goals in the first half after the Texans were inside the 20. Melvin Bullitt finished off a win for the third time with an interception.

Any way you analyze it, this game belonged to the Colts' offense. The 33 points were a season high, as were the 475 total yards. Manning completed 30 of 46 passes to six receivers. He hit Harrison nine times for 77 yards, with Harrison delivering an "unbelievable catch" on his scoring reception.

The Colts had five drives of 10 or more plays, and scored on seven of eight possessions until a final kneel-down. Manning is more comfortable with his offensive line than he was a month ago. And Manning in a comfort zone is a good thing.

"It's very similar to getting timing with receivers, running backs or tight ends," Manning said. "You like to get a feel for your linemen and where they expect you to be, how long you have on certain throws. It's a timing thing with the quarterback and his linemen. It's nice to have the same unit the last few weeks and some continuity there." It's nice to score, and score often.

It's nice to see Addai breaking 100 yards.

It's nice to see Rhodes standing by his locker.

"San Diego awaits, baby, and we're ready," Rhodes said. "They're a great Football team. We'll have the time change, the lights on and everybody will be watching. It'll be time to put on a show."

A show needs star power, and the Colts appear ready to provide it again.

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