It’s difficult to argue with the results generated thus far by the Indianapolis Colts offense, even though it is as imbalanced as ever.

While the objective isn’t necessarily a 50-50 split between runs and pass plays, the Colts’ 7-0 record has been built more on Peyton Manning’s arm than on the occasional handoffs to running backs.

Despite having a virtual stranglehold on the AFC South heading into Sunday’s divisional showdown with the Houston Texans, they admit it’s not an ideal mix.

“We’re still trying to be balanced,” said Manning, who’s on pace to deliver a club-record 601 passes and a league-record 5,090 yards. "I guess the numbers are what they are.

“We’re probably throwing it better than we’re running it. I guess that’s a safe statement.”

It sure is. Manning is directing an offense whose No. 4 overall ranking is derived by blending a No. 1-ranked passing attack with a No. 30-ranked running game.

In terms of pass-run balance, Manning is throwing 62 percent of the time. Only Arizona, with quarterback Kurt Warner and the league’s No. 32-ranked running game, is more pass-dependent (69 percent).

The NFL’s other unbeaten QB has enjoyed the best of both worlds. Drew Brees has New Orleans at 7-0 by throwing 50.2 percent of the time. It helps the running game is ranked No. 10.

The Colts’ ground game has been hit-and-miss since midway through the 2007 season. Over the past 31 games, it has averaged just 80.3 yards a game and 3.4 yards an attempt. Joseph Addai’s only 100-yard rushing game (105 yards on 22 carries) in his past 27 came when Houston last visited Lucas Oil Stadium a year ago.

The inefficiency, in part, has convinced the Colts to lean heavily on Manning.

Perhaps too much?

“We always want to be more productive,” coach Jim Caldwell said Wednesday.

The raw numbers, he added, often are a reflection of how teams choose to defend the Manning-led offense.

“If they give us looks that require us to throw, we throw it,” he said. “If they give us looks that require us to run the ball, we run it.”

Striving for better balance is “something we do believe we need to improve upon.”

It’s a similar goal in Houston. The Texans are in the middle of the pack this season — a 57-43 percent pass-run split — but coach Gary Kubiak would prefer to see more running.

Relying on quarterback Matt Schaub to throw so much exposes him to sacks and hits, and a possible rise in negative plays.

“I look at time of possession, all those things,” Kubiak said. "We get out there and start throwing the ball 50 times a game and (the offense) is not going to be on the field much. Our defense is going to be out there way too long.

“Just the overall effectiveness of our team goes down. It’s been proven since I’ve been here.”

Their current success aside, the Colts have been at their best when they’ve struck a more appropriate pass-run balance.

When Manning broke Dan Marino’s single-season touchdown record (49) and Steve Young’s passer rating mark (121.1) in 2004, he passed just 55.9 percent of the time.

When the Colts won Super Bowl XLI after the 2006 season, their four-game playoff run was as balanced as it gets: 160 passing plays, 147 runs (a 52.1-47.9 split).

It makes sense to maximize Manning, a three-time league MVP who’s in the midst of arguably his best season.

“It’s the same guy we’ve always seen,” Kubiak said. “(I) just marvel at what he does week-in and week-out. He’s a special player.”

But even a special QB surrounded by quality receivers benefits from a reliable running game.

“We’re still going to try to establish the run every single week,” Manning said. “You have to stay committed to it just to keep the defense somewhat honest, keep them from being able to rush the passer every single time.”