The Indianapolis Colts’ kickoff and punt coverage units have been a model of consistency, and a noticeable improvement over the past, under first-year special teams coach Ray Rychleski .

They’re top-10 in both areas: No. 5 against kickoffs (21.2 per return), No. 7 covering punts (6.4). In 2008, the Colts ranked No. 24 on kickoffs (24.3), No. 15 on punts (9.2).

“I know that we were trying hard last year, and other years as well, but this year everything has just come together,‘’ said backup safety and special teams standout Jamie Silva . "We just want to keep that going.’’

That’s the caveat whenever impeccable coverage is discussed. What’s important isn’t the past. It’s the next punt or kick that must be covered.

“I hesitate talking about that particularly glowingly at this juncture because every week is a new challenge,‘’ coach Jim Caldwell said. "And believe me, we have a challenge this week.’’

Houston brings one of the league’s premier return threats into Lucas Oil Stadium. Jacoby Jones ranks fourth in the NFL in kickoff returns (29.1) and eighth in punt returns (11.5). The 2007 third-round draft pick returned two punts for touchdowns last season and earlier this season took a kickoff back 95 yards for a TD against Oakland. The past two weeks, penalties negated his 70-yard punt return at Buffalo and a 68-yard touchdown on a punt return against San Francisco.

If the Texans are fearful of wearing out Jones, they can turn to Andre Davis . He’s averaging 22.9 yards on 14 kickoff returns and tied an NFL record when he returned three for touchdowns in 2007.

“Yeah, they’ve got some dangerous guys and we just have to stick to our fundamentals and make sure we contain it and stay in our lanes,’’ Silva said.

Coverage is a group effort, and the Colts have gotten contributions from defensive backs, linebackers, tight ends, virtually every position.

Silva and fellow safety Aaron Francisco lead the way with nine tackles; Silva had five last week against the 49ers. Linebackers Philip Wheeler and Ramon Humber have eight each, cornerback Jacob Lacey and tight end Jacob Tamme seven a piece.

Rookie punter/kicker Pat McAfee has only one tackle, but that’s not his forte. Rather, it’s delivering deep kicks with sufficient hang time. The Colts’ kickoff group ranks No. 1 in the AFC, limiting opponents to an average drive start at the 23.4-yard line.

In the first quarter last week against the 49ers, Silva worked his way downfield on one kickoff and whacked Michael Robinson at the 12.

“The goal is to get them within the 20, so getting them at the 12 or wherever it was, that’s exciting,‘’ Silva said. "The crowd got excited. The defense came over to me and slapped me on the helmet when they came out. It was cool.’’

Warning: Dress warm

Fans attending today’s game are advised to bundle up, just in case. The forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-60s. If that holds up, the Lucas Oil Stadium roof might be open. The team’s decision must be made 90 minutes prior to kickoff.

Regardless, pregame festivities include a 1 p.m. flyover by four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.

Manning upping standards

Quarterback Peyton Manning already has established himself as the most prolific one-decade passer in NFL history. He has passed for 296 touchdowns and 39,981 yards, the most from 2000-09 and the most in any decade.

From 1990-99, Brett Favre passed for 235 touchdowns, while Dan Marino led the decade with 33,508 yards.

Streaky Freeney

Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney can tie teammate Robert Mathis ’ NFL record with a sack in an eighth straight game to open the season, and continue to shimmy up the league’s all-time list.

Dating to his final regular-season game in ‘08, Freeney has had a sack in eight consecutive games. A sack in nine straight would tie Bruce Smith and Kevin Greene for the second-longest streak since the league started charting sacks in 1982. Denver’s Simon Fletcher and Dallas’ DeMarcus Ware share the league mark with a sack in 10 consecutive games.

You’ve got to like the chances of Freeney and Mathis adding to their career sack totals this afternoon. Of Freeney’s club-record 781/2 sacks, 11 have come against the Texans. Mathis has nine of his 591/2 against Houston.

The QB they’ve sacked the most in their careers? Former Texans QB David Carr . Each got to Carr seven times.

Call Star reporter Mike Chappell at (317) 444-6830.