By Barry Wilner

Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS — Manning to Harrison is the surest way to get the Indianapolis Colts out of a funk.

The most prolific passing duo in NFL history tore apart the Cincinnati Bengals, combining for three touchdowns in a 34-16 victory Monday night. Even the Colts’ maligned defense woke up after Indy dropped three of its last four games and yielded an incomprehensible 375 yards rushing a week ago to Jacksonville.

But it was vintage Peyton Manning throwing to his favorite target, Marvin Harrison, that dominated what was expected to be a shootout. The AFC South champion Colts

(11-3) did their part, while the Bengals (8-6) slipped back in the wild-card race with their first loss in five weeks. They’d allowed 33 points in those four wins, one less than Indy scored Monday night.

“You certainly feel responsible for your job,” Manning said. “Our team did a good job of sticking together. On some teams, it’s almost like you have two different teams. We try to stick together.”