INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts are chasing more than history. They still want respect.

In a physically dominant performance Monday night, the Colts' smothering defense shut down Pittsburgh's powerful ground game, and Peyton Manning and the offense were in total control as Indianapolis rolled to a 26-7 victory Monday to remain the NFL's only unbeaten team.

"I think we did make a statement because we played one of the most physical teams in the league," safety Bob Sanders said.

Indianapolis became the 11th team in history to start 11-0, the sixth since the merger in 1970 and first since the 1998 Denver Broncos, by following a script that has proven successful all season.

Edgerrin James became the first runner to top 100 yards against the Steelers' defense in 23 games, Marvin Harrison sparred with cornerback Ike Taylor much of the night and the Colts' defense allowed only one score — a 7-yard drive after an interception.

"The only thing we focused on was going out and playing the way we play: physical, smart, fast," Sanders said. "And today, I think we did that better than any game this year."

James carried 29 times for 124 yards, while Manning was 15-of-25 for 245 yards and two touchdowns. Harrison caught four passes for 128 yards, including an 80-yard TD on the Colts' first play.

Indianapolis also turned Ben Roethlisberger's return as the Steelers' quarterback into a chaotic adventure. Playing for the first time since knee surgery Nov. 3, Roethlisberger looked rusty at times and not nearly as mobile as usual. He finished 17-of-26 for 133 yards with one touchdown, two interceptions and was sacked three times. His 21 yards rushing led the Steelers (7-4) until their final drive.

If anyone questioned the Colts ability to scrap, it wasn't Roethlisberger who lost for the first time in 22 games, including playoffs, against an NFL team other than the New England Patriots.

The Colts have now beaten three of the AFC's top contenders — New England, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh — in the past four weeks.

"Their defense forces you out of the pocket and they are so quick, they are right on top of you," Roethlisberger said.

When the Colts walked onto the field, they were all ready to rumble.

After forcing Pittsburgh to punt on the first series, Manning caught the Steelers off-guard with a perfect play-action fake as Harrison sprinted past Taylor. The result was an 80-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

Harrison set the tone on the next series when he fought with Taylor on two consecutive plays near the end zone, drawing a personal foul the second time. The Colts settled for Mike Vanderjagt's 29-yard field goal to make it 10-0, but the uncharacteristic outburst from the usually quiet Harrison riled up his teammates.

"You hardly ever see Marvin get a personal foul, I was kind of glad to see it happen," receiver Reggie Wayne said. "He's in a foxhole, and I'm in a foxhole with him."

Coach Tony Dungy wasn't amused, though.

The Colts' mistakes helped keep the Steelers close for a half. Indy drew three personal fouls in the first quarter, and five for the game. And when Manning was picked off by Troy Polamalu, who returned it to the Colts 7, Roethlisberger needed only three plays to hook up with Hines Ward for a 12-yard touchdown pass to make it 10-7.

"I thought we did match their intensity," Dungy said. "It was a rough, tough, physical game. Edgerrin ran hard and we tackled well, but I'd like to see us play hard without the penalties."

The Colts took control with two second-quarter field goals to make it 16-7, then made the Steelers pay for a disastrous gamble to start the second half.

Coach Bill Cowher tried an onside kick, but Colts rookie Matt Giordano recovered on the Steelers 37 and Manning capitalized with a 12-yard TD pass to Bryan Fletcher to make it 23-7.

Indianapolis' defense never gave the Steelers another chance. Pittsburgh, which ran the ball 25 times for 86 yards, has lost two in a row for the first time in 35 games.

Even Cowher, whose teams have personified his image as a tough taskmaster, was impressed.

"They pretty much dominated our offense with their defense. They smothered us," he said. "There is no margin of error with this team."

Notes:

Harrison produced the 51st 100-yard game

of his career, breaking a tie with Don Maynard for second all-time. Only Jerry Rice (76) has more. ... The Steelers have lost two straight road games after winning a franchise-record 11 straight away from home. ... The win allowed Manning to cross another NFL team off his list. He has beaten every team except Arizona and Carolina. ... The Colts won a franchise-record 10th straight home game. ... Pittsburgh left tackle Marvel Smith left in the second quarter with an injured left ankle and did not return. He missed last week's game with a sprained right ankle.