The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS - Tony Dungy didn't have to search for motivational tools this offseason. The bitter reminder of January's AFC championship game was more than enough to stoke the Indianapolis Colts' passion.

Seven months after losing 24-14 at New England and watching the Patriots' postgame celebration, the Colts have one huge goal - winning the Super Bowl.

"When you get this close, you're a game away, that's a big deal," center Jeff Saturday said. "We've put ourselves in great position three or four years in a row, and we've definitely got to get it done."

On paper, the Colts look ready to make a run.

For the fifth year, they open the season with the same nucleus on offense: Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James and Marvin Harrison. Manning was last year's co-MVP, James is a two-time rushing champ and Harrison has been the NFL's most consistent receiver for six seasons.

The offensive line returns intact, and the defense is young, fast and aggressive - and still improving.

When players reported to camp, Dungy told them his goal was winning a Super Bowl. But he doesn't want to get caught in the hype.

"If all you do is talk about it, you can lose sight of where you're going," he said.

But the road to Jacksonville, site of this year's Super Bowl, has plenty of obstacles for Indianapolis.

The Colts' first challenge comes Sept. 9 at New England, the defending Super Bowl champ. Then come two more playoff teams, at Tennessee and home against Green Bay.

And Indianapolis is still looking to replace both starting cornerbacks from last year's AFC title game, Walt Harris and David Macklin, and they are using the untested Cato June to replace Marcus Washington at linebacker.

• Indianapolis signed free agent punter Jesse Nicassio to help replace Hunter Smith, who might not be available this weekend because of a sore groin.

Nicassio, a rookie from Eastern Washington, had a 42.3-yard average in his college career and had 30 punts inside the 20.

RAVENS: Running back Jamal Lewis did not appear at his arraignment, but his lawyers entered a not guilty plea on charges in an expanded drug conspiracy indictment.

Lewis, facing federal drug conspiracy charges, was hit Aug. 17 with an extra charge of attempting to possess cocaine. He is accused of trying to broker a cocaine deal in 2000 for co-defendant Angelo Jackson, who pleaded not guilty Friday. Their trial is set for Nov. 1.

CARDINALS: Defensive end Fred Wakefield has a stress fracture in his right foot and will be out 6-8 weeks.

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