Indianapolis ? Tony Dungy looks at the Indianapolis Colts’ start and sees promise.

The Colts, who had a bye this week, are 5-1, they’re leading the AFC South and, after six weeks, they’re one of only three of last year’s playoff teams with a winning record.

They’ve won impressively against their nemesis, Tennessee, and produced one of this season’s most memorable games with a stunning Monday night comeback at Tampa Bay.

Dungy isn’t satisfied with what he’s watching.

“We’re probably not as physical down the line on offense, defense or special teams as we need to be,” he said.

But Dungy cannot ignore the fact Indianapolis has improved vastly since last season’s embarrassing 41-0 playoff loss to the New York Jets. At times, it seems the Colts are almost unrecognizable when compared to that team.

While the essential names have remained the same — Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Edgerrin James and Dwight Freeney — “Dungy Ball” is producing far better results in its second season.

The Colts are taking advantage of a few breaks and creating many others. They now rank among the league’s best in turnover margin (plus-4).

Indianapolis also is manufacturing wins and hardly missed a step without James after struggling when he wasn’t at full strength last season.

For the Colts, everything appears to be clicking.

Both starting tackles, Ryan Diem and Tarik Glenn, missed last week’s game because of injuries. James, the NFL’s rushing champ in 1999 and 2000, missed the last three games because of two broken bones in his back.

All three are expected to return when the Colts meet Houston Oct. 26.

“I think this is the best off week I can remember, as far as the timing,” Manning said. “After this is when we’re going to find out about our team.”

Dungy also is eager to see how his team responds.

Each week, he warns his players about the dangers of fast starts and sudden collapses.

“We are a great football team offensively and defensively, but we’ve got to learn from it and keep on going,” defensive tackle Josh Williams said.