Have to defend the Luke

This season rides on winning at home

“Maybe I might run somebody over at home. On the road, I don’t have that extra ‘umph.’ ”

The din at Lucas Oil Stadium can provide Freeney and Mathis with a nanosecond edge over an offensive tackle who’s unable to react immediately at the snap. Freeney and Mathis rank 1-2 in club history with 1611/2 sacks. They’ve gotten 98 at home.

“Me personally, it helps,” Freeney said of playing at home. “The support, more noise, more energy, whatever.”