Think back to week 15 of this NFL season. Two teams stood above everyone else in the National Football League. The New Orleans Saints were 13-0 and the Indianapolis Colts were 14-0. Both undefeated, playing lights out football and well on their way to postseason play. Should there be any surprise both teams are playing in Super Bowl XLIV?
Nope, not really. Yes, both teams hit a bump in the road on the way to the playoffs. One by choice, the other not really. The Colts were sailing along working on a perfect season when coach Jim Caldwell decided to shut things down in the third quarter against the NY Jets in week 16 and rest some of his players. Indy went on to lose their perfect record and the game to the Jets 29-15. No worries for Peyton Manning and company. Mission accomplished. Get to the post season, relatively healthy, and get back to the Super Bowl and win it. Almost there.
The darlings of the NFL and probably the fan favorite of most, the Saints were riding high at 13-0. Somehow, the undefeated season that surrounded the Colts on a weekly basis, never included the Saints in the conversation. Where Indy players felt it was no big deal to go undefeated, you got the impression the Saints were geauxing for it! However, with a national television audience tuning in, the Dallas Cowboys played their game of the year and beat the Saints 24-17 in front of a packed Super dome. Unfortunately, the loss sent the Saints on a bit of a tailspin as they lost their last three games to limp into the playoffs. The disappointing news of losing three in a row was eliminated by gaining home field advantage throughout the playoffs with a bye week to boot.
The two best teams throughout the year with the two best offenses have made it to the promised land, the Super Bowl. Peyton Manning is the best QB and can dissect any defense at any time. His weapons are numerous, his offensive line is spectacular and doesn’t get enough credit for giving him the time he needs. When push comes to shove, Manning is able to get it done regardless who he has at receiver or running back. Whether it’s Reggie Wayne or rookies Pierre Garcon or Austin Collie, he is amazing at his timing and precision. Pressure Manning, he’ll burn you all day, don’t pressure him and he’ll burn you all night. What to do?
Drew Brees is the golden boy of “Who Dat Nation.” The band wagon is big, strong and gaining passengers at an alarming rate. Everyone would love to see the New Orleans Saints win the Super Bowl. Hell, they’ve never been before, have a history of being terrible for years and of course you add in the Katrina factor, it’s tough not to root for them to win.
As good as the Colts offense is, the Saints are right there with them and may be a little better. If not better, they are definitely more explosive. Brees can toss it around to several different targets and has big play factor with a few players that Indy might be lacking. Not that the Colts and Manning can’t score quickly, but Brees and company have the ability to score at any time at any place on the field.
The biggest challenge for the Saints will be if and when they enter the red zone. Indy’s defense has been surprisingly terrific and has allowed more than 17 points in a game only four times all year. They really tighten things up and make you kick a field goal rather than scoring six. Field goals instead of touchdowns will bury you in a big game. Many expect a high scoring aerial circus come Sunday night. I don’t think the Saints can sustain long drives against the Colts. I do believe Manning and company can sustain long drives because that’s what they do. Indy’s passing game is their running game. Short quick passes to methodically move the ball down the field and eventually score.
Who Dat Nation needs the big play to win this game. They need the bomb, 60+ yard RAC from Reggie Bush, Marques Colston, or Robert Meacham. The punt return for a TD by Bush or a long kickoff return. Get the ball into Reggie Bush’s hands as often as possible. The Saints have to have the big play to win this game. Not just on offense either. Defensively, the Saints have been phenomenal all year with several scores from their defense. Darren Sharper is the best at it and comes up with amazing returns on his interceptions. His ability to pick off a pass and take it to the house is uncanny. If Sharper pulls this off in this game, it could be the game winner.
You can break this game down in five hundred different ways and angles. Bottom line is the team who gets to the quarterback the most has the best shot. The team that commits the fewest turnovers usually wins the game. The Vikings dominated the Saints for the whole game but still lost. Too many turnovers. Yes, the Saints will take advantage of mistakes you make. Can the Saints good fortunes, lucky bounces or timely turnovers continue? Can “Who Dat Nation” will their team to a first ever Super Bowl Championship? Will someone from Nawlins sprinkle Saints “voodoo” magic dust in their helmets come Sunday afternoon?
They’ll need it all if they want to accomplish the goal, grab the dream and win. It will take voodoo magic, turnovers, and especially big plays for the New Orleans Saints to win this Super Bowl. Will they be able to do this in Super Bowl XLIV?
Tune in Sunday morning for our Super Bowl XLIV pregame spectacular from 8-11am CST on www.theticket.com, Sports radio 1310 The Ticket to find out our official game day predictions and where to put your M&M’s if your wagering. See ya Sunday morning with a fresh cup of java, toasted bagel w/ a schmear and predictions at 8am.
