Super Bowl XLIV Preview

Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts, who both earned the right to go to Miami, Florida to play in Super Bowl XLIV. The New Orleans Saints earned the right to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl with a thrilling 31-28 overtime victory over the Minnesota Vikings. The Indianapolis Colts earned the right to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl with a 30-17 victory over the New York Jets.

Key Players on both sides of the ball:
INDY O: Peyton Manning, Colts QB: Peyton Manning already has one Super Bowl Ring that he earned when he Quarterbacked the Colts with a victory in Super Bowl XLI. With a win on Sunday, he will have his second Super Bowl Ring. He will one behind Tom Brady in the race to the QB with the most rings, but that won’t stop some from calling Peyton “The Greatest Ever” if he wins this game.

Peyton has been well so far in the postseason, playing smart, being patient, not turning the ball over often, and putting the ball in the hands of his playmakers, Joseph Addai, Austin Collie and Reggie Wayne. Peyton also has been helped out when he turns the ball over by this good defense.

Peyton needs to play smart, be patient, not turn the ball over, and go deep for his playmakers. Peyton will have to keep this formula working if the Colts are to win this game.

SAINTS D: Darren Sharper, Saints D: Sharper is, no doubt the heart of the Saints D. Sharper and Scott Fujita are the Saints Defensive Playmakers. Remember how in the NFC Championship Game, The Saints did not sack Brett Favre, but they hit him almost every time he dropped back to pass? The Saints Defense will have to get pressure on Peyton Manning, forcing him to throw the ball before he wants to.


NEW ORLANS O: Drew Brees, Saints QB: Drew Brees is Quarterbacking what many people are calling “The New America’s Team. Now the Pressure is on him to lead the Saints win their first ever Super Bowl. Drew has been making smart decisions and taking advantage of what the defense gives him. Big Ben is going to throw to Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, and the rookie Robert Meachem. The Saints will also be running the ball early and often with Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, and Mike Bell. Drew needs to play smart, be patient, not turn the ball over, and go deep for his playmakers. Kurt will have to keep this formula working if the Saints are to pull the upset.

NEW ORLEANS D: Tracy Porter & Jabari Greer : New Orlans CB: The Saints Corners will have to knock the Colts receivers off their routes. If they do this, they can create turnovers. Remember how Adrian Peterson kept fumbling because Saints defenders were getting anything they could on the ball, be it a helmet or a hand? Expect the Saints to try that again on Sunday.


Special Teams: If the offense and defense are neutralized, Special Teams is going to be how the Super Bowl will be won. Will the Colts Special Teams squad be able to contain the Saints speedster, Reggie Bush? Will the Saints be able to score points when they get down into the goal line? Or will they have to settle for field goals from the very good Garrett Hartley?

I can't wait for the Super Bowl. I Watch The World Series and the NBA Finals, but the only Sporting Event I Record every season is The Super Bowl. This will be my eighth year recording the Super Bowl. The first Super Bowl I Recorded was Super Bowl XXXVI, when the New England Patriots pulled off the biggest upset since Super Bowl III.

Can The Saints win the Super Bowl? No doubt about it. Knowing the Super Bowl, anything is possible, and that is why everybody loves to watch it, even if they watch just for the commercials.

Prediction: Both Peyton Manning and Drew Brees to rely on the running game early. They both could rely on the short passing game to help build up their confidence. The Saints Front Four will have to stop Joseph Addai and Reggie Wayne. Ditto with The Colts defense, with a hobbled Dwight Freeney, having to contain Reggie Bush and Marques Colston while also getting Pressure on Peyton Manning. Once Again, easier said than done.

Drew Brees has had the clock ticking for his chance at a ring since he was with the Saints. Peyton Manning has the chance to get his second. The two best teams all year are playing for a championship.

My Pick Is:
INDY OVER NEW ORLEANS