The most highly anticipating sporting event of the year is upon us, as the NFL’s best two teams square off in Sun Life Stadium in Miami. While Peyton Manning and the Colts have managed to get back to the Super Bowl with several new key players on board since their run 3 years ago. For Drew Brees and the Saints franchise, however, this is an entirely new experience and one that can potentially bring an earth-shattering victory for the city of New Orleans.
Saints on Offense
To rid themselves of first-time jitters, New Orleans must capitalize on Sean Payton’s aggressive playcalling. The big game often moves quickly, so the Saints have to settle in and get comfortable doing what they do best- throwing the football. Plus, if the #1 offense can jump early on Indy, they’ll be able to control the pace. But it all starts with Drew Brees whose accuracy and quick release will pressure the Colts’ secondary. Brees will look for Marques Colston and Devery Henderson as his 2 homerun hitters. The Saints completed 24 passes for 30 yards or more this season, 12 of them being on 1st down. Other options are Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, and Jeremy Shockey, who should be good to go after banging up his knee against Arizona and catching just one ball vs. the Vikings. Brees should exploit the mismatches that Shockey creates. Reggie Bush is the x-factor for New Orleans; the Saints are hoping to get the dynamic Bush in Sun Life Stadium, the one who ran for a 46-yard TD in the opening drive and topped it off with an 83-yard punt return for a TD against Arizona. Pierre Thomas will get his yards, but Bush can really punish the Colts by leaving his mark in the ground game, passing game, and in special teams. Anchored by Gary Brackett, Indy has to rely on their speed and athleticism to gang-tackle and prevent big plays. The biggest issue will be Dwight Freeney’s health. Will he play? If he does play, will his torn ligament be a liability for the Colts? How will backup Raheem Brock step up? Unfortunately for the Colts, the answers to these questions aren’t found in a hyperbaric chamber, but they could drastically impact Indy’s ability to rush Brees.
Colts on Offense
Peyton will be Peyton, there’s not much else you can say. Once again, he’s showing the football world that it doesn’t matter what defenses throw at him because it’s only a matter of time before he figures them out. Manning picked apart top defenses in the Ravens and Jets, who happen to be defensive mastermind Rex Ryan’s former and current teams, respectively. The Jets played a very convincing 1st half in the AFC Conference game, blitzing the Colts and shaking up Manning’s timing whenever they could. But Manning and his offense had it figured out at one distinct segment of the game, and it came during the Colts’ scoring drive right before halftime. This drive seemed to expose the Jets’ schemes, opening up the field for Peyton and inevitably swaying the momentum in Indy’s favor. If the Colts want to “figure out” the Saints on Sunday, they need to protect their captain and give him some time. Peyton will recognize the importance of feeding Super Bowl newcomers Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie early in order to keep their confidence up. He won’t shy away from veterans Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne either. Both guys are so quick and present mismatches for the Saints with their strength and versatility. Gregg Williams has the advantage of not having to focus too much on the run and being able to send blitzes left and right. The Saints will have to be very active and give Peyton a few memorable “remember me” hits. New Orleans is certainly not dominant defensively, but they have been opportunistic all year and will be in good shape if they create turnovers with guys like Jonathan Vilma and Darren Sharper.
Much has been said about how the Saints will respond to this new experience for them, and possibly to the weight of winning the big game for their city. The Colts have been here before; expect their exposure to trickle from the top down, starting with Peyton and Jim Caldwell. This game will be a shootout and may be decided in the final minutes. If that’s the case, I’m not picking against the best closer in the game.
Prediction
Indianapolis 31
New Orleans 27
