The two most dominant teams of the 2009 NFL regular season will clash in Miami at Super Bowl XLIV. The Saints started 13-0 before crashing and finishing 13-3. The Colts were 14-0 before deciding to rest their starters and dropping their last two games wrapping up the regular season at 14-2. So unfortunately we don’t have two 18-0 teams facing off in this one. The story of the week has been Dwight Freeney and his bum ankle. He hurt it in a minor leg collision with Jets QB Mark Sanchez in the AFC Championship. He hasn’t practiced all week and is a major concern for the Colts. He is one of the best pass rushers in the league and will be missed if he can’t play at all. He is a difference maker.
When the Colts have the ball, Peyton Manning will lead their attack. He’s the best signal caller in the league right now. He’s had two weeks to prepare for a Saints defense that is opportunistic and helped make turnovers that got them to the Super Bowl. The Colts haven’t had much of a rushing game all year. They’ve had no name receivers play opposite of the underrated Reggie Wayne and come up big for Indianapolis. The Colts have won ever game they’ve played Manning into the fourth quarter.
The Saints have had a dynamic offense all year. Led by quarterback Drew Brees, they’ve been able to score at will for most of the season. They sputtered down the stretch though but have picked it back up in the playoffs. The Saints have found balance with a running back rotation. They’ve found ways to win and shown they won’t give up all year. I think coach Sean Payton will look to exploit Dwight Freeney’s injury if he plays or attack his replacement.
Both defenses will be on their heels most of the game. They’re playing great offenses and quarterbacks who can dissect their attack. Darren Sharper is the difference maker for the Saints. He seems to be in the right place at the right time for the Saints and Peyton Manning will find him prior to every snap. The Colts have great speed on defense and will surprise the Saints offense at first with it. It’ll take New Orleans some time to adjust but they will.
New Orleans has the hopes of an entire city on their back. They’re making their first trip ever to the Super Bowl. Their fans have flocked to Miami and a lot of people will be pulling for them as they are still recovering from Katrina. The Colts are back in Miami, site of their last Super Bowl three years ago. They’ve been able to win every game they’ve tried this year.
The Saints need to get the running game going and find ways to negate the speed of the Colts defense. They need to slow the game down and keep the Colts’ offense on the sideline. The Colts will spread the Saints out and challenge their secondary to cover their receivers. Dallas Clark will be Manning’s big receiver in this game. He’s going to be a tough match-up for the Saints. Whether Dwight Freeney plays or not, Peyton Manning’s going to win his second Super Bowl.
THE PICK: COLTS 38, SAINTS 28
MVP: Peyton Manning
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The most hilarious Super Bowl Prediction I’ve ever heard comes from Mike Henry creator of “Cleveland Show”. Click here to read it.
