Super Sunday

Tomorrow is the 44th playing of the Super Bowl in sunny Miami, Florida. The last time the Super Bowl was played here the Indianapolis Colts won, beating the Chicago Bears 29-17. However, this year the Colts are playing a much more qualified team in the New Orleans Saints. Both teams have set up the potential for the highest scoring Super Bowl in the history of the NFL. A final score in the 40s for both teams wouldn't surprise me with these two teams because of the way they can move the ball at will.

Each team has a slew of weapons at their disposal, including their two quarterbacks who are, in my opinion, the number 1 and number 3 quarterback in the league. Peyton Manning and Drew Brees could be considered the two best QB's in the league right now and Manning is making a case for being the greatest quarterback to ever play the game. For Manning this is his second trip in four years and for Brees, he is taking the Saints to their first Super Bowl in franchise history. Manning has numerous records and Brees has been putting up Madden-like numbers the past few years since playing with the Saints.

However, ultimately, the winner of the game will be decided by defense as it is with most games. The saying is defense wins championships but in this case neither defense is what could be considered a top-flight defense. Don't get me wrong, these are two good defenses but neither is a stifling defense that's going to hold a team to 10 or fewer points. Both are very opportunistic and can produce turnovers, but on a 3rd and 3, I'm not counting on them stuffing the run or batting down a pass. So, then how will the game come down to defense? Well, the best pass-rusher in the game, Colts' Dwight Freeney, is hampered with a torn ligament in his ankle. Like any all-star, he will try and go but will not be anywhere near the level the Colts' are used to seeing. If they can't get at Brees it could be a long night for the Colts. But on the other side, the Saints best defensive player, Darren Sharper, makes his plays with interceptions, which is just not something Peyton Manning does very often. And without a strong pass rush Manning will have plenty of time in the pocket to dissect the Saints' defense and that can only spell trouble for the Saints.

I expect a high scoring affair for these two teams and will not be surprised to see the QBs throw up huge numbers, but one of the intangibles of the game is the support for the Saints. After what happened in New Orleans, the Saints have completely energized the city and as the small underdog will inevitably have most of the country behind them. The Saints are a feel-good story that everyone wants to root for and see win because of how they have transformed the city of New Orleans. But I just can't go against Peyton Manning in a big game as he has just gotten better and better and is reaching a level attained only by a few of the greats. I think the Colts defense will come up with just enough stops to slow down the Saints and Manning will do what he has been doing all year, picking apart the opposing teams' defenses.

My Prediction: Indianapolis Colts 34 - New Orleans Saints 31

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