NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Looks like I am going to handle the big game preview this weekend, just as well since my partner has steered you the wrong way too much in these playoffs.
Among the numerous Super Bowl reports out in the media the last two weeks, we have been swarmed with stories about Peyton Manning's legacy, the validity and trademark of "Who Dat", the impending party of Burbon Street win or lose, and Dwight Freeney's minute by minute update on his crippled ankle.
Well, we are finally ready to talk about the most important thing leading up to the Super Bowl, and that's this marquee matchup of the unquestioned two best teams in football this season, and undoubtedly the two fantasy MVP's this season in Drew Brees and Peyton Manning.
This game has the makings to be the highest scoring Super Bowl in the history of the big game, with 76 combined points needed to eclipse the 1995 Super Bowl between Steve Young's 49ers and they beat the Chargers, 49-26. The location of that game? Well, you guessed, Miami's Joe Robbie (name changed twenty times since) Stadium.
The two games I specifically want to focus on are two defining wins in both team's seasons, and both came against the Dolphins in Miami.
Starting with the underdog Saints, who out there, even in Who Dat nation, thought that this team would be in the Super Bowl after the last two season of mediocrity? Well, keep in mind this team lost out in the NFC Championship game three years, missing out on a date with the Colts in Super Bowl 41, ironically once again, in Miami.
They have maintained a high-octane offense all season long, averaging 30.1 points per game, good for #1 in the NFL. Their game in Miami earlier this year highlighted the quick-strike/turnover-driven team that are now NFC champions. The Saints were down 24-3 late in the second half, but three forced second half turnovers along with over 400 yards of offense capped an improbable 46-34 win, keeping the perfect season alive.
While Drew Brees has the capability to keep with Manning score for score, they must come away with a few turnovers to have any chance up upending the '07 Champs. However, it is that ability to come from behind, something that they have done eight times this season, including both playoff games. While the Saints played a mediocre game all around in the NFC Championship, they showed that resiliency to get the job done when it counted, albeit assisted by a very predictable late-game Brett Favre interception.
For the Saints to win, they need Pierre Thomas and Bush to break some long screens, and Brees needs to stay protected and clean, which may come easier with my next point, Dwight Freeney.
Freeney's ankle has been a huge storyline all week long, and while many believe the Colts will just win by less without him at 100%, I think this goes much further than that. The Colts defense has been so strong in these playoffs because of the offenses they have played. While they have had to deal with Ray Rice and Thomas Jones, the passing attacks of the Ravens and Jets leave alot to be desired, and let's not forget. No Bob Sanders, no Marlin Jackson, and now possibly a very limited Dwight Freeney, arguably the best pass-rusher in the game today.
However, as much as I want to discuss the Colts defense, let's face it, it will all hinge on #18 in this one. Going all the way back to Week 2, Manning and the Colts had the ball for a grand total of 15 minutes against the Dolphins, yet still came away with a 27-23 win. Manning was beyond efficient averaging over 20 yards per throw, and now with Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon coming off a combined 276 yards against the best defense in the league, it could be early fireworks for Manning in this one.
Coupled with those two weapons, he has the steady Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne, making the trash-talking from Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams seem foolish. The ONLY way that the Saints can stop the Manning assault is through turnovers, and for what it's worth, Manning committed two in Super Bowl 41.
Those two Miami games give us a benchmark for what these teams are capable of. If the Colts go up early, which I anticipate them doing, the Saints have the firepower to come back. One thing is for sure....this figures to be right in line with the last two exciting Super Bowl's, and while the Colts first Super Bowl win seemed rather easy, they will most certainly need to earn this one.
Prediction: Saints. I have gone against them in both of their first two playoff games, I have gone against them continuing this success all season long. While this pick may be following my heart a bit, I think this Saints team will buck the trend of first-time Super Bowl teams in their first game. They are mentally and physically as tough as the Colts, and it is about time Drew Brees gets rewarded in the biggest way for turning around this once laughable franchise. At one time known as the "Aint's", they can now say the "S" stands for Super.
FANTASY START/SIT
START:
NO WR Devery Henderson - The play-action is a big play in Sean Payton's arsenal, and the way Braylon Edwards was able to separate for a 78 yd score, you have to imagine Brees will go deep to his big play threat.
IND RB Joseph Addai - Looked alot better in the game against the Jets, and something tells me we are going to have more pass interference calls in the end zone, making Addai good for at least two scores.
SIT:
NO RB Reggie Bush - I think a lot of attention will be paid to him in this one, and the Colts do have speedy linebackers that can contain his big play potential.
IND WR Pierre Garcon- In the big game, Manning will stick with Wayne and Clark as option A and B, making Garcon repeating his 11 catch, 152 yard AFC Championship game performance seem unlikely.
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