Sunday, January 31, 2010

Saints vs Colts My Pre-Super Bowl Thoughts

Next week, the New Orleans Saints will play against the Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl and quite frankly, I'm very excited. These are two evenly matched teams that will most likely put on a great show for us. Both of these teams have dynamic offenses that can score at will. I anticipate this game becoming a high-scoring affair. It could be one of those games where the last team with the ball wins.

In the NFC Championship game, the Saints defeated the Vikings in overtime. From beginning to end, both teams went back and forth trading points. It was a costly interception by Favre that gave the Saints a chance in overtime. Saints kicker Garrett Hartley, kicked the game-winning field goal in overtime and now the Saints march on playing in the Superbowl.

For the Saints to win, they have to play well on offense, defense and special teams. Offensively, they have to score a lot of points. Drew must distribute the ball to his play makers. These play makers must put the ball in the end zone whenever they get the opportunity. The running backs for the Saints must run the ball effectively. By running the ball effectively, they can keep the Colts offense off the field. By controlling the clock, the Saints will limit the number of chances the Colts will have to score.

Defensively, the Saints must put constant pressure on Peyton Manning whenever he goes back to pass. They must also contain the Colts wide receivers and tight end. Last week, the Saints defense allowed over 400 yards against the Vikings. If they want to win, I don't think they can allow this many yards against the Colts. Even though the Saints defense gave up a lot of yards to the Vikings, they did create turnovers which gave their offense the ball back. This defense must also generate turnovers against the Colts if they want to win.

The Saints special teams can also help their team by adding points as well. If the Colts decide to punt the ball to Reggie Bush, he definitely has the ability to return at least one of those punts for a touchdown.

In order for the Colts to win, they must continue to score. Peyton Manning must be given enough time in the pocket to distribute the ball to his play makers. The Colts must run the ball as well. By running the ball, they will keep the Saints defense honest. Defensively, the Colts must put pressure on Drew Brees. Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis have to play great. They've been playing well throughout the playoffs and must continue in the Superbowl.

Based upon what I've seen so far, I think this will be a great game. Both teams know how to score and play defense. My prediction is that the Colts win will the game. Peyton Manning and the defense are playing very well. The Saints struggled against the Vikings at home. It took a turnover by Favre late in the game and the win of a coin toss to beat the Vikings. Also, the Colts have only lost two games in the regular season and in both of those games, they rested many of their key players. In the playoffs, the Colts are soundly defeating their opponents. I'm looking forward to watching both of these teams play.