My Super bowl XLIV Prediction

Let me start of by saying that both teams are very good. Both teams can easily score at will. Each team almost had an undefeated season and these two teams have top-notch coaches. With all that being said, I believe the Colts will win the Super bowl. The main reason why I feel the Colts will win is because they have Peyton Manning as their quarterback. Peyton Manning has seen every type of defense that exists in the NFL. He figures out what defense scheme the other team is trying to employ and then he starts creating ways to score on them.

I mean no disrespect to the Saints by choosing the Colts. The Saints are definitely a good team. They've made it this far by making big plays when needed. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if the Saints defeated the Colts. The problem is the Saints are playing against a Colts team that is on a roll. Also, the Saints almost lost to the Vikings last week. If is wasn't for Favre throwing an interception late in the game, it is quite possible that the Vikings would have been playing in Miami instead of the Saints.

The Saints defense also gave up over 400 yards to the Vikings. If the Saints can give up 400 plus yards against the Vikings, one can only imagine what Peyton Manning will do against them. I'll give the Saints defense credit for putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks and generating turnovers. They have been one of the reasons why the Saints have made it this far. Their blitzes have caused problems for many of the the teams they've played against. I could see Manning initially having some trouble dealing with these blitzes, but I think he will figure out how to handle it as the game progresses.

In order for the Saints to win, they will probably have to outscore the Colts. Drew Brees has to have a great game. He must get the ball into the hands of his play makers and hope that they score frequently. Also, the Saints cannot turnover the ball over. If they do, the Colts will most certainly turn those turnovers into points. Defensively, the Saints must put pressure on Manning and try to limit the big plays the Colts typically make on offense. Any turnovers that the Saints can get against the Colts will be beneficial to Drew Brees and the offense. The Saints specials teams can also make a difference. Reggie Bush has the ability to return a punt for a touchdown if given the opportunity.

In the end, I think the Colts offense and defense will play well enough to win in tomorrow's game. Offensively, I see Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon having great games. The Saints are probably going to have a couple of defenders on Dallas Clark. Because Clark could be covered by two or more defenders, I don't see him being a big contributor for his team. Defensively, the Colts will put pressure on Drew Brees regardless of whether Dwight Freeney plays or not. Freeney's back up, Raheem Brock, is more than capable of putting pressure on Brees.

I anticipate this game being a high-scoring affair. It could be one of those games where the team that has the ball last wins. The Colts overall are playing better in the playoffs than the Saints. They thoroughly defeated both the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets in the playoffs. The Saints did blowout the Cardinals, but struggled against the Vikings. As long as Manning is playing in the game, and the Colts continue to play well, they will more than likely win. I predict the score to be 35-27 in favor of Indianapolis. This will definitely be an exciting game. I can't wait to watch it.

Dwight Freeney is Probably Going to Play

My prediction is that Dwight Freeney will play in Super bowl XLIV tomorrow. Even though he has a severely sprained ankle, I think he's going to try and give it a go. The Super bowl is the biggest professional football game out there. For him to make it this far and not play in the game would be a travesty. One thing that does concern me is that he hasn't practiced this week. His lack of practice will probably make him a little rusty if he decides to go out there and play.

Another concern is the effectiveness of Freeney. It's hard for anyone to play on one leg especially linemen. Dwight Freeney is known for his speed and spin pass rush moves. He relies heavily on his feet and ankles to make these moves. With his ankle giving him problems, I'm not quite sure that Freeney will be the same. Don't get me wrong, he's still good enough to cause the Saints to game plan for him. I just don't think we will see the same Freeney that we saw prior to his injury.

If Dwight Freeny doesn't play, then the person taking his place needs to step up. If Freeney can't go in tomorrow's game, then the Colts will probably have Raheem Brock fill in for him. Brock is more than capable of having a big game against the Saints. He may not be as productive as a healthy Dwight Freeney, but he's definitely good enough to make plays if needed. He has stepped in and done a great job when called upon.

Lets not forget that the Colts have lost players all year and still found a way to win. They've lost key players like Bob Sanders, Anthony Gonzalez and Marlin Jackson. The thing is, the Colts just plug in another player to replace that injured player, with the end result being good. The Colts just find a way to keep winning no matter who they have on the field. This is why they are such an elite team. Regardless of whether Freeney plays or not, I believe the Colts will play a great game.

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.