Let's just kick this thing off by saying: Holy crapcakes this game could go either way!
The Colts and Saints both feature semi-truck running over your face offenses. They both have solid enough defenses to get the job done. But let's face it, this thing's probably going to come down to whoever has the ball last. And then a kicker will inevitably trot out and attempt a game-winning field goal. And, in keeping with the Worst Season For Kickers Ever, said kicker will just explode into a cloud of dust.
So let's hope that doesn't happen. What will happen? Well, the Super Bowl XLIV Blog is here to tell you. Quick! To the totally meaningless conjecture and analysis machine, Robin!
Will the Saints put up their usual big numbers?
I don't see why not.
Wait. That's it? How bout a little analysis to go with that answer?
Oh... right. Analysis. Well, Drew Brees threw 40 touchdown passes this year, completed 69 percent of his passes, and leads the NFL's number one offense into Miami. For all the talk about Peyton Manning and the Indy offense the last two weeks, everyone seems to have forgotten that the Saints offense is a runaway freight train of awesome. Brees has the weapons (Marques Colston, Jeremy Shockey, Devery Henderson, Reggie Bush) and an offensive line that allowed the forth fewest sacks this season. And Dwight Freeney will either be out or very limited. So, yea, it's safe to say the Saints will continue to do their thing. Bottom line, the Colts secondary is banged up and the Saints receivers will pose a matchup problem for them. Freeney's ankle will be an issue.
So what about the Colts offense? They're just as high powered and have the league's best QB leading them
Yep.
Ahem.
Oh. Sorry. Analysis. Here's the thing about Peyton: These two weeks he's had to prepare make things very scary for the Saints. Aside from his laser-rocket arm, his giant forehead and his gangly disposition, the man is a devourer of defensive schemes. What he did to the Jets defense in the AFC Championship was sick. And for all the talk about Peyton and his receivers, his protection has been excellent this year. Indy's offensive line ranks number one in fewest sacks allowed this season. Give Manning enough time in the pocket and he will pick you apart like Rex Ryan does a whole Christmas ham. The Saints defense knows how to harass quarterbacks and produce takeaways. But they'll be dealing with a whole other animal tonight. Dallas Clark is a matchup nightmare. Reggie Wayne is quite possibly the Chupacabra. And Pierre Garcon has stepped up as Manning's go-to guy in the playoffs. So, yea. Get ready for fireworks from the Colts as well.
So what could be the difference in this game?
You mean besides the coin toss?
Um, yea....
The difference could very well come down to the running game. For all the Michael Bay-like explosions the Colts offense has been able to produce this season, their running game hasn't so much. In fact, it's been pretty bad during the post-season as well with a 2.9 yards per carry average. Jonathan Vilma, Scott Fujita and crew should have an easy time keeping Indy's running game in check. Meanwhile, the Saints have a three-headed monster in the backfield with Reggie, Mike Bell and Pierre Thomas. The Colts D has allowed only 10 rushing TDs this season. But with a limited (or no) Freeney, this could be the edge the Saints need to win it all. It's going to come down to which team will run the ball more effectively.
Really? The running game will decide this tonight?
Of course. Oh who am I kidding? Running game? This thing is going to be a shootout! Running game? Hahahahaha!!!! Bwhahahahahahahahaha!!! *cough* haha!.. *cough* ohhh.. uhohh......
Uhh... You alright?
Yea.... sorry... the Zima went down the wrong pipe.... ahem... anyway... yea.
So, final prediction:
Okay... Let's do this!
Saints 38 Colts 31
Saints 35 Colts 28
Colts 42 Saints 38
Guh... alright. This is it: Colts 37 Saints 31. There. That's my prediction and I'm sticking to it!
MVP: Peyton Manning
There you go. In all likelihood, none these things will be a factor in the game. But whatever happens, we hope the best team truly does prevail tonight. And we hope that, no matter what happens or who plays well or who plays poorly, or who becomes a hero or who becomes a goat.... that this game doesn't come down to this. Because that would be all kinds of suck.
Enjoy the game, everyone. Be sure to stop by our live chat tonight. And be sure to stop by tomorrow to get all your post-Super Bowl news and reaction.
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