SuperBowl Preview

After a season of dominance by both the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts, it is not too surprising that the two will meet for the right to be called Super Bowl Champions. They both started 13-0; the Colts got to 14-0 before "losing". It is not the undefeated matchup that some might have been dreaming of at Thanksgiving, but it will be a shootout with plenty of fireworks. The Saints beat the Cardinals and the Vikings to get here. The Colts beat the Ravens and the Jets to get here. The two teams possess two of the best quarterbacks in the league including one who is a 4 time NFL MVP.

Breaking down both teams:
OFFENSE: Both possess great quarterback with a serious pass threat, but have at times lacked a consistent running game. The quarterback who makes less mistakes will give his offense the edge. That is pretty obvious, but both quarterbacks have made few bad decisions thus far. EDGE: PUSH

DEFENSE: The Colts' defense went up against two good, but not great offenses while the Saints' defense had much tougher offenses against them and stood up and were able to hold down those offenses enough for their offense to score enough. Overall, though, I think the Colts' defense is better in various areas and at certain positions. EDGE: COLTS

SPECIAL TEAMS: We have seen nothing over the top from the Colts' special teams, but if HB Reggie Bush is given openings and time he has proven to be a threat for the Saints. EDGE: SAINTS

COACH: Jim Caldwell has replaced Tony Dungy with perfect precision and guided his team to one of its best seasons. Sean Payton has given a boost to the Saints and the city of New Orleans since his first game. He has gotten the Saints to their first Super Bowl and someone with four years head coaching experience is the veteran in this one. But don't overlook Caldwell just because this is his first year. Both are very even, however Payton might have a few tricks up his sleeve that gives him the edge. EDGE: SAINTS

INTANGIBLES: The Colts were in the big game 3 years ago while this is the first trip for the Saints and many on their team. QB Peyton Manning knows a second Super Bowl title will only enhance his resume and legacy while QB Drew Brees also can add to his ascension. I just like the unknowns and grit of the Colts, who essentially gave those last two regular games away. EDGE: COLTS


After breaking it all down, you can clearly see it is going to be a close one between the Colts and Saints. I think the Colts will come out a little slow in the first quarter, but should have enough to take the early lead. Peyton Manning seems to figure out defenses 9 out 10 times and I don't think the Saints will have too many difficult reads for him. However, I would keep an eye out for Sean Payton and his high risk, high reward philosophy at times. His success rate has been pretty high. The Saints will make it tough in the second half and put pressure on the Colts. However, the Colts will do enough late to score the go ahead touchdown, possibly force a turnover, and take one last big punch from the Saints late with a chance to go ahead.

PICK: COLTS, BY 4