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`With the Pro Bowl now over and the AFC tying the series record at 20-20 it is now time for the last game of the season, the Super Bowl. Unless you have boycotted all media outlets the last two weeks you already know that the Colts will take on the Saints in Sunday’s match up.
The two teams arrived in Miami on Monday and spent Tuesday taking part in media day. Now that all the questions have been asked, there is only one that needs to be answered. Who will win the game?
The Saints and the Colts dominated the headlines all season long. Both teams started the season undefeated until week 15 when the Saints fell to the Dallas Cowboys. The Saints went on to lose the next two games as well, ending the regular season on a three game losing streak.
The Colts also began the season unbeaten until they faced the New York Jets in week 16 in a questionable decision to sit Payton Manning and the rest of the starters. Rookie head coach Jim Caldwell stood by his decision, also sitting his starters for the second half in their final game against the Bills, a game they also lost.
Sunday’s game has high implications for the Colts. This is especially true for Manning, who wants to be placed in the likes of Joe Montana and Johnny Unitas as one of the NFL’s greatest quarterbacks. A second Super Bowl win, he will certainly help Manning achieve that position.
However, winning the game will not be an easy feat. The Saints have dominated the NFC this season, averaging nearly 32 points a game. But, the Saints’ high-powered offense will have to face a defense that gives up an average of less than 20 points a game.
The Colts will also most likely be without defensive end Dwight Freeney, who is suffering from an ankle injury. With Freeney out of the game, or in less than perfect form, the Colts will have to find other ways to pressure Drew Brees.
Brees has thrown six touchdowns this postseason and having more time in the pocket will allow him to make big plays down the field. The Saints will also have to take advantage of Freeney’s injury by having a solid ground attack with Reggie Bush.
Bush has come on strong late this season and will need to showcase his talents in order to keep the Saints close against an aggressive Colts defense. If Freeney does not play it will also allow Bush to act as another receiver, giving Brees yet another option that the Colts will have to slow down.
Another key aspect of this game will be the Saints’ defense, who have given up an average of about 235 passing yards a game and 21 points, an average that puts them near the bottom of the league. Unless the Saints’ defense can put pressure on Manning and force him to make mistakes, it could be a long day for the Saints’ secondary.
As with every Super Bowl, it is almost impossible to predict the outcome of the game. However, with these two teams so evenly matched, it will surely go down as one of the best Super Bowls in recent memory.