Colts edge out the Saints in Super Bowl Classic
By David Utnick
Well everyone we’ve waited all season for this, and one long bye week with a little infusion of Pro Bowl controversy later it’s finally here; the Super Bowl. While Minnesota and even a few Jets fans sure have some griping left in them, the bottom line is for the first time in a long time, we get the two best teams in football; #1 in the AFC versus #1 NFC, not only in seed but in talent as well.
Each team is led by quarterback’s with something to prove. Peyton Manning may not only 
star in this game, but in some advertisements as well. He needs this championship to help solidify his legacy, a second title under his belt would certainly elevate his status among the all-time best. Drew Brees and the Saints are just looking for their first. Trying to fully step away from those dreadful “’Aints” a championship would legitimize the franchise and their quarterback.
These two quarterbacks have plenty of weapons. Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark are two of the best at their positions. Do you remember Anthony Gonzalez? Manning’s slot receiver coming into this season lasted all but 1 game. Enter Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie. These two guys have had monster games in the playoffs. Don’t forget about Joseph Addai, if the Colts decide they want to come out and run the ball they can do it. Addai has been a non-factor this postseason, but he had 10 TDs and averaged just under 4 yards per carry.
While the Colts are stocked with studs, the Saints are more of a marching band of an offense. Brees orchestrates his running backs balance with their receivers and tight ends to create points. Reggie Bush and Devery Henderson have that “big play” capability on every down. Pierre Thomas does a very solid job rushing and catching passes out of the backfield.
The offense will certainly outshine the defense in this game, but look for a momentum swing when the D creates a turnover. Don’t count on Manning hitting the turf much; he simply releases the ball too quickly. So look for turnovers to swing this matchup. The Saints defense has made a living on capitalizing off of turnovers this season.
Peyton has had his problems with the interception in previous postseasons, but he has been a machine in the playoffs making all the right plays under center. Brees as well is very good at protecting the football, but his receivers and backs have a bit of the fumble bug. As we saw with Brett Favre last week, timing is everything when talking about turnovers.
“Get you popcorn ready” for this one. Fans and non-fans alike should be more entertained by the actual game more than the commercials for sure. A lot like the NFC championship, these evenly matched teams will battle it out for the entire 60 minutes, coming down to a final drive riding on the shoulders of one of these Quarterbacks.
Prediction—Colts def Saints 34-31.
