Unfortunately, there is only one game left in the NFL season and it is the one we have all been waiting for. Coming into the season, the Colts replaced Tony Dungy with Jim Caldwell and with Peyton Manning at quarterback haven’t missed a beat. The Saints led by quarterback Drew Brees will be playing in their first ever Super Bowl and it should be an emotional game for both the team and the city of New Orleans. Here is my Super Bowl prediction along with my key to victory and x-factor for each team.
Saints:
Key to victory: Defensive play calling: The Saints have always had a very explosive offense but much of their success wouldn’t have been possible without their improved defense. Jabari Greer has been excellent this year and might even be the most underrated corner in the league while Darren Sharper is playing like he is in his 20’s. So far in the playoffs the Saints have faced off against Kurt Warner and Brett Favre but will meet their toughest challenge yet in Peyton Manning.
Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams likes to blitz the quarterback but with Manning’s quick decision making and weapons, this game plan could make or break the Saints chances.
X-Factor: Devery Henderson WR: Quick, name the Saints leading receiver this postseason. Is it Marques Colston? Jeremy Shockey? Reggie Bush? The correct answer is Henderson who is mainly used as a deep threat but has played like an every down receiver this postseason. For his career, Henderson averages an astounding 19.7 yards per catch so it wouldn’t be surprising if he has at least one big play on the game’s biggest stage.
Colts:
Key to Victory: The offensive line: Other then Jeff Saturday, most football fans couldn’t name another starter on the Colts offensive line but this unit has played very well this year. The Saints (Bobby McCray in particular) have laid some very hard and sometimes dirty shots to opposing quarterbacks this postseason. Some of us have already seen the Curtis Painter experience and nobody would like a second viewing especially under these circumstances.
The line also needs to open some holes in order for the running game to get going. For the postseason the Colts are averaging less than three yards a carry and with the Saints offense the Colts offense needs to be on the field as much as possible.
X-Factor: Raheem Brock DE: While it is expected that Dwight Freeney will play in the game, he will not be at full strength and will be more of a decoy than anything else. If Freeney does end up missing the game, Brock will take his place. Brock is an experienced player who is solid in all aspects of the game. Even though Brock starting would mean the Colts lose a speed rusher coming at Drew Brees’ blindside, they still have Robert Mathis opposite him who has had his fair share of sacks over the years as well.
Prediction: This has all the makings to be a shootout and most think it will end up being one of the better Super Bowl’s of all time. While the Saints road to the Super Bowl along with everything they have done to give the city of New Orleans hope is fantastic, the end to their season might not have a story book ending. Peyton Manning (who if you haven’t heard grew up in New Orleans watching his dad Archie start at quarterback for the Saints) can tear apart the blitz which the Saints do heavily. In a game featuring two of the league’s most explosive offenses, there is a chance this game could come down to the defenses. My prediction is Saints 26 Colts 34.
