Roaming the Sidelines: Super Bowl XLIV Preview
Posted by The Skyliner on February 3rd, 2010Cory Guinn
Sports Editor
Well, folks, it is that time of year once again for the year‘s funniest commercials and biggest tailgate parties. Fans and players alike will flock to Miami on Sunday to take part in one of the greatest spectacles in sports. This year features two teams with offenses who could easily put up big numbers and defenses who do not do a whole lot to stop opponents. The heavily-favored Indianapolis Colts will be matched up against the New Orleans Saints in a game that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. As coverage of Super Bowl XLIV continues on throughout the rest of the week, I find it necessary to share my thoughts on how each team could possibly be crowned NFL Champions.
New Orleans Saints
1. Take advantage of the Colts’ young secondary.
-Indianapolis starts two rookies at the cornerback positions but have veterans at both safety spots. If Drew Brees can take advantage of the rookies and confuse them with multiple routes and throws of all lengths, the Saints will have a better chance to break open a big play early in the game.
2. Get Reggie Bush to play like Reggie Bush
-In the Divisional Playoff game against Arizona, Bush accounted for 217 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. He is consistently a threat in the return game, but the Saints must get him more involved in the offense, especially on the ground. If Bush can utilize his athletic ability and speed, we could see him have the breakout performance of his career.
3. Continue to force turnovers.
-In two playoff games the Saints have forced seven turnovers. If the defense continues to play with the intensity it has so far, New Orleans will be able to carry the momentum on their side and keep Peyton Manning off of the field. Saints safety Darren Sharper will be key in this area as he patrols the middle of the field and makes Manning think twice about throwing in his direction.
Indianapolis Colts
1. Get the running game going.
-We saw the Colts rush for a total of 101 yards in their last game against the Jets and this has to continue against the Saints. The Colts were the worst rushing team in the regular season, but still got the job done with Manning behind center. If Joseph Addai and Donald Brown can get some positive yardage, it will take some of the load off of Indianapolis’ passing game and make the Saints respect the run rather than loading up on the pass.
2. Do what got you to the Super Bowl: pass the ball.
- Manning was the league MVP for a reason. He is the best quarterback in the game and one of the best of all-time. The Saints have the league’s 26th ranked passing defense and have trouble covering the deep ball. With all of the weapons on offense, the Colts should take a few shots down field and try to get out to an early lead.
3. Defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis need to play their game.
-This duo combined for 23 total sacks during the regular season but they have been unable to rack up any sacks in the postseason. Freeney is coming off of an ankle sprain that he suffered in the game against the Jets, but an extra week off should help his recovery. If these two can put pressure on Brees and force him into bad throws, the Colts’ main weapon, their offense, will be on the field more often, which is a bad thing for the Saints.
My prediction: Colts 31, Saints 27
Tags: Spring 2010, Vol. 110 - Issue 2