Super Bowl 44 Preview

In less than six days, the Saints and Colts will face off in beautiful South Florida for the NFL's ultimate prize, the Lombardi trophy. As a fan, you have to be excited because this game features two teams with similar styles of play. Both teams are well-coached and very professional on and off field. Drew Brees and Peyton Manning may be superstar players, but they're also probably two of the more likable guys in all of football.

Millions of fans at home will be treated to unlimited camera shots of Archie Manning and the lovely Kim Kardashian in between game play. If you have been watching ESPN or any other sports media outlet, you would be made to believe the Saints and Colts are match up of David and goliath. For those people who say that Manning has a huge advantage over Brees, let me point out that Brees was 3-0 against Brady, Warner, Favre this season. Sadly, there are still fans that actually believe the Vikings should be the Super Bowl instead of the Saints. In my opinion, this game features not only the two of best teams in their respective conferences, but also the most two consistent teams all season long. As a football fan, I'm thrilled the game will be on CBS because that means Jim Nantz and Phil Simms, two of the best NFL announcers around will probably be calling this game. Let's explore the keys to victory for both teams.

The Saints keys to victory:

1. Mix up their coverages up against Peyton Manning
2. Don't abandon the run, even if you're trailing in the game
3. Make Manning throw underneath the coverage
4. 3^rd down defense
5. Protect Drew Brees
6. Don't let Peyton get into a rhythm in the two minute offense

The Colts keys to victory:

1. Protect the football
2. Protect Peyton Manning
3. Watch out for Reggie Bush on special teams
4. Tackle the Saints playmakers in open space
5. Keep an eye on Jeremy Shockey on 3^rd down and short

I don't think experts are not giving the Saints enough credit for the amount of weapons they have on offense. If the Colts don't get pressure on Drew Brees, he's more than capable of picking the Colts' solid defense apart.

Manning has more pressure to play well in this game because the Colts really lack a solid run game. I would not be surprised to see the Colts get off to a quick start because of their previous experience in the Super Bowl a few years ago.

The Dwight Freeney injury is huge blow to the Colts' defense. If he's not at least 70%, the Colts defensive line is in a heap of trouble.

I believe this game can go either way. Both teams are evenly matched. A 14 point deficit in this game is nothing to either team. More than likely, it will come down to a turnover or a special team's play that decides this game.

One interesting question is who is going to be that unknown player who turns himself into a household name during this game?

The chest match between Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and Peyton Manning and Colts offensive coordinator Tom Moore should be a fun match up to keep an eye throughout the game.

The Colts are trying to win another super bowl to secure Peyton's place in NFL history as one of the all-time greatest at quarterback, whereas the Saints are playing for a sense of purpose. The Saints want to win it for the loyal citizens of New Orleans who have stuck with the teams through the good, the bad and Katrina.

The Winner: I like the Saints to win their first Super Bowl 34-31 in an epic battle over the Colts.