Super Bowl 44/XLIV Prediction: Indianapolis Colts 33 New Orleans Saints 24

Peyton Manning had a chance to lead the Indianapolis Colts to a perfect season, but it was derailed by the influence of the owner Jim Irsay and Coach Jim Caldwell, which inevitably placed the Colts regular season record at 14-2. Even though the last two games against the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills did not matter - due to the fact that Indianapolis won home field advantage in the first round. The Colts winning season did ease the pain of not achieving a perfect 16-0 season, but if you would talk to Indianapolis fans - they would speak very different of their beloved team not achieving that sacred record. Die hard Indianapolis fans were salivating at a chance for the Colts to complete a perfect season, although this did not happen it does not tarnish their sparkling record, and winning a trip to their second Super Bowl in four years.

Rookie head Coach Jim Caldwell is as cool as it gets concerning his coaching style. Not only has Coach Caldwell managed to set himself apart from former Coach Tony Dungy coaching style, he has won the respect of his players and adoration of Indianapolis fans. The landscape is eerily similar on how Coach Caldwell and Coach Dungy arrived and leading their team to a Super Bowl appearance. The only difference between Coach Caldwell winning season - is that Coach Dungy left all of the key components in place for Coach Caldwell to be successful in his NFL debut.

The New Orleans Saints also had a chance of achieving a perfect season, but were defeated by the Dallas Cowboys in week 14, and also lost to Tampa Bay in a sizzling dramatic overtime game. It may be more important to note that Drew Brees did not have a great conference playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings which went into overtime; the final score was 31-28. Drew Brees did manage to throw for three touchdown passes, but his 197 yards passing were enough to get his team a win, and you also have to give kudos to their defense by getting an interception in the last few minutes of the game.

My prediction is that Peyton Manning will score four touchdowns, complete 25 passes, have two interceptions, and will be sacked three times. Drew Brees will score three touchdowns, complete 27 passes, have three interceptions, and will be sacked four times; this will be the deciding factor of the game. The Indianapolis Colts will win their second Super Bowl in four years with the help of Dwight Freeney, Gary Brackett, Joseph Addai, Pierre Garcon, and Reggie Wayne, all of these players will have a great game, this will determine the outcome of Super Bowl XLIV.

Statistical Resources: www.nfl.com