Superbowl XLIV Preview

"Kill the head and the body will die" said Saints Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams in an interview reported by the Indy Star describing the Saints desire to get to Peyton Manning. While the nature of the comment has drawn controversy this is a common thought process in the NFL and one many opponents have unsuccessfully tried against the Colts. The same problem exists for the Colts defense, who attempt to interrupt the rhythm of the prolific Drew Brees.

Superbowl XLIV pits two the greatest and hardest working quarterbacks in the game against each other, Manning looking to add to his legacy with a second Superbowl win, and Brees looking to enter the elite club of Superbowl winning quarterbacks. Both passers are the pivotal point of ball sharing offenses that feature solid but not elite ground games and a ball sharing passing attack without a designated go to receiver. In all likelihood some other factors will play a great role in the outcome of Superbowl XLIV.

Colts Defensive Line vs Saints Offensive line

In Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney the Colts possess a lethal pass rush, if the Colts can penetrate the Saints line and lay hits on Drew Brees consistently it will both hinder Brees and allow the Saints receiving corps less time to get open down the field, nullifying the big play speed of the likes of Robert Meachem. The Dallas Cowboys rattled Brees and interrupted the timing of the Saints offense in their regular season win at New Orleans.

Running games

Both teams feature multi faceted running attacks. For the Colts the inside grind and pass catching ability of Joseph Addai is complemented by the game breaking speed of rookie Donald Brown. For New Orleans Pierre Thomas provides power, and Reggie Bush is the home run hitter capable of scoring every time he touches the ball.

Whichever team establishes the run first will hold multiple advantages. Firstly running the ball will win the time of possession battle keeping the prolific offense of the opposition off the field, but if extra defenders must be committed to stopping the run the pacey receivers on either side will become all the more dangerous.

Defensive backs

Most teams have prominent defensive back capable of limiting an opposition receiver, but in this game all defenders will need to perform to a high level in pass coverage. In the AFC Championship game Jets shut down corner Darrelle Revis did a good job covering Reggie Wayne, however young receivers Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie exploited the other Jet defenders for big days, the Colts also possess a dangerous tight end in Dallas Clark.

On the other end the physical presence of Marques Colston is problem, but Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson offer big play ability also. Jermey Shockey is an impressive athlete and will be a hamtchup problem for the Colts linebackers and safeties.