Super Bowl could be a thrilling battle of high-flying offense
Mike Williams
Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: Sports Features
The Colts won't be able to do that against the high flying Saints offense. Unlike Indianapolis' previous two opponents, the Saints rank in the top six in both passing and rushing offense and number one overall, including points scored, in all the NFL.
The key for the Colts defense will be getting pressure on Brees from their two pro bowl defensive ends, Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, off the edges without leaving themselves vulnerable up the middle to the run. To win the game the Colts defensive tackles and middle linebacker will need to be able to plug the middle of the line and force the Saints to become one dimensional.
Offensively the Colts will need to be able to run the ball effectively in order to open up the passing game and force the Saints to put more men in the box which will provide passing lanes for Manning.
For the Saints defense to be effective they will need to put constant pressure on Manning. They don't need to sack him, just hit him and hit him hard and often like they did to Brett Favre in the NFC Championship game. The Saints will need to stop the Colts from getting their running game going. To be most effective the Saints need to be able to do this without blitzing too much or else Manning will pick them apart. It will be up to their front four to get it done.
Offensively the Saints need to be able to run the ball early and often to be successful. If they can do that the play action passing game will open up and the points will pile up in a hurry.
On paper this game has the promise to be one of the most exciting and high scoring games in Super Bowl history. With arguably the games two best signal callers going toe to toe against two of the shakier defenses, the points should come early and often.
Prediction, Saints 38 Colts 35. Enjoy.
The key for the Colts defense will be getting pressure on Brees from their two pro bowl defensive ends, Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, off the edges without leaving themselves vulnerable up the middle to the run. To win the game the Colts defensive tackles and middle linebacker will need to be able to plug the middle of the line and force the Saints to become one dimensional.
Offensively the Colts will need to be able to run the ball effectively in order to open up the passing game and force the Saints to put more men in the box which will provide passing lanes for Manning.
For the Saints defense to be effective they will need to put constant pressure on Manning. They don't need to sack him, just hit him and hit him hard and often like they did to Brett Favre in the NFC Championship game. The Saints will need to stop the Colts from getting their running game going. To be most effective the Saints need to be able to do this without blitzing too much or else Manning will pick them apart. It will be up to their front four to get it done.
Offensively the Saints need to be able to run the ball early and often to be successful. If they can do that the play action passing game will open up and the points will pile up in a hurry.
On paper this game has the promise to be one of the most exciting and high scoring games in Super Bowl history. With arguably the games two best signal callers going toe to toe against two of the shakier defenses, the points should come early and often.
Prediction, Saints 38 Colts 35. Enjoy.
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