SUPER BOWL 44: Clash of Champions

Posted February 7th, 2010

By: TOMMY GAHN
NFL Sports Analyst

The Saints will play the Colts in an epic battle in Miami. This game features the two elite quarterbacks in the NFL, Drew Brees of the Saints and Peyton Manning of the Colts. New Orleans last meeting with Indianapolis was in 2007. This is the Saints’ first Super Bowl appearance, while the Colts have played in three Super Bowls and have compiled a 2-1 record. They are the only team in the NFL that has represented both conferences in the Super Bowl. They made the Super Bowl in 1969 as the NFC Champion and were the heavy favorite but lost to the Jets 16-7 in Miami. The coach of the Colts was Don Shula.

Baltimore would move to the AFC in 1970 and reach the Super Bowl. Rookie kicker Jim O’Brian made a field goal in the final seconds of the game to give the Colts and their rookie coach Don McCafferty a 16-13 victory over the Cowboys in Miami.

One of the unsung heroes of the Saints is director of player personnel Ryan Pace. He improved the team by adding several unrestricted free agents. They were safety Darren Sharper, cornerback Jabberi Greer, defensive tackle Anthony Hargove and fullback Heath Evans. He also acquired tight end Dave Thomas from the Patriots for a late round draft pick.

The standouts on offense for the Colts are quarterback Peyton Manning, halfback Joseph Addai, receivers Reggie Wayne, Austin Collie and Dallas Clark.

The top players on defense are defensive ends Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis and linebacker Gary Brackett. Freeney has an ankle injury and may miss the contest. This would hamper the Colts’ pass rush and allow the Saints’ receivers to run deeper routes.

The Saints will win if they can put pressure on Manning, control the football and win the turnover battle. Tight ends Clark and Jeremy Shockey of the Saints may have big impacts on the contest. The Saints my return a punt or a kickoff for a touchdown. Regardless of the outcome this has been a season to remember.