The Stage is Set for Miami
Superbowl Sunday is finally here, ladies and gentlemen! That’s right: your full assortment of artery-clogging foods, endless soda and beer, friendly betting, and, of course, terrific football between two offensive powerhouses in the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts.
Despite being down eleven points midway through the second quarter, the Colts defeated the “Cinderella” New York Jets 30-17 on the back of second year receiver Pierre Garcon who finished the game with 151 yards and a touchdown. The Saints advanced on a Lawrence Tynes-esque overtime game winning field goal by second year pro Garrett Hartley, capitalizing on a crucial and unnecessary interception by Brett Favre in the closing seconds of regulation. This will be the Saints first Superbowl appearance in the team’s 43-year existence.
But, without further adieu, here is your 2009 Superbowl preview:
Key Matchup: Colts defensive line vs. Saints offensive line. Drew Brees is listed at a mere six feet and despite his hall of fame accuracy, 70.6% completion percentage this season, and his surprisingly strong arm, he has trouble when under pressure. In their first loss of the season, the Cowboys were able to sack Brees four times and hit him six additional times, holding him to under 300 yards. If defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis of the Colts can use their experience and versatility to rush around or through tackles Jermon Bushrod and Jonathon Stinchcomb of the Saints, Brees will be forced to rush his throws and make uncharacteristic mistakes. If not, Brees will have a big day.
Difference Maker: Reggie Bush, New Orleans RB. Some might be surprised by this pick, but the play of the Saints depends directly on his performance. In the 16 games Bush has played this season including the playoffs, the team’s average margin of victory is seventeen points when he had sixty-or-more yards in a game. On the other hand, when he produced less than total yards in a game, the team’s margin of victory drops to less than five points. Furthermore, in games that Bush scores one or more touchdowns, the team’s average margin of victory is 13.6 points, while when he doesn’t score at all the margin drops to five points. If Reggie can reach his potential in this game, and give us a dazzling display of speed and agility like he did against the Cardinals, the Colts will have no way of stopping him and the Saints should roll.
Keys to Victory: Blitzing frequently is not an option for the Colts defense because if the Saints wide outs are left in single coverage, Brees will pick the Indy secondary to pieces. Therefore, a consistent and solid three to four man pass rush for the Colts is essential if they are going to bring home the Lombardi Trophy. The Colts need to establish the run game through Joseph Addai and Donald Brown earlier than in the AFC Championship Game in order to open up the play action pass and the deep ball for Peyton and his receivers. For the Saints, staying strong in the secondary, led by Darren Sharper, and limiting Peyton to less than 320 yards and three touchdowns is important if they are going to give their offense a chance to stay in the game. Similar to the Colts, the Saint’s running back tandem of Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas needs to step up to relieve Brees of some pressure in terms of the pass rush and putting points on the board.
Final Pick: New Orleans Saints: 24, Indianapolis Colts: 20
