NFL star quarterbacks Drew Brees and Peyton Manning will face off this weekend on Super Bowl Sunday, February 7, 2010, in Miami Florida for the ultimate showdown. The big question everyone’s asking this week is “Who’s going to win the Super Bowl?”
Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints meets Peyton Manning of the Indiana Colts in the ultimate showdown on Super Bowl XLIV Sunday, February 7, 2010, in Miami Florida.”
It’s hard not to pick the Indianapolis Colts with Peyton Manning leading the charge. Manning is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history with a record-setting four MVP awards and one Super Bowl title. Should he lead the Colts to victory this weekend, he may very well solidify himself as the greatest quarterback ever, past John Elway, Joe Montana and Dan Marino. Manning gives the Colts experience, leadership and poise that’s impossible to discount…
Speaking of experience, that’s a big advantage for the Colts. A number of the players were members of a Colts team that won Super Bowl XLI in 2007. The Super Bowl is not just another game. The hype surrounding it is bigger than anything in U.S. sports. If the players aren’t careful, they can get too up for the game.
I was listening earlier this week to ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt relay a story that Hall of Famer John Hannah had once told. Hannah, who played for the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX, told how he got so pumped up for the game that he was exhausted by the end of the first half. He talked about the importance of staying even-keeled emotionally and treating the Super Bowl like just any other game.
One thing that might hurt the Colts is the potential loss of All-Pro defensive end Dwight Freeney to injury. Freeney is considered among the most dominating defensive players in football and if he’s not able to play or compete at full strength, that’s going to be a big blow to the Colts. Without his presence, the Saints will be able to protect Drew Brees much better.
Speaking of the Saints, I’m actually rooting for them. The first NFL game I ever attended was a Saints game at the Superdome. I grew up watching Archie Manning, Chuck Muncie, Tom Dempsey, etc.
Drew Brees is a great quarterback and has earned MVP consideration this season. If he’s protected and has time to pick his spots, he can be very dangerous. The Saints defense was impressive a couple of weeks ago against Brett Favre and the Vikings. They pressured Favre all day long and forced several turnovers. The Colts are one dimensional offensively and rank near the bottom in rushing offense. If the Saints can pressure Manning or force the Colts to run more, I think they have a chance to win.
My prediction…New Orleans over Indianapolis, 24 – 20.
