I remember when I first started watching football. I was eleven years old. It was 2002. The Oakland Raiders were one of footballs best teams and for some odd reason, I fell in love with a team on the complete opposite side of the country. Why? Well, Oakland was good. Plain and simple. And what do you know? My new found favorite team had defeated the Titans in the AFC championship game and were now playing in the Superbowl against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The ultimate match-up of offense vs. defense. Little did I know, defense wins championships. Long story short, Tampa Bay ran a train on Oakland and intercepted my all time favorite player Rich Gannon five times, taking three picks back to the house. I still have a deep hatred for Tampa Bay. And Jon Gruden, damn you. You had our playbook in your back pocket and sent my team in to a complete downward spiral. All in all, my first Superbowl was very forgettable.
Seven years later and look where we are. Saints vs. Colts. Manning vs. Brees. The consistently dominant Colts vs. Americas sweetheart Saints.
I, like many people, would like to see New Orleans win. For a team that was at absolute rock bottom less than five years ago, it is amazing to think that a franchise that is used to being found at the bottom of the standings can now be found in Miami, Florida, as the Saints are less than twenty four hours away from arguably the biggest game in the history of their franchise.
The Colts on the other hand, are a completely different story. Perhaps the "team of the decade", the Colts are known for doing one thing consistently: winning. Peyton Manning has been the face of that franchise ever since he was drafted in 1998. He hasn't even retired yet and he is considered by some to be the greatest quarterback of all time. From my viewpoint, a second Superbowl win (his first in 2007 over the Chicago Bears) would almost solidify his spot as the best quarterback in the history of the NFL, and maybe the best player in the history of the NFL. Anyways, before I get ahead of myself, why don't I just start talking about the actual game itself.
Indianapolis comes in to the game as the favorites. My heart says New Orleans, but my head says Indianapolis. My heart also led me to like Oakland. Besides that though, a wise man once said "Never pick against Peyton Manning". Who said that? Probably plenty of wise men.
Never underestimate a team that has as much to play for as the Saints do. I'm not saying the Colts have nothing to play for, but lets be honest, I think its obvious how badly the Saints want to bring a Superbowl trophy back to New Orleans.
Dwight Freeney, even if he plays, will not be that effective. Reggie Wayne banging his knee up even more does not help either. But look at who would replace each (assuming neither can play, which is very unlikely). Raheem Brock will get more snaps at defensive end in absence of Freeney. Brock is a proven NFL veteran who can be an X factor with his play in this game. Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie have transformed from rookies who have potential to legitimate threats on the outside. You definitely have to keep an eye on these guys throughout the game. Did I mention a guy named Dallas Clark? Yeah, he's pretty good too.
New Orleans is known for doing two things: scoring points and forcing turnovers. Drew Brees and this offense can score points in a hurry, so you better be ready to respond. Reggie Bush can change the game in one play, whether it be a punt return, a screen on the outside, or anything else. Darren Sharper is an absolute game changer on the defensive side of the ball for New Orleans. Don't be surprised if he gets the best of Peyton for at least one play and picks off a Manning throw. Sharper is just that good.
All in all, this is what was the deciding factor for me. The Colts, this season, have tried to win fifteen games. They have won just that, fifteen games. I have to go with my head here and I'm taking the Colts, but they won't cover the spread which is 5.5
Colts 34, Saints 30
That's it for me tonight folks. Be sure to follow me on Twitter! For now I'm off to go relax. Doesn't sound like much but hey, I rarely find time to just sit down and chill. Taking advantage of it while I can!
Aloha, World.
No comments:
Post a Comment