Hopefully by now you’ve all read my columns on why I think each team can win this game. Now’s it time for me to take into consideration everything I’ve written and actually pick a real winner.
This is an extremely tough game to pick. It features 2 great offenses that can score on anyone, and while the defenses aren’t great, each has enough play makers to give the opposing offense fits. Initially it seems like both teams are very similar. After writing my article on how the Colts could win I was convinced that there was no way the Saints could beat them. But after writing why the Saints could win and I didn’t think there was any way the Colts win. I was confused, really confused, so I was forced to take everything I’ve gathered from watching these 2 teams play and break this game down and analyze it rationally.
Peyton Manning and the Colts offense generally seem to be slow starters. Its almost as if they don’t really have a plan going into a game, they just wait for Peyton to see what the defense’s plan is and count on him to adjust, which he usually does later in games. One thing is for sure, Manning will move the ball and the Colts will put points on the board. But the question is, how long into the game will it take for that to happen?
The Saints on the other hand, tend to be very fast starters and actually have what resembles an offensive game plan come game time. The Colts have made a living of falling behind a little early and coming back late. If they do that in this game, can Peyton out gun Brees in the second half? Peyton has been nearly unstoppable in the second half of games this season, especially when the Colts have needed him to be, but he hasn’t faced an offense like this in those games.
Enough talk, time for the prediction. I think the Colts will start off a little slow, mix in a few runs and some short passes, to try to get the Saints defense to show its hand. While this is going on I think Brees and the Saints offense go up by double digits. This time, I think by the time Manning figures out the defense it will be too late. The Saints will have a nice lead and what makes them different from other high scoring teams is that they can run the ball with the best of them. So not only will the Saints be able to match scores with the Colts late in the game, they will be able to take time off the clock while doing it.
I may be going against what I think is my better judgment here, but I think the Saints hold off a Colts rally and win the Super Bowl, Saints 38 Colts 33.
Wow, very good analysis of both these teams Ryan. You’re spot on about the Colts. I really do believe they more or less let Manning figure the defense out on the fly during the game probably just practicing against tendencies during the week of preparation. They are very predictable and conservative.
And, the Saints do come out with a purpose each week against particular schemes, you can just see Brees executing what needs to be done against a particular formation. They have a plan going into every game, have practiced it over and over and execute it once the game starts.
So in summary I totally agree with you, The Saints get out to a big lead, the Colts rally to get back in it but in the end the Saints put more points on the board. I see the total score however being in the 80′s.
The only thing that could upset the apple cart here though would be if the Colts actually got creative in the last two weeks of practice and come out aggressively with some trick plays and try to hit a couple of big ones at the beginning.
Saints 35 Colts 31 is my prediction.
Awesome article Ryan. I am definitely on board with this prediction.
First of all, great site you guys have here. Second, I got to go with the colts even with Freeney hurting bad. Might be a surprise and be something like 29-27.
Uncle Joe
Uncle Joe,
Thanks for checking it out. Mom said you had visited and tried to comment before. I appreciate it.
Pleasantries aside. Your wrong.
Adam
Adam,
Seems to me I remember using an apostrophe when contracting the words you are. Moi, wrong? I doubt it.
Welcome to the internet. Home of big opinions and poor grammar.
Saints 20 Colts 17
Take the under today boys!!!
I don’t see it happening. These two are all offense. It is 20 – 17 before the half ends.