I'm up late watching ESPN re-run all of the NFL Films productions of the last few Super Bowls and I had a bit of a realization. We, the citizens of the United States of Football, have been spoiled over the last few February's. Nearly every Super Bowl since the Bucs emphatic win in 2003 has been close and compelling. You have the 2004 thriller in Houston between the Pats and Panthers that went down to another Vinatieri field goal. The following year the Pats did it again in a close one with Philadelphia, with my favorite Super Bowl blunder: Donovan McNabb blowing chunks on the field before the final drive. The 'little' Giants coming from nowhere to end the threat of perfection in 2008. And what can you say about last year? More like what can't you say, from the never-ending fairy tale that is Kurt Warner and his memorable fourth quarter connections with Larry Fitzgerald, to the 100 yard interception returned for a touchdown by James Harrison and that insane catch by Santonio Holmes in the corner of the endzone to seal it for the Steelers.
This year should be no different.
For the first time since the 1993 season, we will see the top seeds from both conferences face each other. We have the league's top two quarterbacks. We have the city of New Orleans on the World's stage in what they hope will be another defining moment in their recent tumultuous civic history. We have Number 18 looking to become the best QB of this generation.
We all know that the Colts were in Miami just 3 seasons ago lifting the Lombardi Trophy. The Colts even decided to stay in the same hotel as last time. Needless to say is that they have been here before, literally. Peyton is a good as ever, and he is playing pitch and catch with young, unknown (we know them now) receivers as if he was still throwing to Marvin. The Colts will score and score often, but their ability to win today hinges not on offensive prowess but the defense's ability to stem a tide. Drew Brees and the Saints 'O' can score just as much as Number 18 can, so I feel the deciding factor will be whether or not the Colts defense can get a stop each quarter, to allow for Peyton to outscore the Saints.
Just as needless to mention as the Colts' having been here before is to mention the fact that the Saints haven't, ever. That does not mean to say they will not put up a fight. The Saints do one thing well that the Colts don't. They run the football. If the Saints hope to win today, I feel their only shot will be having a superior time of possession by sticking with the run. The longer you keep Manning on the sidelines, the better your chances.
So, the prediction...
Colts 35 Saints 27.
MVP: Pierre Garcon or Dallas Clark
Given the last two Super Bowls, we can all only hope this one comes somewhere close. Hope everyone enjoys National Football day!
