Superbowl XLIV-And The Winner Is?

It is time to make the final pick of the NFL season. The scene is Miami, the place-Sun Life Stadium, the event-Superbowl XLIV, the opponents-Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints. Whodat you say? Yah, that's right, and unless your living under a tree in a remote jungle I'm not informing you about something you don't already know. Not alot can be said about tomorrow's game that hasn't already been said. The statistical configurations have all been calculated and the comparisons have been assessed. What's left now neither calculators nor stat sheets can measure. All that matters is what comes from inside, gives this happening breath and life, causes the pulse to quicken and the adrenalin to flow. The thing that causes individuals to reach beyond their physical boundaries and fly.

Peyton Manning possesses it. All you need to do is observe Manning in action. His demeanor, his expressions all exude this thing I am talking about. When he approaches the line of scrimmage after breaking the huddle you can see the determination in his body language as he reads the defense. As a commander he makes the necessary adjustments and positions his troops. There is no hesitation once he is set and without pause zeros in on his target. You know how things are going because you see it in his face. You see the disappointment when he fails to execute a third down, the dissatisfaction when the offense settles for a field goal, and when in a dog fight the complete focus on matching blow for blow until an edge can be exploited. When on the sidelines waiting for his next shot, the wheels continue to turn in his mind, never breaking his concentration.

Drew Brees possesses it. Brees has quietly gone about his business for years now and finally, deservedly reached the goal. He has piled up the yardage and has one of the best pass completion percentages of quarterbacks. His presence on the field inspires his teammates and the fans. When things break down on the line and the pressure is felt, his determination to find an open receiver is relentless and more times than not he will find that one receiver. His exibits the quiet, patient kind of reflection as he sits on the sidelines waiting his turn with the ball, kind of like a cat waiting and at the right moment springing into action onto its prey.

The Indianapolis Colts have already been to the Superbowl, so their fans know what they want to see. This is the first time for the New Orleans Saints and their fans emotions equal their expectations. Based on that perspective, I would give the edge to the Saints, but that won't be enough. Peyton Manning is a proven winner with a heart to match. Drew Brees is an equal in many ways. It is a tough call. I give the edge to Peyton Manning in that he is a consistent winner, always has been, and will be considered in the books and in hearts one of the best quarterbacks to have played the game.

 

SUN, FEB 7 TIME (ET) 6:25 PM CBS

New Orleans 25 at Indianapolis 30 Tickets

Sun Life Stadium

Indianapolis Colts-An Offense Built For The Superbowl

Superbowl XLIV is nearly upon us. There are high hopes it will be an entertaining Superbowl. Whether it will match last years down to the last minute, edge of your seat excitement remains to be seen. This years opponents, the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints with their high octane offenses, have that potential. It is the Saints first trip to the big event, for Manning and company it is old hat.

Peyton Manning is a dying breed of quarterbacks. He is the quarterback's quarterback whose sole job is to manage the offense, hand the ball off when planned, and drop back to methodically pick the opposing teams secondary apart by pre-arranged schemes, but at the same time be capable of improvising while dodging 300 pound-plus missiles when it becomes necessary. He is part of a group of quarterbacks who can be compared to the dinosaurs, an extinct creature who has seen its day, but fascinates us when we see them brought to life in the movies through our modern technology. The future of quarterbacks is in transition. This year we saw more teams utilize the running back in the quarterback position with the option to run or pass, but you don't see any of those teams in the Superbowl do you. This Sunday you will be watching a living dinosaur at the apex of his supremacy.

That being said, Manning has a great supporting cast. He has a line that is not equaled by any other. Manning is the most protected quarterback in the game. The Colts offensive line have done their duty well in protecting the most valuable asset on the field and without complaint. When a game is done and victory is in hand do the cameras and microphones hurry over to congragulate them and ask them about the defining moments of the game? Do they get to bask in the glory and receive the accolades? Perhaps, that is the way they prefer it, a group of men who go about their business unpretentiously.

Manning also has a core of receivers perfectly matched to his talents. Dallas Clark is a bulldog who punishes a secondary after the catch and also possesses the finesse to find the open spot where a pass can be dropped into. The name Peyton Manning cannot be spoken without Reggie Wayne being in there somewhere. They have been a tandem for a long time and are like a well rehearsed, perfectly blended symphony. Garcon and Collie are the newest kids on the block. They have gotten a fair share of the 33 touchdowns Manning has thrown this year. Joseph Addai had only 3 reception touchdowns, but all successful offenses are complimented by a good running attack and Addai supplies that necessary element.

Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts are made for the Superbowl. They have proven their worthiness to participate in the finale of the 2010 NFL football season with a 14-2 record and two playoff games won. The question now remains whether the New Orleans Saints defense will be up to the task of facing off with one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL.