Even before the day is over, today is the biggest days in Saints’ history. The ‘Aints are history, and no longer the laughing stock of professional sports, a place currently held by the Detroit Lions. Win or lose, reaching the Super Bowl shows the world that New Orleans has recovered from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The Saints did not make it all the way to the Super Bowl by wondering whether the game would be won or lost, but with conviction of victory. Here are the keys to a Saints victory.
Pass rush
The Saints’ front four came into its own in the NFC Championship against the Vikings. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams crafted a scheme to disrupt Brett Favre’s timing, and it worked. The Saints will need a repeat performance from its pass rushers against the usual unflappable Peyton Manning. If the Saints defenders can win the matchup with the Colts’ offensive line, it will cause Manning to hurry his throws and lose his rhythm. This will be no easy task, as the Colts’ offensive line is very experienced and center Jeff Saturday has done an excellent job of making line calls to protect Manning.
Avoid turnovers
New Orleans protected the ball well against Minnesota, with only one turnover. However, that turnover nearly broke the Saints’ back. Had it not been for one of Adrian Peterson’s fumbles, Minnesota likely would have scored a touchdown before halftime, sending New Orleans into a hole coming out in the second half. Manning and company are excellent at capitalizing on opponent’s turnovers, so Brees and company need to protect the ball as much as possible.
Control the ball before halftime
Like a well-oiled machine, the Colts’ offense capitalizes on getting the ball back with less than two minutes to go in the opening half. With such a wide array of weapons, the Colts offense can move the ball quickly. Scoring right before the half not only puts the opponent behind on the scoreboard, but has a psychological factor as well. In the AFC Championship, the Colts scored a touchdown just before the half, which swung the momentum of the game. The Saints need to get the ball before the half and run the clock out
Capitalize on turnovers
The Saints failed to capitalize on the Vikings’ five turnovers and let them stick around too long. If the Colts turn the ball over, the Saints have to convert those turnovers into points.
Run the ball at Dwight Freeney
It has been well published that Freeney has a high sprain on his right ankle. If Freeney plays, as it appears, the Saints need to run Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush directly at Freeney. Freeney is an exceptional athlete, but could be forced out of the game early if his body cannot keep up with the pace. To add variety, expect to see the Saints throw screen passes to Jeremy Shockey and Reggie Bush to keep Freeney at bay.
Use Reggie Bush
Bush had the game-changing punt return against the Cardinals, and a heads-up touchdown against the Vikings to help lead the Saints to the Super Bowl. Bush is in the middle of a post-season redemption ala Alex Rodriguez. Although he fumbled the punt right before halftime against the Vikings, he showed tremendous mental resiliency by staying in the game and protecting the ball. Reggie needs to get involved early and often in both the return and receiving games. The Colts’ special teams coverage units ranked 16th in punt return coverage and 31st in kickoff return average.
The Saints are hitting on all cylinders. Riding the emotional wave and playing inspired football, I predict the Saints will emerge victorious 42-35. Geuax Saints!
