5 Things to Watch – Super Bowl XLIV Edition

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By the time the two weeks of hype for Super Bowl XLIV is over, everyone will have covered just about everything imaginable about this match up.

In an effort to try highlight the key factors that will have the biggest impact on the game’s outcome, I present my five things to watch that may provide an edge in trying to decide which team is going to win this game.

New Orleans’ Defense
By now you have probably heard Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’s sound bite on how they plan to go after QB Peyton Manning with everything they have. There is no secret that one of the keys to New Orleans winning this game is keeping Manning from picking them apart like he did to the Jets in the second half of the AFC Championship game.

Even more important will be their ability to create some turnovers as this has really been the key to their success this season. In the regular season they scored 141 points as a result of 39 turnovers. They will most likely need at least one or two in this game to help keep it close.

Dwight Freeney
By now I am sure you have all heard about Colts All Pro DE Dwight Freeney’s injured ankle. While at this point it is still day to day, his ability to play could have a huge impact on the outcome of this game. Freeney has been the heart and soul of this defense all year long, leading the team with 13 ½ sacks.

If they are unable to get sufficient pressure on QB Drew Brees, much like Manning he will pick their secondary apart. Without an effective Freeney in the lineup, this area becomes a huge question mark for Indianapolis.

Saint’s Running Game
New Orleans ended the regular season ranked 6th in rushing offense averaging 131.6 yards per game and in their two playoff games they averaged 119.5. Led by Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell the Saints have an opportunity to establish the run to try and slow the game down and control the clock.

The more time that Peyton Manning remains a spectator on Sunday night, the better the chance New Orleans has to win this game.

Scoring right before the end of the first half
Teams that can find a way to put points on the board at the end of the first half usually end up coming out on top at the end of the game. A late second quarter score in this game will not only wreak havoc on millions of block pools, it could swing momentum away from one team in favor of the other. This is especially true when the team that scores late is also getting the ball first in the second half.

Special Teams
Field position will be crucial in this game as neither team can afford to give the other a short field to work with. A big return or a tackle deep in their opponent’s territory could end up being as big a play as any.

The key for the Saints will be Reggie Bush returning punts as he did return one 83 yards for a TD against the Cardinals in their divisional playoff game. For the Colts keep an eye on KR Chad Simpson as he seems poised to have a big day.

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