Superbowl XLIV

elvis jones

So who is lift Vince in Miami ??

Royal Seahawk

After last night's games you'd have to fancy the Colts.

davyjose

Well, I gotta say, the Jets would have beaten either side last night. I don't want to sound cocky or presumptious, but if that's the best the NFC can do, Colts will carve them up.

Having said that, i think we will see a sharper Saints in 2 weeks, so who knows? But even if Saints do come out and play, as long as our D holds up, we'll just about win IMO.

Also, why the anonymous poll? c'mon guys, last game of the season, nail your colours to the mast.

_Buck Rogers

I dont think it will be a close one. IMO Manning will show why he's being considered the best QB ever in this game.

cooker3

I thought the difference between both teams after the game was interesting. It was clear Indy and Manning in particular didn't give a crap about the trophy or celebrating the AFC championship. They have 1 goal, to win the Superbowl. Nothing else matters.

The Saints on the other hand were ecstatic and just seem happy to be going. Some part of it is due to how both games turned out, of course, but I think for New Orleans it's more of an experience and they may not want quite it as much as the Colts. In anyway if they play like they did they have no chance. They need a repeat of their performance vs Arizona to have a chance.

I am going to say Colts by 10.

fintonie

I have to say the colts look very impressive,

but history has shown us the underdogs can pull off the biggest of upset,

if the Colts offense don't get firing early on they could be in trouble and it sometimes can take them the best part of the first Quarter to get going,

I just hope its not a rout for the colts.

davyjose

cooker3 wrote: »

I thought the difference between both teams after the game was interesting. It was clear Indy and Manning in particular didn't give a crap about the trophy or celebrating the AFC championship. They have 1 goal, to win the Superbowl. Nothing else matters.

The Saints on the other hand were ecstatic and just seem happy to be going. Some part of it is due to how both games turned out, of course, but I think for New Orleans it's more of an experience and they may not want quite it as much as the Colts. In anyway if they play like they did they have no chance. They need a repeat of their performance vs Arizona to have a chance.

I am going to say Colts by 10.

i noticed tht myself man, thought maybe I was just being smug.

But in fairness to the Saints, this was much, much different to the Colts' situation. This was the biggest win in the city's history, it was a game they looked certain to lose at one point, and coming a mere four years after that exact stadium was used to house thousands of people (refugees in the richest country on earth) gave it a level of emotion lucas oil was never gonna match.

Having said that, the element of it being "their final" is one worth thinking about. I know Peyton Manning has forgotten the Jets game already, has Drew Brees forgotten last night yet?

_Buck Rogers

You never forget your first time;). He's lost is nfc champ virginity:P

bruschi

dont know about the confidence for the Colts here. I wouldnt say they were exactly convincing in either game. Granted, their second half performance against hte Jets was excellent, but they really struggled to move in the first half, and the late TD kept them right in it. It took Manning longer than the usual first quarter to figure out the defence. And for as much as the Jets blitzed, they didnt ever really get near Manning.

Saints on the other hand are targetting QB's. Absolutly clear as day they are out to hit them, and hit them hard. They do cross the line too in foul play.

Colts defence eventually got on top of Sanchez, but they have been up against 2 young QB's and havent had the test of someone like Brees in the playoffs, whereas the Sainst have had challenges against Favre and Warner.

I actually thought Brees made a point of saying the job isnt done yet in his post game speech. He said it 2 or 3 times, about how they have to go to Miami and finish it. But it is a valid point that they could have played their final, much like Arizona last year? And look how that turned out, only seconds away from winning it.

I still think colts are the favorites, but I certainly wouldnt be putting my house on it, nor would I see any reason to be so confident inthem to win.

Max Power1

much as I hate to say it.. this will be Manning and the Colts' year.

Lothaar v2

bruschi wrote: »

but they really struggled to move in the first half, and the late TD kept them right in it. It took Manning longer than the usual first quarter to figure out the defence. And for as much as the Jets blitzed, they didnt ever really get near Manning.

But... that's the point! That's exactly why the Colts are so good. The Jets (number 1 D in the league) smothered them in the 1st half. The Colts probed, gathered info, exposed weaknesses and then adjusted. In the second half, the Colts dominated. It took them one half of football to dissect the best D in the NFL... and that's, as you put it, 'longer than usual'.

As for the Saints targeting QBs - they certainly targeted Brett. And a good call it was too. I don't think that tactic will be as effective vs the best QB in the league against the blitz. It could be a bad idea. In fact, I remember Pittsburgh took the Colts apart in the Conference finals a few years back by NOT blitzing. Colts max-protected a lot, leaving less receivers in the pattern for Pittsburgh to cover. Masterstroke.

The Pats beat them a while ago too - not by blitzing or roughing up Manning - by using seemingly random patterns of presnap movement so that he didn't have a clue what coverage they were in.

Manning's weakness, if he has one, is his analytical mind. If you can confuse him, you can (maybe) beat him. If you blitz him, he'll find a single-covered receiver and skin you all day.

With all that said... I don't have a clue who will win this game! They're both incredible teams.

bruschi

Lothaar v2 wrote: »

With all that said... I don't have a clue who will win this game! They're both incredible teams.

and that was my point too! I dont see where the over confidence is coming from Colts fans!

agree with your point on Manning. he seems to freak out a bit too much and want to change plays too much when he lines up and sees the defence formation. altho in saying that, its not exactly much of a criticism seeing as he works it so well. would agree that changing defence fronts and showing him different looks is the best way to get at him.

Lothaar v2

Right.

It's a bit like Madden, actually. Best way to beat the Colts is to keep audibling on D and changing up what you're doing presnap. Even flipping from a basic blitz to a basic zone coverage will give him fits, but your D still ends up in a decent play.

jonnybadd

I hope the Saints bring something special to Florida but I can't see them doing the colts judging by last weekends preformance. The Colts O is just awe inspiring at times.

evil_seed

this will come down to 2 things. who runs the ball better and creates the turnovers. simpe right. the have thomas and bush. both are good runners, thomas is better imo, and both can go for big gains. and as we saw against the vikes and their 13 wins, they creeate turnovers. +24 diff if i remember right. and they can get to the quarter back.

that is why i'm picking the saints

de5p0i1er

I think the Saints could do it. They weren't playing there best against the Vikings, I know they can do better then that.

Tallaght Saint

I'm gonna go for the Saints in a shootout

Morrisseeee

I'm gonna say the...........Colts, simply because of Manning. When he adjusts into a game, he gets into the swing of things, its 110% concentration, and he just gets the job done, alot might depend on the Colts D, as the Saints have a 'fairly good' Offence. I'm hoping for a 'gunfight', lets say..........52-45

fintonie

I think a pole for overtime would of come out on top looking at the replies

Hazys

Id say its 65-35 in favour of the Colts to win...so c'mon Saints!!!!!

tallaghtoutlaws

Im picking the Saints only because Im a Pats fan. But I do see the Colts winning it I will say I do have massive amount of respect for Manning. Not all us Pats fans hate him. As a player and a coach of the game I have every respect for him.

me-skywalker

davyjose wrote: »

Also, why the anonymous poll? c'mon guys, last game of the season, nail your colours to the mast.

well I think the Colts will win so voted for them but I WANT the Saints to win. How much of boost to the whole New Orleans would it be and fair play to Brees after last seasons run of 400yrd games I tipped them to get to the Superbowl this season but after seeing Manning against the Jets and how unresponsive and unimpressive the Saints will be I think the Colts will edge it by 10..... 34-24

altho the Saints have nothing to loose now so they'll go out and give it a goo going so never know what can happen with the match-ups on match day.

Tristram

I'll be supporting the Saints, like most neutrals I guess. If they can pressure Manning effectively they have a great shot. I expect them to be able to run well against the Colts but need to pass to stay in touch. Just have a nagging feeling this is the Colts year. :mad:

_Buck Rogers

undIsolde wrote: »

I'll be supporting the Saints, like most neutrals I guess. If they can pressure Manning effectively they have a great shot. I expect them to be able to run well against the Colts but need to pass to stay in touch. Just have a nagging feeling this is the Colts year. :mad:

Well thats the big question. I think the vikings would have had a much better chance against the colts. I don't think teh saints will be able to put enough pressure on manning with just the d line and will need to bring 6 or 7 into the box to do it. Which will then leave single coverage and manning doesnt mind who he throws it to, he doesnt have a favourite receiver. I just can't see what the saints will be able to do.

me-skywalker

_Buck Rogers wrote: »

Well thats the big question. I think the vikings would have had a much better chance against the colts. I don't think teh saints will be able to put enough pressure on manning with just the d line and will need to bring 6 or 7 into the box to do it. Which will then leave single coverage and manning doesnt mind who he throws it to, he doesnt have a favourite receiver. I just can't see what the saints will be able to do.

Well that is the paradox if they bring in extra pressure they will leave gaps and single coverage for Manning to exploit. Also people dont forget that the Colts are a great running team aswell so its swings and roundabouts really.

But, the Saints have to trust their D-Line and also trust Brees to throw the ball from the start and mix it up so they dont rely on set patterns and routes.

It has the potential to be as nail-bitingly climatic as last year!!

thecatspjs

saint's by 46.....:D

Lirange

I'm surprised so many are picking the Saints. I just think Indy has more of an advantage on D compared to NO. I wouldn't mind if the Saints win but it will be tough I think. In fact I'd like to see them get the trophy. But hopefully we'll get a good game at least. Last year will be hard to top.

rich1874

You'd have to say that the Colts look the better team. There is every chance it could be a blow out. Although i hope not, I love Drew Brees and they're a very exciting team. But they'd have to play very well, and Manning would have to be very ordinary.

themont85

Losing Freeney would be a disaster for the Colts. I'm not quite sure if its bluffing from the Colts but I fully expect him to start. No doubt the Saints are looking hard at the situation and will have to go in with the mindset he will play.

Morrisseeee

Just wondering if the weather will have its say in the outcome, ie. its lashing rain there at the moment (in the middle of their dry season!!), and seeing as both teams mainly throw the ball, then mistakes could swing it for one team.

frostie500

Morrisseeee wrote: »

Just wondering if the weather will have its say in the outcome, ie. its lashing rain there at the moment (in the middle of their dry season!!), and seeing as both teams mainly throw the ball, then mistakes could swing it for one team.

I heard Tony Dungy make an interesting point about how prepared Manning is. Prior to Superbowl XLI Manning saw on the news that the weather for that Superbowl was for a massive storm and he got the Colts to practice with wet balls for a week in Indy prior to travelling down so I'd say the Colts will be ready regardless of the weather

Hyperbullet

I'll be shouting for the Saints, because feck it I love an underdog story! Dont think anyone would have predicted them to get this far, and on a different level, New Orleans could do with the boost. However the Colts have been so impressive this season, its just so hard to see them losing.

kmart6

Underdog story....not too sure about that! Katrina was 2005, yes the city feels they have a bound with them cause of the Superdome being used as a camp etc, but I feel the team itself has been there or there abouts since then!

A true underdog story would have been the Jets beating the Colts to get there!!

Black Swan

Although the Colts look more skilled, better led, and prepared for the SB, the recent cheering of the post-Katrina New Orleans citizens is hard to ignore. So I'm going to join them and cheer for the Saints, and yell "Run Reggie run!"

kmart6

Tut tut.....
*bows head in shame and leaves*

tallaghtoutlaws

To be honest I feel that not enough credit is being given to Sean Payton and his coaching staff and all the players. Sure Katrina has brought them all together as one. The fans keeping faith and going to the games over the last 4 seasons also motivates but lets not forget the work Payton and his staff have done over the last 4 years. That team has gotton better and drafted and signed the right personnel to make it happen. Sharper being one example this season. The Saints are definitely on a level to hang with the big boys. A solid regular season and off season has proved that.

kmart6

Feel exactly the same!!! Him and his staff really deserve more credit! They turned a 3-13 team into a Superbowl finalist in 4 years....credit where credits due like!

Hyperbullet

Would anyone have picked the Saints at the beginning of the season to end up in the superbowl?

kmart6

Would anyone have picked the Jets to make the Conference Final?!

Would have anyone predicted the Pats to be blown out in the Wildcard round?!

Would anyone have predicted the Titans to end up 8-8 after starting 0-6?!


No matter what picks/predictions are made something different will happen....that's the nature of sports!

And to be honest I'd say the Saints would have been up there in a lot of prediction tables dut the progress they made this year as well as acquisition of some key players!

Hyperbullet

kmart6 wrote: »

Would anyone have picked the Jets to make the Conference Final?!

Would have anyone predicted the Pats to be blown out in the Wildcard round?!

Would anyone have predicted the Titans to end up 8-8 after starting 0-6?!


No matter what picks/predictions are made something different will happen....that's the nature of sports!

And to be honest I'd say the Saints would have been up there in a lot of prediction tables dut the progress they made this year as well as acquisition of some key players!

First off, it was a genuine question that referred to the start of the season, so there's no need to come across as that aggressive.

I wouldn't have picked them at the start of the season, I would've picked them as a team that could have been a stumbling block for the likes of the Pats and the Colts. They finished 8-8 last season.

Not that i'm arguing that they're not in the superbowl on merit, they've had an amazing season.

kmart6

Wasn't being aggresive in the slightest dude....it was my way of making the point that no matter what predictions change regardless.

As a unit the Saints have been improving under Payton the last 4 years and this year there was something expected of them due to having a consistent QB, an explosive back in Reggie Bush and an improved defense!

tallaghtoutlaws

Hyperbullet wrote: »

First off, it was a genuine question that referred to the start of the season, so there's no need to come across as that aggressive.

I wouldn't have picked them at the start of the season, I would've picked them as a team that could have been a stumbling block for the likes of the Pats and the Colts. They finished 8-8 last season.

Not that i'm arguing that they're not in the superbowl on merit, they've had an amazing season.

To answer your question no they were not tipped to go to the Superbowl. They weren't even tipped to finish above Carolina or Atlanta.

But here is the beauty of the NFL. After the first couple of weeks and seeing how good Payton and his staff got it together after making some great acquisitions in the off season. The Saints went right up that ladder and were being tipped by a fair few corners.

Predictions before a game is even played are just that predictions. But the Saints were growing strong albeit they did what nobody thought they would do for at least a couple more years. But this is testement to the hard work by their coaches and players.

But I wouldn't say they are the "Underdogs" as everyone is throwing around. They clearly showed this season they can play ball. Now lets not confuse Underdog and the betting term Underdog Most likely the bookies will have the Colts as Favourites. But even the Bookies are not confident with the Colts as clear favs. Spread is 4.5 or 5 depending on where you throw your money.

Hyperbullet

kmart6 wrote: »

Wasn't being aggresive in the slightest dude....it was my way of making the point that no matter what predictions change regardless.

As a unit the Saints have been improving under Payton the last 4 years and this year there was something expected of them due to having a consistent QB, an explosive back in Reggie Bush and an improved defense!

You're right. Been having a look at their stats for the last few seasons, things have been on the up I guess. Weren't so hot last season though. Regardless of whether they win or lose on Sunday I hope they're a team that comes on stronger next season. They have been great to watch over the past few months.

kmart6

tallaghtoutlaws wrote: »

To answer your question no they were not tipped to go to the Superbowl.

Hehe....

tallaghtoutlaws wrote: »

They weren't even tipped to finish above Carolina or Atlanta.

Point 32 if you kindly would sir....

tallaghtoutlaws

kmart6 wrote: »

Hehe....



Point 32 if you kindly would sir....

Wow so two people tipped them :D To be honest I didn't bother searching to see. As from what memory served a lot of people tipped them to finish beneath the Panthers and Falcons based on last season. Do I care? No not really as I am one of Sean Payton's biggest fans

davyjose

Pretty sure I picked them to win the NFC South, and Brees would reach the 40TD mark. So yeah, i had a lot of respect for NO coming into the season. Still do. They're capable of throwing up 40-50 points on Sunday, and that thought almost keeps me awake at night.
The week 2 win against Pittsburgh said it all though. This team looked like making the Super Bowl all season.

kmart6

davyjose wrote: »

They're capable of throwing up 40-50 points on Sunday

Less of that talk please...

kmart6

tallaghtoutlaws wrote: »

Wow so two people tipped them :D To be honest I didn't bother searching to see. As from what memory served a lot of people tipped them to finish beneath the Panthers and Falcons based on last season. Do I care? No not really as I am one of Sean Payton's biggest fans

Man I searched for the laugh and surprisingly those were the first two results I got....couldn't believe it myself!!!:)

tallaghtoutlaws

davyjose wrote: »

The week 2 win against Philly said it all though. This team looked like making the Super Bowl all season.

For me Pre-season ranks are irrelevant and I always let the football do the talking and this in bold is part of the reason. You hit the nail on its head.

kmart6

When did they play Pittsburgh?!

tallaghtoutlaws

kmart6 wrote: »

When did they play Pittsburgh?!

I was about to ask him the same thing considering I bloody quoted it to reference the football doing the talking hahaha But Im guessing he meant the destruction of Philly.