Super Bowl XLIV Preview
By A.j. Reed
Western Herald
Super Bowl XLIV will kick-off Sunday at 6:25 p.m. with the New Orleans Saints facing off against the Indianapolis Colts. Indianapolis wants a repeat of their win in 2007 while New Orleans looks to make the most of their franchise’s first appearance in the Super Bowl.
One of the key storylines leading into this year’s Super Bowl is the injury of Saints’ defensive end Dwight Freeney. Freeney injured his right ankle during the AFC Championship Game against the New York Jets on Jan. 24. According to ESPN, Freeney was quoted during Tuesday’s media day saying, “It’s safe to say that I probably won’t [practice]. I’ll probably stay off of it and just get ready.”
How important is Dwight Freeney to the Colt’s defensive rush attack? Since he was drafted in 2002 by the Colts, no one on the team has had more sacks.
Like all Super Bowls, preparation and the ability to put the media, fans, and sometimes even family attention, out of your mind can be a vital part to victory. It’s hard to argue that Payton Manning isn’t one of the best in the league, or in all of sports for that matter, at being able to mentally prepare for the game ahead. This isn’t the first Super Bowl for many of the payers on this year’s Colts roster and look for that experience to show when it comes to game time on Sunday.
Just because the City of New Orleans may be more excited about getting to the Super Bowl than actually winning it, don’t expect the team to be happy about just getting there — they want to win. Drew Brees is no slouch when it comes game preparation so look for him to lead his team onto the field come Sunday.
Also, look for this year’s Super Bowl to be an offensive shootout. Both teams have high octane offenses fueled by some the league’s most explosive players. If one team gets ahead early, don’t count the other out. This year’s Super Bowl promises to be one of the most exciting and high-scoring games in years.
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Posted by heraldstaff
on Feb 3 2010. Filed under Sports.
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This really should end up being an excellent game. Each of those teams are pretty well matched. I believe Indy could have the advantage given that Manning is essentially unstoppable. If he can play, Freeney and Mathis ought to be able to get enough pressure on Drew to force him to get rid of the ball sooner than he really wants to. If the saints defense does not come up with a few turn overs the colts probably will win.