Super Bowl Week was full of hype and anticipation. I intended to post my pick on Thursday or Friday but waited for an injury update on Dwight Freeney. Most of the attention has focused on Dwight Freeney’s ankle.
I apologize to Buffalo Steve, Johnny Versace, and Linda for not posting the pick yesterday but had an emergency work issue to deal with. This is how I break the game down.
(1) For the Colts to win:
(A) Protect Peyton Manning. Saints Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams wants to hurt Peyton Manning. I think the Colts offensive line will be on extra guard and Peyton will throw shorter, quicker throws.
(B) Dwight Freeney. The more he plays, the better chance the Colts have. He hasn’t practiced all week but has getting all types of treatment including acupuncture and sleeping in a hyperbaric chamber. It is purified oxygen which helps the body heal. Dr. Dan has one so I usually spend 30 to 60 minutes in it. It is a legitimate, non-performance enhancing drug healing mechanism.
Freeney will be used mostly in third down pass rush situations. He'll play about 20 or so downs if healthy. If he can’t play, Mathis has lots of experience.
(C) Contain Reggie Bush. Kick the ball for a touch back on kickoffs and wide on punts.
(2) For the Saints to win:
(A) Drew Brees has to have a big game. The Colts have some injuries in their secondary and need to take advantage of it.
(B) Jeremy Shockey: He's in his home town. He doesn’t get as much attention as he did with the Giants. If the Saints wide receivers are covered, Brees has to go to Shockey.
(C) Take advantage of Colts mistakes. The Colts won’t turn the ball over five times like the Vikings did in the NFC Championship Game.
(3) Intangibles: Expected the unexpected. Joseph Addai doesn’t get lots of carries but is a key factor. If he can run well and catch passes out of the backfield, it will help the Colts. One thing is for sure, there will be an unsung hero.
Super Bowl XLIV Prediction: Colts (-5) cover and win 38-31.
Bet the over on 2.5 crowd shots of Kim Kardashian.
The Tank’s Bottom Line: New Orleans is the sentimental favorite and I will root for them. However, if the Colts win, I will be happy for my brother who is a Colts fan. If Peyton wins another Super Bowl, it will lessen the talk about the greatness of Tom Brady. Remember, the Patriots haven’t won since they got rid of Vinateri. Plus, the taped the Rams Super Bowl practices. Lastly, Pierre Garcon is playing for family back in Haiti. All in all, it’s a win-win for me.
Posted by an excited Tank.