Super Bowl XLIV

[Sun Tzu]

Date: February 7th
Time: Kickoff is approximately 6:25pm Eastern
Location: Miami, Florida

The (16-2) Indianapolis Colts face off against the (15-3) New Orleans Saints. This years big game pits too high powered offenses with big name Quarterbacks against two underrated and opportunistic defenses. It's sure to be a slobberknocker, and I know I'm excited. Post your thoughts, questions, concerns, complains, rants, and ramblings here.

[Lathum]

Wondering if we should have a party.

[RomaGoth]

This will be one of the best Super Bowls in recent memory. I am not a fan of either team, but I will probably watch at least some of the game.

[Sun Tzu]

I'm a big Peyton Manning fan, but I have some good friends who live in (and are originally from) the city of New Orleans. I'm pretty torn on who to pull for. I imagine I'll be flip-flopping a half dozen times over the next two weeks. Having just moved to Hawai'i, it's going to be weird watching the big game at 1:30pm. Even with the super long halftime show the game will still probably be over around 5.

Overall I'm just happy that no matter what the outcome, I'm going to be happy for the winner. Neither team has a significant injury that comes to mind, so it should truly be "the best team will emerge victorious".

[jbergey22]

Should be a good game. I am guessing it will depend on how much pressure the Colts D line can get on Brees. Their line was good at limiting the Vikings pass push today so Id assume they will be able to slow down the Colts as well.

The concerning part if I were a Saints fan is the fact that the Vikings dbacks did a good job on the Saints Wrs today. If they are stuggling to get open against the Vikings I cant imagine them doing any better against the Colts DBs.

I think the Colts will adjust better to the grass/outside setting therefore I predict

Colts 27
Saints 20

[fantom1979]

Hoping for a Colts victory to further seal up Manning's place in history. Montana, Bradshaw, Brady, and Aikman have the superbowls. Favre, Marino, and Manning put up the stats. If Manning can break some of the stat records and take home 3 or 4 superbowls, I would think the conversation would be over about the best QB of all time.

[JediKooter]

When was the last time the teams with the best records from each conference made the Super Bowl the same season?

[hoopsguy]

Originally Posted by RomaGoth

This will be one of the best Super Bowls in recent memory. I am not a fan of either team, but I will probably watch at least some of the game.

Too easy.

[Tigercat]

If Brees out duels Manning and the Saints win, which wouldn't be the most improbable outcome in the world, I think Drew would begin to write a resume for greatness and HOF material. He would still need a couple more impactful years, but beating the best in the Super Bowl would be a good start.

[jbergey22]

Line is Colts -5.5 Total 56

Loving the under.

[JediKooter]

Originally Posted by brassmonkey32

1993

Awesome. Thanks!

[Sun Tzu]

That funky monkey

[tucker rocky]

Originally Posted by Sun Tzu

Date: February 7th
Time: Kickoff is approximately 6:25pm Eastern
Location: Miami, Florida

Hmm, last time Indy played in a Super Bowl it rained.
Hopefully better weather will show up so this highly anticipated matchup
goes as everyone thinks it should.
If it turns into a soggy bog, it'll be low scoring.

[PraetorianX]

Originally Posted by Sun Tzu

Neither team has a significant injury that comes to mind, so it should truly be "the best team will emerge victorious".

Indeed, the franchise all-time leading rusher (Saints) and the Defensive Player of the Year from a couple of years ago (Colts) are relatively minor.

Of course, both have been out all season, more or less, have they not? I don't know the Saints injury situation beyond Deuce, but I know the Colts are also missing a starting CB (Marlin Jackson), a starting LB (Tyjuan Hagler), their #2 WR (Anthony Gonzalez) and of course, Jim Sorgi. I hope Jerraud Powers is healthy for the SB, don't recall how bad his foot injury was, he's been great filling in for Jackson all year. Lacey has been very good too, for a rookie.

Can't wait to see how the offense does next year with a healthy Gonzalez added to Wayne, Collie, and Garçon. I'm sure Peyton will have plenty of fun.


Honestly, at this point, I wouldn't care if the Colts traded Bob Sanders away, it's not like he's ever healthy enough to make an impact anyway. Which really is a shame, as when he's healthy he's a special player.

[jbergey22]

Deuce retired after last season and just re-signed for the playoffs. Hes a non factor these days.

[PraetorianX]

Originally Posted by jbergey22

Deuce retired after last season and just re-signed for the playoffs. Hes a non factor these days.

Did he? Shows how much I pay attention to the rest of the league. Don't know then if the Saints have any injuries comparable to the Sanders (or the other starters who went out). Most of those for the Colts have been out the majority of the season however, and thus the Colts didn't seem to miss them.

Though it does make one wonder how much better they'd have been with players like Sanders and Jackson healthy.

Though, as mentioned earlier, having Bob Sanders healthy is about as likely to happen as winning the lottery.

[Butter]

Brett Favre shows up in the 2nd half and plays all-time QB for both teams as the NFL desperately attempts to bring in some more viewers from the East and West Coasts.

[CleBrownsfan]

Originally Posted by jbergey22

Line is Colts -5.5 Total 56

Loving the under.

Really? I expect a 34-30 game. I'm loving the over. All I have to say with these two high powered offenses going at it any number in those Super Bowl blocks will play. This is the 1st Super Bowl in a while I'm looking forward to watching.

[jbergey22]

Originally Posted by CleBrownsfan

Really? I expect a 34-30 game. I'm loving the over. All I have to say with these two high powered offenses going at it any number in those Super Bowl blocks will play. This is the 1st Super Bowl in a while I'm looking forward to watching.

Great offenses no doubt but they are ball control offenses so it will take awhile to score. Plus its on grass which will slow teams down. For a game to go over 56 you either need Special teams Tds or a lot of huge plays. These defenses are bend but dont break types and more than 2 TDs a quarter seems like a lot to me.

The Vikings/Saints total was set at 53 today and I'm not understanding why the Super Bowl number is higher being the Colts have a better defense, not as explosive of players on offense that the Vikings do, and it is being played on grass and not turf.

[albionmoonlight]

I think that the under is a safe bet.

I also think that 5.5 is a bit high for the Colts. However, considering that the Colts palyed better on Sunday and Payton Manning will attract more casual money than the Saints, it seems set about right for me.

A Saints money line/under parlay might be good value.

[Rizon]

Colts 128
Saints 21

[Lathum]

I wouldn't touch the over/under until I see what the weather is like in Miami that day.

[Cringer]

Originally Posted by Rizon

Colts 128
Saints 21

You are exaggerating your prediction right? 21 for the Saints is way too high.

[remper]

I would love a good game, but I really don't think we're going to get one. I predict the Colts pulling away in the 2nd half, and winning easily. I hope it's closer, but... the Saints looked in over their head at times against the Vikings. It will be really bad if they play that way against the Colts.

[Doug5984]

I'M GOING TO MIAMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just gotta find a ticket now...

[DanGarion]

Go DREW BREES!

[Mustang]

I haven't decided who to cheer for yet because I haven't received my numbers from the pool I'm in.

[jbergey22]

Originally Posted by Lathum

I wouldn't touch the over/under until I see what the weather is like in Miami that day.

Problem with waiting is the number looks so good right now(8tds) 56 points. By waiting you are running the risk of getting it at 54 or something like that which takes a lot of the value from the current line. If its like any other Super Bowl the public will pound the favs and the over while the "sharps" nail the dog and the under. Id speculate the total was set high for this very reason.

[JediKooter]

Final score: 53-51 with the winning team getting a safety for the win.

[albionmoonlight]

Originally Posted by jbergey22

Problem with waiting is the number looks so good right now(8tds) 56 points. By waiting you are running the risk of getting it at 54 or something like that which takes a lot of the value from the current line. If its like any other Super Bowl the public will pound the favs and the over while the "sharps" nail the dog and the under. Id speculate the total was set high for this very reason.

If this were a random week 8 game, I think that Indy would be favored by 3. That line is high b/c of the expectation of casual money piling on the name they know (Manning).

[DataKing]

I can't really root against either team, but Manning already has his, so I'll be pulling for the Saints. It would be a great thing for the city of New Orleans.

[albionmoonlight]

Oh, and my early thoughts are that the Colts are the better team and should win. However, the Saints have an explosive offense and an opportunistic defense, so it would not shock me at all to see them win.

I am all about the bold predictions.

[LloydLungs]

Originally Posted by remper

I would love a good game, but I really don't think we're going to get one. I predict the Colts pulling away in the 2nd half, and winning easily. I hope it's closer, but... the Saints looked in over their head at times against the Vikings. It will be really bad if they play that way against the Colts.

This might be hard for those outside the city to comprehend, but I really think the Saints will be under a LOT less pressure in the Super Bowl than last night. I'm actually expecting a much more care-free and nothing-to-lose attitude from them in Miami. The Saints were TIGHT last night, especially late. The Colts may well win, it's more likely than not they will, but to extrapolate a Super Bowl prediction based only on last night's game may not be wise.

As someone who has watched every play this season, the Saints are actually a pretty tough team to get a handle on, as they've run the gamut from unbeatable to losing at home to Tampa Bay. But the above is my best guess.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by LloydLungs

This might be hard for those outside the city to comprehend, but I really think the Saints will be under a LOT less pressure in the Super Bowl than last night. I'm actually expecting a much more care-free and nothing-to-lose attitude from them in Miami.

While I can see the thought behind your reasoning, I don't think I buy it. Maybe the team, as a group, feels less pressure now because they finally got the organization to a Super Bowl and might feel like they've finally allowed the city to recover from Katrina, etc. But on an individual basis, these guys all know it could either be their only shot at a championship, or for guys who have one already, could be their last shot at another. Brees is doing monster things from a statistical standpoint, but he also knows that QBs for the most part get evaluated based on rings, rightly or wrongly. The Super Bowl is too big a stage, with the whole two week buildup adding to it, for anyone to ever go into it not feeling pressure, IMO of course.

But I'll still accept "you just don't get it" as an answer .

[LloydLungs]

Originally Posted by Logan

While I can see the thought behind your reasoning, I don't think I buy it. Maybe the team, as a group, feels less pressure now because they finally got the organization to a Super Bowl and might feel like they've finally allowed the city to recover from Katrina, etc. But on an individual basis, these guys all know it could either be their only shot at a championship, or for guys who have one already, could be their last shot at another. Brees is doing monster things from a statistical standpoint, but he also knows that QBs for the most part get evaluated based on rings, rightly or wrongly. The Super Bowl is too big a stage, with the whole two week buildup adding to it, for anyone to ever go into it not feeling pressure, IMO of course.

But I'll still accept "you just don't get it" as an answer .

Well, I didn't say there'd be no pressure, just less. Because it was the kind of pressure that went beyond sports. It wasn't the typical "win or else" pressure, it was "the happiness of throngs of desperate people, who all slavishly love you, depends on this" pressure. Again not a particularly healthy thing, but that's how it is here. There will still be the regular pressures that come with the Super Bowl for sure, but this city is so deliriously happy right now I don't think the above factor is in play anymore.

Of course, one could take the same argument and surmise that the Saints will be the "just happy to be there" team and get their butt kicked. Like I said, this team is hard to read.

[Tigercat]

Originally Posted by LloydLungs

Well, I didn't say there'd be no pressure, just less. Because it was the kind of pressure that went beyond sports. It wasn't the typical "win or else" pressure, it was "the happiness of throngs of desperate people, who all slavishly love you, depends on this" pressure. Again not a particularly healthy thing, but that's how it is here. There will still be the regular pressures that come with the Super Bowl for sure, but this city is so deliriously happy right now I don't think the above factor is in play anymore.

Of course, one could take the same argument and surmise that the Saints will be the "just happy to be there" team and get their butt kicked. Like I said, this team is hard to read.

+1 on everything you said. It would be a poor bet to bet against the Saints looking better in the Super Bowl. It may not be enough with the Saints D personnel against Manning, but it will be a better looking team on Super Bowl Sunday.

[ColtCrazy]

Originally Posted by Doug5984

I'M GOING TO MIAMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just gotta find a ticket now...

Awesome. My dad and I are going as well, picking up our tickets Wednesday.

It's going to be a long two weeks waiting for this game.

I'm expecting a good one, last possession may decide it. I can't see the Saints doing much slow down the Colts offense, but I don't see the Colts slowing them down either unless Freeney and Mathis get on track.

[Doug5984]

Normally I always pull for the Colts as my 2nd favorite team, Peyton and Reggie Wayne (also from NOLA), Joe Addai at LSU- a great team, but I'll bel against them this time...

I completely agree with Lloydlungs I think there will be less pressure, I was sick last night- if I would've had a trashcan I would've puked on that final drive by the Vikes... (and I don't drink). It seemed like getting there was our battle and now this is all lagniappe. We're playing on borrowed time?

Got a hotel booked, I'll be making the drive (about 15 hours), and am hoping to win the season ticket holder superbowl lottery- but if not, I'll have to dish out a couple grand to get a seat.

[Logan]

Strong dedication Doug, good job.

[RendeR]

I gotta pull for the Saints. I love seeing a first time SB winner, especially with as long as this team has waited just to get to the big game.

[k0ruptr]

I think if you can get 5.5 and the saints you take it.

[Senator]

Thanks for starting this thread. I was afraid no one would do it.

[MrDNA]

Originally Posted by RomaGoth

This will be one of the best Super Bowls in recent memory. I am not a fan of either team, but I will probably watch at least some of the game.

I'm just wondering, have you watched any Superbowls recently? We've had two of the best ALL TIME in the past few years; this will have to be quite a doozy to beat Giants/Pats or Steelers/Cards.

[albionmoonlight]

Originally Posted by jbergey22

If its like any other Super Bowl the public will pound the favs and the over

That seems to be happening. The lines I am seeing now are 5.5 and one place with 6, while the over has gone up a half point to 56.5.

[Sun Tzu]

Originally Posted by Senator

Thanks for starting this thread. I was afraid no one would do it.

No problem. I'm your man.

[MikeVic]

Originally Posted by MrDNA

I'm just wondering, have you watched any Superbowls recently? We've had two of the best ALL TIME in the past few years; this will have to be quite a doozy to beat Giants/Pats or Steelers/Cards.

lol yeah, and he's even a Steelers fan!

[ColtCrazy]

This Super Bowl has potential to be great because of the quality of the QBs in the game. Very few Super Bowls have matched two great quarterbacks. (I'm beginning to move Brees into great territory. He's just 31 and is in the top 40 in every major passing category, including 4th all time in passing yards per game).

There's been better QB matchups in Super Bowl history, but at the time of their careers, this is definitely one of the better matchups. If they both get into a rhythm, it could be a very enjoyable Super Bowl.

[Danny]

Hue Jackson chose the Raiders over the Bears! lol

[Pumpy Tudors]

I only watch the Super Bowl if Brandon Jacobs is playing. He's the best.

Edit: whoops posted this from the wrong account

[Dr. Sak]

For those that care Scott Green will be the referee for the Super Bowl. My college assigner Gene Steratore is the alternate white hat.