Everything You Need To Get Ready For The Super Bowl (Game Edition)
By Alastair Ingram and Sports Pants
Every week Berning On Sports will provide you with everything you need to get ready for each week of the NFL season, hence the name of this post. Feel free to comment with your NFL picks each week and we'll add you to our results page. For the Super Bowl, however, this one will cover all aspects of the game, including the best things to eat, and the entertainment surrounding it.
Finally, Alastair and Mr. Pants preview the game for your enjoyment.
Alastair Previews The COLTS
Despite the fact that the Colts have won every game that they've tried to win this year, let's not forget how unconvincing they were in numerous games this season. Since week 7, Indianapolis has only won 1 game by more than 10 points and has had 5 contests decided by 5 points or less. You can draw one of two conclusions from those facts: 1.) The Colts are lucky, or 2.) The Colts know how to win and grind out games even when they're not at their best. While it's no secret that Indy was at one point a very questionable 14-0 (if that's even possible), option number 2 carries far more weight. Whether it's Peyton Manning leading one of his typical late game drives or a timely stop from a fast, play-making defense, the Colts just win. They've done so better than any team in any decade in NFL history. In the playoffs, they've been far more convincing in two wins over the Ravens and Jets, winning by a combined score of 50-20. As a result, they should be infinitely more confident than the Saints, who are not only making their Super Bowl debut, but also backed into the big game thanks to Mr. Favre and his fumble-happy Viking teammates. Some will contend that prior Super Bowl experience doesn't matter, but I beg to differ. Manning and company have been here before (literally), and they won't be in awe of the situation or their surroundings. The New Orleans defense relies on turnovers to make its impact, and Manning is perhaps the smartest quarterback this sport has ever seen. If he's able to take care of the ball (5 TD's, 1 INT in the playoffs), the Saints won't have an answer in Miami.
Sports Pants Previews The SAINTS
The Saints flew through most of the season by overwhelming most teams with an offense that blew your doors off. The Brees behind this offense led the Saints to top rankings all across the offensive board. In short, the Saints simply outscored any team that got in their way. It's hard to believe, however, that New Orleans would be in Miami if Minnesota didn't literally hand them the NFC Championship with 3000 turnovers. Brett Favre was shredding the Saints defense before he reverted back to the old Favre we all know and love. It's not that the New Orleans defense is bad, they just aren't dominant.
Peyton Manning won't make the same mistakes Favre did and there will be no Superdome crowd behind the Saints this time, so it will be up to Brees, Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, and that bevy of receivers to outscore the Colts. On defense, Jonathan Vilma, Darren Sharper and the boys need to tackle well and swipe at that ball as often as possible. The Colts receivers will catch balls, but if they get hammered each time, they might cough up the rock a few times. The Saints D needs turnovers. The offense needs to be in attack mode at all times. That should be a problem with head coach Sean Payton. He doesn't like conservative game plans anyway.
Our Picks
We all like the COLTS to win. Mr. Pants says, however, that the Cubs will beat the Lakers in the Super Bowl, to make Jordan both happy, and very confused.