Superbowl 44 Betting: The key men who can win the game
Andy Richmond selects the individuals who could turn Superbowl XLIV in favour of the Colts or Saints
“The Saints’ Ball-hawking safety, 13-year veteran Darren Sharper has had a relatively quiet post-season. He’s a gambler and it will be fascinating to see him go for broke against Manning – that could be one of the match ups of the day – will he be able to use his skills to pick him off or will he get burnt on a big play?”
Superbowl XLIV will feature some of the most prominent and recognisable names in the NFL today especially at quarterback where many will bill the game as a Peyton Manning-Drew Brees shoot-out. While those two are going to be central characters that are the heartbeats of their respective teams, others have equally important parts to play and without them it won’t matter what Manning and Brees do.
When the New York Jets number one-ranked defence targeted Manning’s two main receivers, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark, it was his young, deputy duo that picked up the slack and delivered game winning performances – step forward Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon.
Rookie Collie has steadily been building a rapport with Manning, in fact not a week has gone by this season when he’s not caught a ball in a game and that was highlighted by his importance in that AFC Championship game where Manning found him seven times for a season high 123 yards, averaging nearly 18 yards per catch. His ability to adapt to the Colts’ offence and relentless work ethic are just two of his attributes and although his best football may be in front of him, I suspect he will show his worth in this pressure cooker atmosphere.
This has been a breakthrough year for Pierre Garcon, in his second season with the Colts. That culminated in his stunning performance against the Jets where his ability to run deep patterns at speed unsettled them and resulted in a return of 11 catches and 151 receiving yards – proving that the Saints can double team premier receiver Reggie Wayne all they like but that will leave these two in dangerous single coverage.
Both sides are built on offence but the Colts have a mobile and speedy defence and one of the keys to the game will be getting pressure on pocket passer Brees – speedy defensive end Robert Mathis is going to one half of the duo charged to do this with partner in crime Dwight Freeney who may have to play with an injury, that will put even more onus on Mathis who with 64 career sacks will rely on his explosive first step to get to Brees.
Like Manning, Brees has a wide array of weapons, and it’s one of the staples in his offensive diet who the Colts are going to need to keep quiet. Marques Colston is usually very much in sync with Brees and his season average of 15 yards per catch is impressive – he also topped 1,000 yards receiving this year. He’s not got great speed but in the slot provides a safe and sure pair of hands and I’m sure that Brees will be looking for his most trusted receiver in the biggest game of his career.
But it’s defensively where I feel that the Saints have most to prove in their attempt to shut down Manning and the Colts. Ball-hawking safety, 13-year veteran Darren Sharper has had a relatively quiet post-season. He’s a gambler and it will be fascinating to see him go for broke against Manning – that could be one of the match ups of the day – will he be able to use his skills to pick him off or will he get burnt on a big play, it’s all or nothing for Sharper so expect fireworks when the ball goes in his direction.
Far more steady and dependable will be the contribution of Jonathan Vilma – the middle linebacker is very much the heartbeat and spark of the defence. Vilma hunts out the football and despite his lack of size he’s quick enough with great football instincts to be able to read the game and dictate the Saints defensive strategy on the field. His role is vital if New Orleans are going to contain and slow down the powerful and explosive Colts offence.
Quaterbacks may take centre stage but they won’t be able to function without their supporting cast and I suspect that rather than bit parts one if not more in this six pack are going to be co-stars.
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