A Case for the Saints

From the people I read, listen, and talk to everyone seems to think the Colts have already won the Super Bowl. There is some compelling evidence supporting a Colts victory, but I think with a little luck the Saints could pull off an upset. Here is what needs to happen:

1) Win the third phase of the game (i.e. special teams). They can't afford to give the Colts good field position or miss easy field goals. Reggie Bush needs to step up and take one to the house, if for nothing else so we can have 30 shots of Kim Kardashian in the luxury box. (Bill Simmons said during a podcast what if Reggie Bush and Lamar Odom win championships this year, wouldn't that inspire the other Kardashian to start dating an athlete of a tortured franchise to win a championship. I would say a Cubs player maybe Jeff Samardzija)

2) Excel in red zone efficiency on both sides of the ball. Brees cannot cap 83 yard drives with 20 yard field goals. They need to get 7 every time. Conversely, they need to hold Manning to 3 on a few trips. (I know it is easier said then done)

3) Cover Pierre Garcon. Jabari Greer can handle one guy one on one. Whether that is Wayne, who tweaked a knee in practice Friday, or Garcon the rest on the secondary needs to take care of the other weapons in Manning's arsenal. The Saints can't allow Garcon to run wild like the Jets did.

4) Win the Peyton vs. Payton Battle. I know Jim Caldwell is the head coach, but I think we can all agree Peyton Manning runs the show. With two weeks to prepare I think Sean Payton could come up with something to annoy Manning. The question is can he do it for 60 minutes?

If Brees plays above his skis, the Saints protect the ball, and contain Manning they could win. If nothing else, I hope we have a close game going into the 4th quarter. Just to be contrarian I am going with the Saints with the caveat that the Saints have to end the game with the ball. You just can't give Peyton Manning that opportunity to beat you.

Saints 35

Colts 31

Enjoy the Game.