Super Bowl Thoughts: Brief Team Profiles

Colts: Passing machine whose QB has earned the reputation for being the smartest and most thoroughly prepared. He doesn't miss anything and works like clockwork to take everything that you give him. He also knows when to give up and fight again the next play. His targets are a stud WR and a clutch TE plus 2 other WRs who have stepped up this year and become almost as dangerous as their counter part, so pick your poison, it is still poison. A run game that shows up if the defense starts playing with only 2 defensive linemen, but is mostly ignored. A fast bend-but-don't-break defense that is stronger than people give them credit for. Two fast effective pass rushing defensive ends and a linebacker who shows up everywhere. Don't get a 3rd and long against these guys.

Saints: One of the most accurate and prolific passers over the last 4 years. A three headed monster to run for 120ish yards a game with both power and speed and shiftiness. Four receiving targets each of whom can turn any given Sunday into their one highlight reel and that doesn't including the running backs that have good hands as well. They have a return man who you really don't want to have running in open space. A defense, like the Colts that will bend but doesn't break. They admit that their D lacks a bit in physical athleticism and power when compared to some of the others in the league, but that doesn't matter. They play smart and fast and they can make a QB miserable (just ask the Viking signal caller). They scrap for the ball and generate more turnovers than anyone but the Packers, so hold that ball tight. Don't fight too hard for that last yard unless you really need it, because that is when the ball gets loose.

The teams really are very similar. They are the picture of direction the NFL has been moving over the last few years, a more wide open passing game instead of 3 yards and a cloud of dust. "Defense wins Championships" is not happening this year. The passing and speed has beaten the defense and power this year. It is a bit like the old AFL which was where the West Coast offense and short passing game was born.