Devotional musings from a pastor of more than 35 years who has just completed his PhD in Practical Theology with an emphasis in Homiletics. I have just begun a two year Post Doctoral Teaching Fellowship at Princeton Theological Seminary in the areas of Preaching and Speech Communication. I will be teaching Creative Preaching, Introduction to Preaching, Narrative Preaching, and Speech Communication courses at the Master's level.
Well, I might as well join in the prognostication game. Everyone does it. Even monkeys and pigs have done it. Some guys get paid a lot of money to do this. I wish I was one of them. Anyway, here is my analysis:
The game will be more of an offensive shootout than a low scoring, defensive game. In this way it should favor Indianapolis. In part because the Saints defense is not rated very high verses the pass (they are in the 20's in total teams in the NFL). The Saints defense lives and dies with their ability to create turnovers. Manning is playing too well to fall into that trap.
The Colts defensive injuries have concentrated on DL Dwight Freeney's ankle problem. It is a grave concern. However, I am more worries about DB Jerrod Powers being injured. The defensive backfield of the Colts is already depleted (Powers is not the normal starter). If you are down to your third stringer and have to go to nickle and dime packages against Brees with inexperienced players, he will chop you up.
The Saints defense wants to hit Manning and put him on the ground. That requires blitzing. Manning will kill you when you blitz. Plus, the Colts offensive line does not give up that many sacks. If Manning stays upright it will be a long day for the defense.
The Colts have been here before (second time in four years). In the Super Bowl, experience makes a difference. The Colts have more experience in this kind of atmosphere than do the Saints.
The Saints beat the Vikings by 3pts. in overtime. They had the great advantage of playing at home in the Superdome. Their fans were great, rabid in their noise and support. The Super Bowl will be different. They will lose that advantage.
If you add all this up, the Colts should win. The Saints have the advantage of having a great story but the Colts have the advantages on offense, defense, and in the kicking game. Reggie Bush will make his presence known in the return game. However, that will not be enough to overcome the play of Peyton Manning. Colts will win 38-21.
Well, I might as well join in the prognostication game. Everyone does it. Even monkeys and pigs have done it. Some guys get paid a lot of money to do this. I wish I was one of them. Anyway, here is my analysis:
