Discussing The Greatest Super Bowl Ever

Super Bowl XLIV is quite possibly one of the most anticipated Super Bowls ever. A battle between the two best offenses in the league is set to be a great one. While New Orleans Saints' quarterback is leading the Indianapolis Colts' man under center in 3 of 4 major categories, Peyton Manning is said to be one of the greatest signal callers of all-time.

Let's compare the couple that are atop of America's game. The following statistics include the playoffs.

Brees | 69.8 Pass Completion Percentage

            284.2 Yards Per Game

            40:11 Touchdown to Interception Ratio

            110.3 Passer Rating

Manning | 68.7 Pass Completion Percentage

                284.6 Yards Per Game

                38:17 Touchdown to Interception Ratio

                100.5 Passer Rating

Drew Brees has had a breeze of a season, and has the edge between the two elite quarterbacks. While Brees is better on paper, Manning is still the better quarterback. Honestly, Peyton Manning is very dedicated to the game of football, studies constantly, and not to mention calling his own plays at the line of scrimmage after reading defenses. 

This game should become one for the ages like most people believe, but the stats will lie in this case. While New Orleans has more physical receivers, don't count out the Colts' core and Reggie Wayne. Wayne is still one of the best receivers in this league. Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon have added youth to the addition, the Saints still have the edge. "The Surgeon" can simply toss the ball up into a tight window to leave it up to Colston and company. 

While both Brees and Manning have virtually the same arm, Manning has a definite advantage when it comes to knowledge of the pigskin. 

While this is a quarterbacks game today, rushing the ball is still certainly an important aspect of football. And that side unanimously goes to the Saints. With Reggie Bush being a huge playmaker for New Orleans while catching out of the backfield and splitting rushes with Pierre Thomas, Joseph Addai simply can't keep up with the duo. In other words, the Colts are a passing football team and their line is full of pass blockers. 

You may think that with the passing side of the ball going to Indianapolis and rushing going to the Saints, it could only mean special teams could become a potential tiebreaker. While the Saints have the electrifying Bush to return punts, I do not think special teams come into play at this game although the only opening kickoff return for a touchdown was against the Colts in Super Bowl 41. 

Switching to defense...

Both teams have a sloppy defense. Indianapolis has the advantage up front with Dwight Freeney, but with the injury-prone Bob Sanders out, it doesn't necessarily matter. Both teams don't have great defenses as their offense makes up for it by far. If the Saints can force turnovers against a Colts team who rarely turns the ball over, it would probably decide the game. That being said, the Saints forced six fumbles and 2 interceptions against the fan favorite Vikings in the NFC Conference Championship. But the Saints squeaked it out in overtime 31-28. That shows that despite having turnovers, it doesn't always decide a game. The Vikings had a very good defense, therefore keeping them in the game.

This doesn't apply to the Colts, however. The Colts ranked 18th behind the Chicago Bears in total defense this year, and have a deflated secondary. The Saints weren't any better, in fact, they were worse. New Orleans ranked 25th in total defense this year, including 9th in the postseason out of 12 teams. The Colts hereby are awarded with the defensive side of the football, but in no way does it mean the mid-ranked defense will perform good against the high powered Saints offense.

This leaves only one aspect left. Coaching.

Jim Caldwell is a rookie head coach for the Indianapolis Colts and led them to a 13-3 record. But Peyton Manning stills acquires the offensive side of the football to call, so you can't honestly say that Caldwell called a great offensive season.

Sean Payton has been with Drew Brees for a few years now, and would call a better game than the rookie coach; Caldwell. He has more experience, and more control (which is not always the best thing.) The coaching aspect goes to the Saints, but not by a long shot.

In conclusion, my prediction for the soon to be most watched Super Bowl of all-time includes the Colts winning 38-28. Peyton Manning is just too good and smart for the Saints' average defense. Drew Brees will be pressured mentally, and will end up having a so-so game similar to last week. 

But,who knows what could happen? This is football. After all, nobody expected the New York Jets to make it as far as they did.