After "1" Vs "1" , It'll Finally Be Done and Done.

Four years ago, the Indianapolis Colts found themselves in "The Game" from the AFC and at the same time were getting very little respect from the media and the "people in the know". Four years later, the New Orleans Saints find themselves in the very same position. On top of that they are facing the team of home-grown hero Peyton Manning in their first EVER trip to "The Game" in forty two years of existence. The similarities between the two teams is amazing. Not just from a numbers standpoint, but from a respect standpoint also.

Numerically speaking, you have the #1 and #2 QBs in the league facing each other (put them in any order you desire at this point) fighting to establish both as the leaders in the "Elite" group of their respective conferences. The strengths of the Colts are well documented, but defensively they haven't gotten the respect that they deserve. The power of the New Orleans offense has been well documented also over the last several seasons. But their defense, too, is not being considered a strong enough contender to have them taken seriously as a championship team.

Peyton is already thought to be one of the best of all time. Drew Brees is now on the threshold that Manning crossed when he won his first SuperBowl. The number comparison of the two is so close as to be insignificant. Except for one statistic. Brees has set the record for completion percentage at OVER 70% and thrown for more TDs and less INTs. All Brees has to do is to perform to his capabilities in Miami to serve notice to the rest of the league that he is indeed one of the best playing the game today.

New Orleans is fighting for it's respect. The defense is not just a fluke. They did the job this year with the likes of John Vilma, Tracy Porter, Scott Shanle, Scott Fujita, Darren Sharper, Roland Harper and Jabari Greer. With Vilma being the only big name on the list that fans from anywhere else easily recognize, the Saints have finally put together a defense to complement their offense. Their defensive scoring this year has been one of the most impressive things about them. They have an unbelievable +32 takeaways and 23 of those were interceptions. Darren Sharper has been playing like a man possessed as has Greer, Porter and Harper.

Special teams has done an excellent job for them as well and Courtney Roby has been a very good addition to a special teams unit that also featured Reggie Bush on punt returns. Garret Hartley has done a good job taking over for John Carney, and Carney's consulting with him has paid serious dividends as of late.

Offensively, the most important new wrinkle has been the fact that we at last have a running game. Thanks to the likes of Thomas, Bell, Hamilton and Bush. That running game has also been bolstered by a healthy Jeremy Shockey because he helps take the pressure off the backs by making defenses account for him as well. Dave Thomas has also been an important feature and has proven to be invaluable when Shockey hasn't been available. Dave Thomas showed that he can play with anybody when given the chance and he can be a very hard tackle. He also proved to be a capable blocking TE when needed as well.

Yes, after over forty years in the wilderness, the Saints have finally reached the promised land. The followers have been beaten down and trod upon but never have they given up hope. Thay have always kept the faith that someday, their fortunes would turn and they would be allowed into the land of milk and honey. The end of the journey is near and the travelers are weary, but above all the noise can be heard one phrase called out in unison.........."WHO DAT".