Will Dwight Freeney Play on Super Bowl Sunday?

The big topic of discussion for Super Bowl Sunday this week is will Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney play in the big game on Sunday?  Freeney is currently listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Saints due to a torn ligament in his right ankle.  If he can’t go come Sunday, what does this mean for the Colts and their hopes of winning the Super Bowl?

Freeney’s injury is being listed as a ‘severe’ ankle injury.  The doctors are saying that it is a third-degree low basketball sprain. This means that as the foot turns in, the ligaments on the outside of the ankle tear.  A typical time period for an injury of this magnitude to heal is usually 6-8 weeks; Freeney has until Sunday. 

The Colts and Dwight Freeney are going to be as cautious and careful as they can.  Freeney has already been flown down to Florida where he is having his ankle looked at and cared for by the best possible doctors.  The Colts want him to have the best opportunity he can to recover in time for the game.  Head Coach Jim Caldwell says that he is going to sit Freeney for the entire week of practices, and rest him all week before the start of the game on Sunday.    

If Freeney cannot go on Sunday, what does this mean for the Colts and what kind of an impact will it have on them? 

The Colts defense is one that is based around defensive end Dwight Freeney.  And with him out of the lineup, this will cause the rest of the Colts defensive squad to step up.  With Freeney gone, the Saints now have the opportunity to not have to have their offensive game plan revolve around that of Freeney and his lightning quick speed coming off the end.   With Freeney healthy and able to go, the Saints would have to plan their offense and their strategy around Freeney and how they can beat him.  With him out of the lineup, they now are able to run their offense without the fear of Freeney placing that outside pressure on them every time the ball is snapped. 

If the Colts defense wants to be successful on Sunday against Drew Brees and the Saints offense, then the other ten men on the Colts defensive unit must step up and they must make big plays.  Without Freeney on the field, the Saints will be able to breathe more and they will be more capable of making those big time game changing plays. 

Whether Dwight  Freeney plays on Sunday or not, the Colts defense is going to have to be on the top of their game if they want to keep Brees and the rest of the Saints offense at bay.  No matter what happens for Freeney and the Colts on Sunday, their defense only needs to keep the game within striking distance for Peyton Manning and the quick striking offense of the Indianapolis Colts.  If the Colts defense can do that, then they will win this year’s Super Bowl.