Super Bowl XLIV: Bethea vs. Sharper, Who Will Stop the Opposing Quarterback?

In a Super Bowl that will be the battle between two great offenses, one story line that sticks out to me is that of the opposing Pro Bowl safeties who have to try and contain the opposing quarterbacks for 60 minutes.

It's the older veteran, who everyone gave up on vs. the young, breakout player, who finally got to shine on his own.

The Saints' Darren Sharper vs. the Colts' Antoine Bethea.

Sharper by far was the most dominating safety in the NFL, especially when you look at his statistics during the 2009 season.

He had 73 total tackles, a half sack and nine interceptions, with three going back for touchdowns. Additionally, he had 16 passes defended and one fumble recovery.

Sharper, put all of his critics to rest with his play this past season and now he is looking to cap that off with a Super Bowl victory.

The only problem is that he has to help stop Colts quarterback, Peyton Manning.

Talk about a huge test in the final game of the season.

For the Colts, they have their own Pro Bowl safety in Antione Bethea, who was finally able to break out in 2009 due to the unfortunate injury to fellow safety Bob Sanders.

With the increased playing time, Bethea showed the Colts and the rest of the NFL that he is the real deal and the Colts now need to make a decision on the future of Sanders.

Regardless of what happens to Sanders, Bethea will not be going anywhere after his terrific 2009 season, where he had 97 total tackles, four interceptions, seven passes defended, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

Bethea proved that the Colts can move on without Sanders and be comfortable with their choice, if they choose to go in that direction.

Bethea's next challenge?

To figure out how to stop the most potent offense in the NFL and stop Saints quarterback Drew Brees from spreading the ball around to all of his weapons.

The focus may be on offense for Super Bowl XLIV, but one of the most important battles will be between the Pro Bowl quarterbacks versus the Pro Bowl safeties.

Something will have to give and the safety that either makes one small mistake, or capitalizes on a misfire by the quarterback, could be the difference in the game.