Sports

Brees vs. Colts' defense

By Aaron Brandt GVL Staff Writer
2/3/2010

While much of the Super Bowl storylines have focused on Indianapolis Colts' quarterback Peyton Manning and his ability to devastate opposing defenses, it is the Colts' defense that will need to play a key role in the outcome of the game.

There is no doubt Peyton Manning will put up points against the New Orleans Saints' defense, but the real question is whether or not the Colts' defense can stop the high-powered offense of the Saints.

People tend to forget the Saints led the league in offense, averaging 403.8 yards per game behind quarterback Drew Brees, who threw for 4,388 yards and 34 touchdowns. While statistics are always situational, Brees' numbers do compare to Manning.

Brees has many options in passing situations, as Marques Colston and Devery Henderson lead the team in receiving yards. Not only can the Saints stretch it out with deep throws, they have the option of going under to tight end Jeremy Shockey.

The Colts' defense will be hard pressed to cover this array of threats, especially with rookie cornerback Jacob Lacey covering the Saints' best receivers. Due to an injury to starter Jarraud Powers, Lacey was thrown into the fire against the New York Jets in the NFC Championship and subsequently abused by wideout Braylon Edwards.

Powers is not the only member of the Colts lost to injury this year. Safety Bob Sanders and cornerback Marlin Jackson were injuried earlier in the season, and defensive end Dwight Freeney recently came up limping with a serious low-ankle ligament tear.

Freeney, who recorded 13.5 sacks and four safeties this season, is listed as questionable at this time, but even if Freeney plays injured, his effectiveness will severely limit his rush techniques. The Colts' ability to rush the quarterback has been centered around Freeney's speed and unstoppable spin move, but with Freeney hampered, Brees will have much more time to expose the Colts' inexperienced secondary.

One advantage the Colts' defense will have is time. Peyton Manning usually conducts methodical and clock burning drives, while the Saints' offense averaged only five plays per series on their scoring drives. This means the Colts' defense will get plenty of rest, the perfect medicine for an injury-plagued team with a rookie at cornerback. It also offers the coaching staff time to use their creativity when it comes to stopping the Saints' passing attack.

In the end, this game is on the Colts' defense. No doubt Peyton Manning will put up points; it is up to the defense to make sure Brees cannot match those points.

Stopping the Saints' explosive weapons will be too much for the Colts, who have basically lost their defensive identity during the course of the season.

Look for the Saints' offense to take advantage of the Colts' injuries and inexperience as they attempt to match the greatness of Manning.

Advantage: Saints

abrandt@lanthorn.com

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