Peyton Manning versus Drew Brees

Asking someone to pick the better signal caller in this game is like being forced to choose between Jessica Alba and Megan Fox in a KY wrestling match. Both Peyton Manning and Drew Brees are going to put on a show that will keep even the most geriatric Miami residents on the edge of their rocking chairs.

Manning and Brees were among the top six quarterbacks in touchdowns, completions, passer ratings, and yards during the regular season. They are competitive to the point that they rank first and second in dorkiest NFL haircut.

The playoff track record of both quarterbacks is also more comparable than one might guess. After defeating the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings, Brees is now 3-2 in playoff action. Peyton Manning presently holds a 9-8 playoff record after wins over the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets this year.

But the one reference that makes Manning's resume stand out over Brees' is a championship ring.

Manning and Brees are the two best quarterbacks from their respective conferences and the single biggest reasons for their teams playing in this game. But Manning comes in with the advantage of having already played and won a Super Bowl.

At this point in his career, it's hard to bet against number 18 in a big game.

Edge: Peyton Manning



Darren Sharper versus Dallas Clark

Saints free safety Darren Sharper will be asked to do a lot of things to help slow the Colts dynamic offense. But his most important assignment will be to cover All-Pro tight end Dallas Clark.

Although his production has dropped off somewhat during the playoffs, Clark has been Peyton Manning's favorite target down the stretch. He finished the season tied with Reggie Wayne for most receiving yardage and touchdowns on the team.

Outside of defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, Sharper has been arguably the biggest difference maker for the Saints defense this season. Sharper finished the regular season tied for the league lead in interceptions and was a consistent veteran presence on a developing defense.

Sharper and the Saints have held star tight ends in check all season. The team has not surrendered a touchdown to an opposing tight end since Dec. 6.

Look for Sharper to cover Clark like Linus' blanket all game long.

Edge: Darren Sharper



Dwight Freeney (health pending) and Robert Mathis versus Saints Offensive Line

The Saints offensive line has been considered one of the top units in the NFL over recent years. However, the unit surrendered 20 sacks to opposing defenses this season. That marks the highest total the unit has given up since Drew Brees took over as quarterback in 2006.

Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis combined for 23 sacks this season and will look to melt the ice water that runs through Brees' veins by applying the heat in this contest.

An injured ankle will prevent Freeney from having the same burst that he normally gets after the ball is snapped. However, it would be a huge shock if the Colts star defensive end was not in the starting lineup this Sunday.

If Freeney is limited or cannot play, veteran Raheem Brock will be relied on to dial up the pressure. Brock is not the same defensive force as Freeney, but he is a capable fill-in.

The Colts have been creative with their blitz schemes all season and will continue to get pressure on the quarterback. Expect Mathis and Freeney to introduce themselves to Brees on several occasions throughout the game.

Edge: Freeney, Mathis, & Associates



Sean Payton versus Jim Caldwell

Both Sean Payton and Jim Caldwell made their assent to head coaching under the tutelage of Hall-of-Fame predecessors Bill Parcells and Tony Dungy.

The coaches now find themselves captaining two of the most entertaining teams in the NFL on a crash course to the Super Bowl.

In four seasons with the Saints, Payton is 38-26 with a 3-1 playoff record. Coach Not to be outdone, Caldwell has put up a gaudy 16-2 record during his first year as head MC for the Colts.

Both teams run similar schemes that feature big plays through the passing game and aggressive defensive packages.

New Orleans finished first in the league in total offense, while Indianapolis placed ninth. Both squads finished towards the bottom of the pack in defensive yards allowed with the Colts ranked 18th and the Saints sitting at 25th.

There is no denying the similarities between these teams and their respective game plans. So this really comes down to which crew would be worse for the wear without their respective coach donning a headset.

I get the overwhelming feeling that Peyton Manning would have the Colts playing in this game regardless of who is standing on the sidelines. Conversely, Payton has successfully coached Drew Brees and other players to levels of play that they had never previously reached under other mentors.

Bottom line, if the game is at stake, and I need one person to call in the play, I'm looking Payton's direction.

Edge: Sean Payton

Every once in awhile there is a heartwarming story about an underdog that fights its way through the regular season and miraculously earns a trip to the Super Bowl. There is none of that crap this year.

The Colts and Saints are two NFL juggernauts that will provide gallons of entertainment that can only be rivaled by the amount of beer consumed on Super Bowl Sunday.

The storybook ending for this game would have these two teams battling to the end with Peyton Manning driving his team down the field to victory in Montana-esque fashion as time expires.

But what about this season makes you think that anything will go according to script?

The Saints will come marching in to Disney Land once the dust settles and Drew Brees is hoisting the Lombardi Trophy as Super Bowl XLIV MVP.

Prediction: New Orleans Saints - 38 Indianapolis Colts - 35