SATURDAY 30 JANUARY, 2010 |

Drew Brees and Peyton Manning are Miami heatmakers

by Mark Maske | post a comment

Is it too late to move the Super Bowl to New Orleans? Go ahead and finish off Louisiana’s dream scenario. Super Bowl XLIV’s dominant story line is set. The New Orleans Saints seek to end four decades of futility with their first title. And one of the city’s favorite sons, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, stands in the way. Manning’s father, Archie, who had a pretty good vantage point for many of the bleakest moments of the Saints’ history as their quarterback from 1971 to 1982, knows where his allegiance falls. "I’m pulling for the Colts 100 percent, it’s not even close," he told reporters after watching the Colts win the AFC title. But, for once, Louisiana’s royal family won’t have the support of the masses. It’s the Saints’ Drew Brees who is undoubtedly the most popular quarterback in the state.

Throwing this out there

Peyton Manning vs. Drew Brees is arguably one of the best Super Bowl quarterback matchups of all time. And it’s certainly one of the most prolific. But it’s unusual for both big-name quarterbacks to come through with big games. A look at the passing matchups that were the most intriguing at the moment:

Marquee matchups that came with the most hype

The quarterbacks aren’t the only ones to watch. Here are some key matchups that could play a big role in which team is celebrating with the Lombardi Trophy.

Colts DE Dwight Freeney vs. Saints LT Jermon Bushrod: Bushrod did an admirable job against Vikings defensive end Jared Allen, but he has struggled this season. Remember DeMarcus Ware’s performance? Bushrod’s job won’t get any easier against Freeney — one of the game’s most skilled pass rushers. Freeney did limp off the field late Sunday, so his health merits watching.

Colts tight end Dallas Clark vs. Saints safety Darren Sharper: Clark led all tight ends with 100 receptions for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns. Sharper shared the league lead with nine interceptions. The one who controls the middle of the field will give his team a huge edge.

Colts WR Reggie Wayne vs. Saints cornerbacks Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter: Greer and Porter will inherit a frustrated wide receiver. Wayne had a tough day against the New York Jets. He has topped 100 yards only once in his past nine games. Manning and Wayne have two weeks to work out a way to get untracked.

Worth noting

Good vibes in Miami? The Colts won Super Bowl XLI over the Chicago Bears at Dolphin Stadium and Super Bowl V over the Dallas Cowboys at the Orange Bowl. Of course, they also suffered arguably the biggest upset of all-time at the Orange Bowl, losing Super Bowl III to the New York Jets.

It’s not how you finish: So much for worrying about rust. The Colts finished the regular season on a two-game losing streak playing their backups. The Saints swooned with three consecutive losses. It’s the first time in history that Super Bowl teams entered the playoffs on multigame losing streaks.

Can they come out and play? Playing in Miami shouldn’t be a problem for either team. Both went 5-1 outdoors this season.

• Buy Indianapolis Colts 44 Dallas Clark Royal Blue Jersey from NFL jerseys
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