Who's got the edge?

This year’s matchup was all about the offenses, but the ankle injury to the Colts’ Dwight Freeney has spiced up the defensive talk. Rarely do you have two of the same type of one-dimensional teams contending for the confetti shower.

New Orleans Saints
The Saints gave perfection a run in the regular season. They started the year 13-0 before falling 24-17 against the Dallas Cowboys. They then went on to lose the next two games, one at home against Tampa Bay.

Indianapolis Colts
The Colts, like the Saints, also flirted with a 16-0 regular season, but coach Jim Caldwell controversially pulled his starters in Week 16 against the Jets, handing them a loss. They did the same at Buffalo, losing 30-7.


Offensive Advantage: Colts
If this matchup were two first-time Super Bowl contenders, I’d be tempted to go with New Orleans due to a balanced running game that complements Drew Brees’ 292 passing yards per game in the regular season. But until Reggie Bush can prove his electric play on the big stage, I’m still convinced the Super Bowl experience accompanying Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark will be too strong to keep up with.

Defensive Advantage: Saints
It almost turns my ankle to give the advantage to a team that gives up over 355 yards per game, but Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney’s ligament tear makes it a whole new ball game. Despite each club giving up five or more yards per play, the Saints have more experience in the secondary. The speedy rush of Saints defensive end Will Smith, averaging almost one sack per game in the regular season, will pose problems for somewhat-suspect Colts offensive lineman Charlie Johnson.

Special Teams Advantage: Colts
I’m not sure we’ll see much of either kicker on Sunday. Both Jim Caldwell and Sean Payton know their teams need the most points possible to have the best chance at taking home a Lombardi Trophy. However, should Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri remain sidelined with a hip injury, it has an essential starter in Matt Stover. The 20-year veteran has played in two Super Bowls, and first-year special teams coach Ray Rychleski has greatly improved his surrounding coverage team.

Coaching Advantage: Saints
Having a four-time MVP under center always helps, but losing your best defensive player and pass rusher never helps a scheme. Both Caldwell and Payton have Super Bowl experience as assistants under Tony Dungy and Bill Parcells, respectively. Though at the last minute, the Saints got a chance to tweak their defensive game plan for the better with what will likely be the situational play of Freeney.