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The Indianapolis Colts will win the 2010 Super Bowl, at least on paper. And here are some of the reasons:
Experience
Peyton Manning and the Colts have been to a Super Bowl already in the last five years. In fact, 27 Colts have played in the big game while New Orleans is making its first Super Bowl appearance ever. 19 of 27 teams making it to the Super Bowl for the very first time have lost in their debut. This is a vital trend that cannot be ignored when considering why the Indianapolis Colts should win the 2010 Super Bowl.
The Better Team
Remember, this Colts team had won several games straight coming into the 2009 regular season before going 14-0. And they might be undefeated today if not for the fact that they rested key players the final two weeks.
Former Colts coach Tony Dungy says of the team he brought to the Super Bowl a few years ago: "I think they're going to be so far ahead that people are going to say, 'Oh, ho-hum, he played a good game, they won by two scores, the Colts won their second championship,' " Dungy said of Manning on Thursday. "He's going to have those rings Sunday night. I don't think it's going to be close."
Colts Offense
Behind Peyton Manning, Indianapolis' high powered offense is going to be tough to stop. Reggie Wayne is one of the best wide receivers in the league. The Colts are a powerful team when it comes to the precision attack as well.
The ESPN Scouting Report points out that:
"TE Visanthe Shiancoe gave the Saints serious problems in the second half, which makes you wonder what Dallas Clark might do. Adrian Peterson had three touchdowns and ran for 122 yards, and the Saints' run defense is a problem area. But while the Colts use their running game effectively, they win with Manning's right arm. Going against Manning is a daunting endeavor, but the Saints have beaten Kurt Warner and Brett Favre in back-to-back playoff games."
Colts a Slightly More Physical Team
While neither team is especially physical, the Colts are more so than New Orleans. The Colts run defense should not be taken lightly either. They allowed only 86 yards rushing to the Jets and 87 to the Ravens the week prior.
Colts Second Half Playoff Performance
A strong indicator of why the Colts might win the 2010 Super Bowl: Indianapolis has not allowed a second-half point in two playoff games, so do not underestimate its ability to make key halftime adjustments on defense.
Did We Say PEYTON MANNING
The Boston Herald points out that:
"Manning has never been better, winning an unprecedented fourth MVP award while leading the Colts to the AFC's No. 1 seed. And he's kicked his game up a notch in the postseason. In wins over two of the league's stingiest defenses, he completed 67.5 percent of his throws for 623 yards, five touchdowns, one interception and a passer rating of 104.6."
Ean Lamb, Gambling911.com
