November 4, 2009
Sharper makes difference
Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times

The last time these teams met, in the 2007 opener, Peyton Manning torched the Saints' secondary and the Colts won 41-10.

That wouldn't happen this time, and the lingering sting of that game is part of the reason. The Saints made two pivotal changes on defense, replacing Jason David with Jabari Greer at left corner, and Josh Bullocks with Darren Sharper at free safety.

Through seven games, the retooled Saints' defense has six touchdowns and would be the difference-maker in a dream matchup against the Colts. What would the final score be? Saints 42, Colts 36. That's Sharper's number over Bullocks' number. Let's see if that holds up in February.

Because the way these teams are playing, they could be meeting in Miami.

sfarmer@tribune.com

Saints have slight edge
Ken Murray, Baltimore Sun

It would be a shootout in the Super Bowl: the league's two most prolific quarterbacks, two of the most powerful offenses.

Although I give Peyton Manning the edge over Drew Brees at quarterback, I like the Saints in this matchup for a couple of reasons. One, their offense is more versatile.

The Colts run to give their receivers a break. The Saints run to offset the pass rush. Third-year man Pierre Thomas gives the Saints an inside runner. And Brees has a wealth of big-play receivers. But the Saints' biggest improvement was adding Greg Williams as defensive coordinator.

His attack system has made the secondary more competitive, and the addition of safety Darren Sharper gives it teeth.

In a game of nonstop big plays, I pick the Saints, 38-34.

kmurray@tribune.com

Saints would clock Colts
Dan Pompei, Chicago Tribune

Some might think the team that has the ball last would win. But really, the team that has the ball most might win - because that team could wear down the other team's defense and prevent its opponent's scoring opportunities.

Which team would be better suited to control the clock? That would be the Saints. Though the Colts have a better passing game and a better defense statistically, the Saints have been the superior ball control team with Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell and Reggie Bush contributing to the fourth-ranked run offense.

The Colts have not developed a consistent run game. While it has not hurt them up until this point because of the magnificence of Peyton Manning, it could catch up with them when they play a team like the Saints, say to the score of 33-30.

dpompei@tribune.com

Saints would run wild
Paul Doyle, Hartford Courant

Watch the scoreboard light up. These teams - seemingly destined for a Super Bowl clash - have the most productive passers in the NFL and each has an array of receiving talent. But beyond the passing of Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, there are sharp differences. The Colts (30th in the NFL in rushing) have no running game.

The Saints (fourth in rushing) can move the ball with three talented backs (Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell and Reggie Bush). And with an inability to control the ball on the ground, the Colts would put too much pressure on their defense to shut down the Saints. We're guessing New Orleans' offense would wear down Indianapolis' defense, just as they have rolled over one after another for seven weeks.

Our pick: Saints 35, Colts 28

pdoyle@tribune.com