Historical perspective
Run game important to victory
When Indianapolis won the Super Bowl three years ago, its top-ranked offense centered on the passing game. But the Colts’ 29-17 victory over the Chicago Bears was fueled by the running game.
Though quarterback Peyton Manning was named the MVP, he was not spectacular, completing 25 of 38 passes for 247 yards, one touchdown and an interception.
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However, the Colts, who entered with the NFL’s 18th-rated rushing attack and second-rated passing game, ran for 191 yards — the most in a Super Bowl since the Redskins gained 280 on Jan. 31, 1988.
But there’s a chance Sunday’s game could resemble last year’s, when Pittsburgh and Arizona combined for 91 yards rushing. Yes, combined. It almost certainly won’t be like Jan. 27, 1991, when the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills rushed for a combined 338.
But is it important to win the rushing battle? Well, it has been to nine of the last 10 Super Bowl winners.
Expert’s take: Colts’ rushing attack
“[Peyton Manning] will use the run game to set up the play-action pass, which is as good as I’ve seen in football in the last 10 years. Both will have to run given the fact that New Orleans has a litany of blitzes and the fact that the Colts have two of the best pass rushers in football.”
– “Monday Night Football” analyst Jon Gruden
Position battle
Rushing attacks vs. Run defenses
Indianapolis uses the run for one reason: to set up the pass. New Orleans uses it for more than just that, as evidenced by its sixth-ranked rushing attack during the regular season.
Both teams will want to establish the run Sunday, at least to some extent.
The Colts will try to draw the Saints upfield and have running back Joseph Addai hit the holes created by ends eager to rush the quarterback. Also, look for cutback runs against the Saints’ overaggressive linebackers.
Meanwhile, New Orleans must test end Dwight Freeney — if he plays with his sprained ankle. With a healthy Freeney and the speed of the back seven, the Colts do an excellent job of preventing runners from getting wide.
That’s fine with the Saints. New Orleans is strong inside with guards Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks. And that means there’s an extra burden on underrated linebackers Gary Brackett and Clint Session to make plays.
Did you know?
The Indianapolis Colts have not had a running back surpass 80 yards this season. And starter Joseph Addai did not hit that number until the AFC Championship. So it’s no surprise that the Colts have the NFL’s lowest-ranked running game. The Saints’ ground game is statistically better and more diverse. But the Saints only had two games this season in which a back surpassed 100 yards — Mike Bell rushed for 143 in the opener, and Pierre Thomas gained 126 in Week 3. In the last seven games, a Saints back surpassed 64 yards only once.
