Let the Super Bowl hype begin.
Why wait until the actual week? Americans want everything two seconds ago so let’s move right to the storylines:
Peyton’s Team vs. Archie’s Team » This will be the most hyped angle. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning faces New Orleans, where his father Archie Manning was a beloved passer on horrible teams. New Orleans is Peyton’s hometown, but he’s no longer welcome if he denies the Saints.
Who Dat means? » We’ll get a lesson on Cajun culture and cute French sayings. Having covered a Super Bowl in New Orleans, all you need to say is “Where’s the party?” in any language.
The Saints are America’s Team » After 43 years of largely inept teams, we should pull for the new “Aints.” After all, they taught fans of every bad team to wear bags on their heads. The Colts won the Super Bowl three years ago. They’re now the bad guys.
Win it for Katrina victims » We’ll get an update on how New Orleans is doing four years after Hurricane Katrina. Frankly, we could use it. Haiti’s situation is worse, but New Orleans will show us how rebuilding is done.
Bourbon Street drinking games » Having traveled around the world, nothing compares to the French Quarter. Not even Las Vegas on its best night. “Girls Gone Wild” videos are filmed there for a reason.
The NFL is now a passer’s league » Duh, where have you been? Saints quarterback Drew Brees led the league with 34 touchdown passes, one more than Manning. The Colts have the NFL’s worst running game. The arms race now escalates because if you don’t have a big-armed quarterback, you’re not winning.
Super teams are back » Two No. 1 seeds reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 1993. Powerhouses take over the NFL. Forget the sleepers. Sure, until next year when a wild card wins it all.
Brett Favre’s retirement » The Minnesota quarterback didn’t make the game, but he’ll still be mentioned. Favre already said he’s “highly unlikely” to play again after losing the NFC Championship. Come on, who believes that after his last two “retirements?” I’ll believe it if Favre doesn’t return by the 2012 Super Bowl.
Halftime entertainment » The Who is the headliner. Seriously, when will the NFL learn to use a balance of aging rockers and fresh talent? The Who was big in the 1970s. Half the band is dead. The rule should be no halftime performer can be born before the first Super Bowl in 1967.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
