AFC Championship: Patriots at Colts
When New England has the ball: The Pats still have quarterback Tom Brady (492 yards, four touchdowns, three interceptions this postseason), who must show the poise that has won him two Super Bowl MVPs. Along with Brady, New England has some new blood with rookie receiver Chad Jackson and running back Lawrence Maroney. The Pats must control the clock with short, high percentage passes, with a steady dose of Maroney and Corey Dillon to keep the defense honest. They will take on a revived Colts team that rediscovered how to play defense (allowing just 14 points in two playoff games). Linebacker Cato June, defensive linemen Dwight Freeny and saftey Bob Sanders are the strength of the Colts defense.
When the Colts have the ball: Manning (438 yards, one touchdown this postseason) can’t afford to turn the ball over like he has in the playoffs so far, tossing five interceptions in two games. Look for the Colts to be more patient with the running game than in previous matchups with the Pats, jumping on the back of rookie runner Joseph Addai to try to carry them to the Super Bowl. A key matchup will be receiver Marvin Harrison against cornerback Asante Samuel, who Harrison burned for three scores when the Colts won 27-20 in week nine. Linebacker Rosevelt Colvin and defensive lineman Richard Seymour will need big days for the Pats to win.
NFC Championship: Saints at Bears
When the Saints have the ball: The Saints come marching into Chi-town boasting a talented young offense. Drew Brees (243 yards, touchdown in one playoff game) would be wise not to force passes in the middle of the field, where Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher roams. Brees will look deep and to the sidelines, where he will find talented rookie wide out Marques Colston (1038 yards this season), and veteran Joe Horn. All-purpose man Reggie Bush will be the main focus for Chicago, which will lead to a big day for running back Deuce McAllister (143 rush yards, two total touchdowns last week).
When the Bears have the ball: The Saints defense will blitz early and often, with former Buckeye Will Smith spearheading the charge. The key for Chicago is establishing the running game, led by the duo of Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson. If the Bears running attack is stopped, quarterback Rex Grossman (20 interceptions this season) might get happy feet, which could be bad news for the Bears. Receiver Muhsin Muhammad will have to be in sync with Grossman for Chicago to have success through the air.
The skinny: New England will once again be the thorn in the Colts’ sides, winning 21-20. The Saints will continue their storybook season, blowing by the Bears in the Windy City, 27-17. The Pats and the Saints: battling for a prize only one can win.
Bryan DeArdo can be reached at [email protected].
