I have heard the word "Manning'' this week more than ever.

Of course, Peyton Manning is the quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts. He's also a New Orleans native and son of Archie Manning, one of the few legends in Saints history. But this game, at least from a New Orleans Saints fan's standpoint, isn't about Archie nor Peyton. It's all about Drew Brees. His name has been floated around the last few years as an elite quarterback, like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, but the counterpoint to that always comes back to, "Yeah, but what's he ever won?" Brees now has a chance to win the Super Bowl.

Now he has a chance. A chance to make New Orleans Saints history. How can he make it there though? Here the keys to the game.

Keys to the Game:

#1-If you're looking for an element of the Saints that hasn't received enough credit, take a look at the linebackers. Yes, Jonathan Vilma was chosen to the Pro Bowl, which he didn't play in because he'll be getting ready for the Super Bowl, but Scott Fujita and Scott Shanle don't get nearly the praise they deserve. Vilma, Shanle and Fujita combined for 19 tackles, an interception, a quarterback hurry, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries against the Minnesota Vikings. They'll need to be even better against the Colts. Peyton Manning will without doubt be keeping an eye on this group of line backers, and if these fellow linebackers play like they did in the NFC Championship, things are looking good for this New Orleans defense.

#2-If you haven't noticed, there are two big dogs, no enormous underdog. Looking for a Cinderella squad? You're in the wrong place. The Colts were 14-0 this year and are led by four-time MVP Peyton Manning. The Saints went 13-0. Because of their history, the Saints will likely be casted as an underdog, but it won't make a difference. Like Indianapolis, New Orleans came into the playoffs as a No. 1 seed and won two games at home to reach the Super Bowl.

But the Saints, recognized as delightful losers for so long, are the best story on the block. A city, four and a half years and still recovering from Hurricane Katrina, gets a huge increase from the team's first journey to the big game. Might the Saints be in position to be weighed down by the unfamiliarity of the Super Bowl while the Colts, who won the game just four years ago, benefit from the experience? Really, I think that's just nonsense. The better team is going the Superbowl. And the better team will have to be the more balanced. I think the team that can execute both the running and passing game on offense.

#3-Like the passing game? The Colts (second in NFL) and Saints (fourth) survive by the pass. They're based on big-time quarterbacks. That will make for a great chance for loads of passing and many points on the board in Miami.

However, it's categorization to both teams to propose it's all regarding Peyton Manning or Drew Brees.

The Colts have a stable scoring defense that's allowed only 18.2 points a game in the regular season. That Colts defense is going against Saints team that is a balanced offense, with a ground game that was sixth in the league led by Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell. Turnovers, always a key, are a New Orleans forte. Indy was plus-two in turnover differential while the Saints were third in the league with a plus-11 differential. Turnovers will be a huge factor in this game.

#4-One thing Indianapolis has struggled in this year on defense is getting teams off the field. When it comes to third downs, you must get off the field. The last thing the Colts want to do is let the Saints keep their drives alive. The same thing for the Saints, the last thing you want to do is let Peyton Manning hold onto the ball and continue his drives. The team that can get the other team off the field has a good shot at Super Bowl 44.

#5-Finally, the last key off the game is get to the quarterback. If the Saints pressure Peyton Manning like they did to Brett Favre, the Colts may be in serious trouble. I believe the Saints will pressure Manning, forcing him to get the ball out of his hands, and getting a chance for an interception. The Saints blitz more than any other team, and I expect the Super Bowl to be no different. The Saints have the ability to get after the quarterback which will be a huge key in this game.

You want to talk passing? You've got Manning and Brees going against each other. Enough said. One thing I would like to say, it's not going to be Brees vs. Manning. It's Brees vs. Colts defense, and Manning vs. Saints Defense. Speaking of the defense, Colts All Star defensive end, Dwight Freeney, is suffering a third degree sprain. The third degree is a complete rupture. Third degree tears get in the way of muscle function. He is questionable. A player like this can not be replaced. We'll have to wait to gametime to see if he will play. Anyhow, game day looks great! Still one question, who will win? I believe the New Orleans Saints are the better team, and I think they will win 30 to 24. The Saints have a better offense than the Colts in my opinion, because Drew Brees has a better supporting cast. The saints defense makes critical plays in critical times and can get to the quarterback. Don't be surprised if this game goes into the last seconds of the game. When it comes down, New Orleans is the better squad. I think New Orleans will make history and win its first Super Bowl!!!

My Final Words

In my recent education of football, I think the team with the most points will win. (joking) I hope all of you guys enjoy the final game of the 2009-2010 season! The matchup should be one for the ages and I can't wait for Sunday! Who do you think will win and what will the score be? Just comment below! Have fun watching the Super Bowl!

Austin