by Stephen Baros
Daily Lobo
With the New Orleans Saints marching into Chicago to play the Bears, and the New England Patriots set to face the Indianapolis Colts, football fans are in for a treat this weekend.
I can't wait to see if the Saints can continue to keep the city of New Orleans energized by their great play, and I'm also looking forward to the matchup of two future Hall of Fame quarterbacks going head-to-head.
Tom Brady has owned Peyton Manning and the Colts in the playoffs, beating them in 2004 and 2005. Manning has set numerous single-season records and has once again put together an impressive season.
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However, Brady has been the poster boy for how to win Super Bowls. He has done his best Joe Montana impersonation by winning three Lombardi Trophies so far in his career. Manning is desperately trying not to go down as the next Dan Marino, who collected his fair share of honors and awards in his day but never won the Big One. Until Manning can get to the Super Bowl, he'll always have that monkey on his back.
One positive thing going for Manning and Co. is the Colts' defense finally figured out how to tackle. All season long, the defense acted like a speed bump as it was run over.
As for the feel-good story of the year, how can you root against the New Orleans Saints? It has been a year-and-a-half since the devastating Hurricane Katrina ripped through the city of New Orleans. However, Drew Brees, Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister have the city partying like it's Mardi Gras every weekend.
The Saints' party almost came to an end at the hands of the Eagles last weekend, but it's a good thing for New Orleans natives that Jeff Garcia remembered how old he was, and Andy Reid remembered he couldn't win a big game.
Although Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher is much loved here in New Mexico, he is going to have his hands full trying to minimize the lethal combination of Bush and McAllister. Heisman winner Bush provides the swift moves and quick cuts, while McAllister provides the downhill running and strength to this deadly 1-2 punch.
So, here's my prediction: I have ex-Patriot and clutch kicker for the Colts, Adam Vinatieri, kicking the game-winning field goal as time expires to send Manning to his first Super Bowl.
My hunch in the NFC is that, just like when the Patriots stood victorious after 9/11, the Saints will prevail following the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Of course, Mr. Urlacher will beg to differ.
