Breaking Down Super Bowl XLIV - Offensive Lines

Indianapolis Colts:
The good news: Peyton Manning wa sonly sacked 10 times during the regular season. The bad news: the holes needed to get the running game going aren't there, and Manning has been sacked 4 times in the postseason. Center Jeff Saturday and tackle Ryan Diem are getting up there in years, but I'd put the reason for the lack of a run block more on the youth of the rest of the line. Still, it is impressive that a QB who isn't very mobile was only sacked 10 times. I have to think that has more to do with Manning's ability to read a defense than strictly good blocking, but that shouldn't take away from the fact this is a strong line that still has a lot to learn. They aren't great, but they fit perfectly into the Colts gameplan.

Colts Offensive Line vs Saints Defensive Line:
The Saints have a solid line, but it isn't the strength of their defense. If they get any sacks at all, it probably won't be from their linemen. The Colts linemen also benefit from the fact that they can practice against Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis all season. They should be able to have solid protection against the Saints front, and if they need to run in short situations, they've shown they are capable of hitting their blocks..

New Orleans Saints:
Like the Colts, this is a line with some youth on it. The line overall seems to be better than the Colts, though. They know where to be to give Drew Brees a passing window, and even though the Saints tend to run to the outside more, they can open interior holes pretty well, too. Brees may have been sacked 20 times this year, but that's about average for his career.

Saints Offensive Line vs Colts Defensive Line:
The Saints line will face a huge test in trying to stop Mathis and Freeney. You have to wonder if Jonathan Stinchcomb, at 30-years-old, has the footspeed to get a block on the Colts speed-based defense. He may not really have to, though. The Saints are very good at running screens and draws. A few at the right time could be enough to slow down the Colts line. The other advantage they have is Freeney will be playing with a sprained ankle suffered last week against the Jets. It won't hold him out, but it should slow him down and possibly limit his playing time.

Edge: New Orleans Saints