Breaking Down Super Bowl XLIV - Running Backs

Indianapolis Colts:
Do the Colts even use running backs anymore? Or have they given over completely to the "new NFL" of passing at all times? No, they have running backs. You wouldn't know it from their running game, ranked last in the NFL. Where a 1,000 yard rusher used to be typical on a Super Bowl team, Joseph Addai and Donald Brown barely passed 1,100 yards combined. Neither player topped 3.9 yards per carry. While Addai topped 1,000 yards his first two seasons, he seams to have lost his escapability since missing four games last season. Brown is in his rookie season, and while he's shown some elusiveness when he gets the ball, he isn't polished enough take many carries away from Addai. If there is a weakness on the Colts offense, this is it.

Colts Runners vs Saints Linebackers:
Yards are there for the taking in the running game. Lacking spead to outrun defenders will hurt the Colts, as the Saints LBs are known more for their tackling and backfield pursuit than being able to run down a ball carrier. If they can get through the defensive line up the middle, they may be able to catch a defender out of position. Otherwise, it looks like a tough day to be a Colts RB. 

New Orleans Saints:
The Saints are known for their passing game, but they can run the ball almost as well. Their offense was first in the league this year, and that is thanks to their 6th ranked rush offense as much as their 4th ranked passing game. Like the Colts, they didn't have a 1,000 yard rusher, either. Instead, they seem to have found the perfect balance in the backfield. Pierre Thomas has clearly emerged as the #1 back, with Mike Bell providing short yardage and the ability to break a long run if he gets free. Reggie Bush is coming on more and more with each game. He may contribute more on special teams so far, but he has also shown himself to be an excellent change-of-pace back. Between the three of them, they totaled 16 TDs, split evenly between them.

Saints Runners vs Colts Linebackers:
What the Saints have in the backfield is speed. They'll need it against a fast Colts defense. Sticking with Thomas as the feature back and mixing Bush in every fifth play or so could be enough to wear down a small and, in some places, aging Colts linebacker corps.

Edge: New Orleans Saints