Joe's Opening Drive of Super Bowl 44: Indianapolis Colts

As we grow closer to the Super Bowl, all eyes are on Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts as they chase down a legacy. After starting the season 14-0, the organization turned off the gas for the final two games as they rested their starters for the post-season. After shutting down the Ravens and putting a 30-spot on the Jets, we will finally see if shunning history will pay off for Indianapolis.

Being named the successor to Tony Dungy, Jim Caldwell already had the tools necessary to make it to the playoffs, but no one would have believed he could take a team to the Super Bowl in rookie season as head coach. His ability to keep the team united during the undefeated fiasco and on the championship path while improving a defense that missed All-Pro safety Bob Sanders all season proves Bill Polian and Jim Irsay made the right call.

While Caldwell certainly deserves credit for the Colts' success, there's no arguing who really runs this organization. His name is Peyton Manning, and he was already on the verge of becoming the greatest quarterback in NFL history. With a record fourth MVP season behind him, Manning has one game left to claim his second title and his claim to immortal greatness. All that stands in his way is a Saints defense that begs you to make a mistake.

Scariest Manning picture ever.

As great as Manning is (and he is), his offensive line is the reason he's able to complete all those passes and break all those records. Starting with center Jeff Saturday, the unit only allowed ten sacks on the franchise QB all year long. With the way the Saints have pressured the quarterback in the playoffs, they need to be at their best. Well, at least when Manning drops back to pass. Running the ball is another story altogether.

Even after drafting Donald Brown to avoid Joseph Addai wearing down, the Colts ranked dead last in the NFL on the ground. Though when you balance that with the second-ranked passing attack, it's just enough to keep the defense honest. That's all the Colts have needed during the playoffs. They run effectively when they need to. What they obviously excel at is slinging it through the air, thanks to Manning's brilliance and his cast of talented wide-outs. Reggie Wayne is a top-three receiver in the league, supported by tight end Dallas Clark, who is undoubtedly the best pass-catcher at the position. Surprising the Jets, Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie made names for themselves with stand-out performances. Whatever weapon you take away from Manning, he always another in his arsenal.

The biggest question going into Super Bowl 44 is the health of Dwight Freeney, who tore a ligament in his ankle during the Jets game. Two weeks later, he's been undergoing every possible treatment so he can make it back onto the field Sunday. In the best possible scenario, Freeney will see action on passing downs, for perhaps 12-18 plays. In his absence, Raheem Brock must pick up the slack on the left side while Robert Mathis will see protection slide his direction on the right. 

Linebacker Gary Brackett has been the centerpiece of this unheralded yet ably performing defense. He puts his teammates in the best position to win on every play. Still, the Colts can be had on runs up the middle. In the secondary, rookies Jacob Lacey and Jerraud Powers have been tested all season due to injuries higher on the depth chart. Antoine Bethea and Melvin Bullitt have almost filled the void left by the hard-hitting Bob Sanders, ensuring much-needed depth for next season.

X-Factor: It's almost too easy to say Dwight Freeney here, so I'll take Joseph Addai. If he and Donald Brown can get over 100 yards on the ground, the Colts will take Super Bowl 44 without question. In a game with great quarterbacks, their respective tailbacks could be the key.

Check back tomorrow for my Opening Drive picks and analysis of Super Bowl 44!