Tomorrow, the Super Bowl matchup will be decided as the Colts and Jets square off to find the AFC champion, while the NFC Championship will pit the Saints against the Vikings. Here's a look at my ranks of the final four team's individual units
Quarterbacks: 1. Colts 2. Saints 3. Vikings 4. Jets
The fact that Brett Favre is number 3 out of 4 is really a testament how badly you need a superstar quarterback to compete for a championship. Peyton is the sharpest, but Brees and Favre aren't far behind. Sanchez obviously lacks big game experience, which is probably the same reason Brees is not number 1
Running Backs: 1. Vikings 2. Jets 3. Saints 4. Colts
With all due respect to Chris Johnson, I still believe that Adrian Peterson is the best back in the NFL, hence the number 1 spot. Shonn Greene and Thomas Jones provide a really solid 1-2 punch that Colts need to be worried about. The Saints have a found a good mix getting Bush, Bell, and Pierre Thomas the ball, but I don't see Bush having a huge impact. The Colts are unspectacular with Addai and Brown, but steady.
Receivers: 1. Vikings 2. Colts 3. Saints 4. Jets
Two years ago, the Vikings receivers were non-existent. Now, with Rice, Berrian, Harvin, and the unheralded Visanthe Shiancoe, they are a force to be reckoned with. The Colts have managed to get production out of young guys Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon, but the best receiver still in the playoffs is Reggie Wayne. The Colts also have the best TE in Dallas Clark. The Saints receivers are quiet, but produce when needed. Despite the addition of Braylen Edwards, the Jets receivers still are lacking.
Offensive Line: 1. Jets 2. Vikings 3. Colts 4. Saints
The left side of Jets offensive line is remarkable with D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Alan Faneca, and you could throw in C Nick Mangold. The Vikings have solid tackles and G Steve Hutchinson but are inexperienced at C. The Colts are solid as always, as are the Saints led by young and unheard of players like Jermon Bushrod and Jahri Evans, who played their college ball at Towson and Bloomsburg, respectively
Defensive Line: 1. Vikings 2. Colts 3. Saints 4. Jets
The Vikings defensive line is number 1 by a mile. The Williams' and redneck Jared Allen are some of the best in the business. The Colts as always are going to be pressuring the quarterback with ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. The Saints will count on Will Smith to get to Brett Favre. As for the Jets, other than DE Shaun Ellis, their D-line is unimpressive
Linebackers: 1. Jets 2. Saints 3. Colts 4. Vikings
The Jets 4 starting linebackers are going to give the Colts running game fits, especially Bart Scott and David Harris. The Saints linebackers aren't outstanding, but have good chemistry after many years together. The Colt's backers aren't Pro-Bowlers, but Gary Brackett is an excellent defender. This is clearly the Vikings biggest hole, as Chad Greenway is their best linebacker
Secondary: 1. Jets 2. Saints 3. Vikings 4. Colts
Revis Island has obviously got a lot of attention lately, but Kerry Rhodes and Lito Sheppard are both pretty good too. The Saints are headlined by Darren Sharper, but young corners Tracy Porter and Malcolm Jenkins are improving and will have to play big roles. The Vikings secondary is a mixture of old and young with Winfield and Madieu Williams next to young guns Cedric Griffin and Tyrell Johnson. The Saints will try to pick on Griffin. As for the Colts, Braylen Edwards could have a big day against the lackluster corners Kelvin Hayden, Jerraud Powers, and Jakub Lacey.
Special Teams: 1. Vikings 2. Jets 3. Saints 4. Colts
Ryan Longwell has been outstanding this year and the Vikings also have the best returner of the bunch. The Jets have Jay Feely and dangerous former QB Brad Smith returning kicks. Reggie Bush could make an impact in special teams, returning punts. The question is whether the Saints trust Garrett Hartley to make a big kick in the clutch. The Colts don't anything really special, other than Adam Vinatieri
My picks: Colts over Jets 21-13
Vikings over Saints 34-27
4 years ago
