Super Bowl XLIV matchups

Albert R. Breer

Secondary

COLTS: Antoine Bethea (left), Melvin Bullitt, Aaron Francisco, Kelvin Hayden, Tim Jennings, Jacob Lacey, Jerraud Powers, T.J. Rushing, Jamie Silva. SAINTS: Randall Gay, Jabari Greer (right), Roman Harper, Malcolm Jenkins, Tracy Porter, Pierson Prioleau, Chris Reis, Darren Sharper, Usama Young.

Sharper gets much of the attention in the Saints secondary — and rightfully so. The 13- year veteran is the traffic controller, plays the run well, can bring the lumber, covers a lot of ground and, perhaps most important, creates turnovers. But his presence has overshadowed what the return from injury of Greer and Porter has meant to the Saints. The two starting corners, plus Gay and hobbled rookie Jenkins, form a formidable group of corners. Marlin Jackson’s ACL tear opened the door for Powers to emerge for the Colts at corner, and Hayden’s return from injury solidified the position. Even absent Bob Sanders, safety is a strength for the Colts, with Bullitt and Bethea, but overall depth in the secondary could be a problem against a deep group of Saints skill position players.

Edge: Saints

COLTS: Antoine Bethea (left), Melvin Bullitt, Aaron Francisco, Kelvin Hayden, Tim Jennings, Jacob Lacey, Jerraud Powers, T.J. Rushing, Jamie Silva. SAINTS: Randall Gay, Jabari Greer (right), Roman Harper, Malcolm Jenkins, Tracy Porter, Pierson Prioleau, Chris Reis, Darren Sharper, Usama Young. Sharper gets much of the attention in the Saints secondary — and rightfully so. The 13- year veteran is the traffic controller, plays the run well, can bring the lumber, covers a lot of ground and, perhaps most important, creates turnovers. But his presence has overshadowed what the return from injury of Greer and Porter has meant to the Saints. The two starting corners, plus Gay and hobbled rookie Jenkins, form a formidable group of corners. Marlin Jackson’s ACL tear opened the door for Powers to emerge for the Colts at corner, and Hayden’s return from injury solidified the position. Even absent Bob Sanders, safety is a strength for the Colts, with Bullitt and Bethea, but overall depth in the secondary could be a problem against a deep group of Saints skill position players. Edge: Saints
AP