MUST See TV!

Not since Ross convinced Rachel to get off the plane in the series finale of Friends has a Thursday night on NBC meant so much to a Chick. This Thursday, when the Saints take on the Colts in the NFL season opener, a different kind of drama will unfold with a far less predictable ending.

On Friends, the writers chose the storybook romance route to end a 10 year “will they/won’t they” saga between the show’s star characters. Turns out, the epic battle of the Saints vs. Colts, has a “will they, won’t they” plot line of its own. Will they (the Saints) live up to the hype or won’t they? Will they (the Colts) set the tone for another championship year or won’t they? (They won’t if our #18 voodoo dolls have anything to say about it.)

And just like on Friends, the same catch phrases apply. We’ll get to see Reggie and Deuce for four whole quarters! (“How you doin?!”) We’ll get to see Brees, the top passer in the NFC, take on Peyton Manning, the top passer in the AFC in a guaranteed shootout. (Could we be anymore excited?) And as for Tony Dungy, the guy we cheered for like he was our grandpa during Super Bowl XLI, let’s just say as of this moment, “WE ARE ON A BREAK!!!”

Still not convinced Thursday’s match-up won’t make for Must See TV Magic? You MUST be kidding! Below the Chicks Break Down what could give either side the ultimate edge.


Will Smith MUST Disrupt Peyton Manning’s Rhythm

Manning is always quick to release the ball, making it difficult for defenses in past seasons to shake, rattle and roll all over him. Manning goes into 2007 without tackle Tarik Glenn who was the fierce guardian of his QB’s blindside. Saints All-Pro defensive end Will Smith will instead line up against rookie tackle Tony Ugoh.

Indy Run Defense MUST Stop Deuce and Reggie

That’s a tall order for the Colts based on their record last year as the worst run defense in the league. Tomorrow, they’ll have to contend with the premier tailback duo in the NFL. The Colts now have the added disadvantage of losing Anthony “Booger” McFarland, their foremost run stuffer, for the season due to a knee injury. But Tony Dungy is a defensive mastermind so look for him to work around these problems with some creative schemes to attempt a slow down of McAllister and Bush.

Saints Pass Defense MUST Rise To This Occasion

The Saints’ secondary gave away far too many big plays last season that left Saints fans feeling around for more Dome Foam to dull the pain. It could be a long night for the Saints if Manning gets into the groove with his two Pro Bowl wide receivers, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. But Sean Payton & Co. did some wily hiring in the off season and brought in Jason David, formerly a cornerback with the Colts. David surely has some secrets to share with the Saints’ cornerbacks and safeties to keep Harrison and Wayne in check.

Colts MUST Balance Their Passing with a Sustained Run Attack

In 2006, the Colts had the one-two punch of veteran Dominic Rhodes and rookie Joseph Addai to power their turf assault. Rhodes left for the Oakland Raiders in the off season. Talented sophomore Addai will miss the know-how of Rhodes while working alongside two other young backs, Kenton Keith and Luke Lawton. The Saints will be quick to target this inexperience and try to corral the Colts on the ground forcing them to rely solely on their aerial game.

Saints MUST Score On Every Red Zone Opportunity

The Saints first string offense looked precise and powerful during preseason. Their only glitch was not scoring touchdowns on several occasions when they were in the red zone. Faced with a high-scoring opponent like the Colts, Drew Brees needs to lead the team into the end zone at every possible opportunity to keep the points rolling on the Saints’ side of the scoreboard.

An unhappy ending to the Friends finale, sure we would have gotten over it eventually. But there will be no flipping of the script in the finale of this NFL opener.
Chick Prediction: Saints 24-Colts 20. As for you Peyton, we know it’ll hurt losing the first game of the season. But not to worry, “We’ll be there for you…”