This piece is an attempt to determine which team has the running back edge that will be the difference against the Super Bowl betting spread.

Super Bowl XLIV 2010: Running Backs
Indianapolis Colts: Running Backs

The Indianapolis Colts have two very good running backs in Joseph Addai and Donald Brown but the stats don’t show it. The problem for the Colts is that their offensive line has been built to pass block and not to run block.

The Colts’ entire offensive game plan is based around Peyton Manning throwing pinpoint passes to Reggie Wayne, Austin Collie, Pierre Garcon and Dallas Clark. The Colts did out rush the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game, but don’t expect Indy to out rush the Saints in the Super Bowl.

The Colts average only 80 yards per game on the ground. They have the 32nd ranked rushing offense in the NFL, that’s the last spot on the list. Addai’s average during the regular season was only 3.8 yards per carry. Even though he was the featured back in the Colts’ offense, he only rushed for 828 yards. Brown rushed for only 281 yards for a 2.6 average during the regular season.


Don’t expect the 16 and 2 Colts to change tactics in the Super Bowl. Even though they had success rushing against the Jets, they won’t even try to rush the ball against the Saints unless they get a lead and even then the chances are slim.

The Colts simply do not run the ball. When the Colts wish to get the ball to Addai, they will pass it to him. Addai caught 51 passes this season and was more effective when he had the ball in space

Gamblers should note that the Colts’ lack of a running game hasn’t been a hindrance to their success yet so far this season. Even Rex Ryan and his outstanding D couldn’t stop Peyton Manning, no matter what they did.

New Orleans Saints: Running Backs

Surprisingly, the New Orleans Saints can run the ball and they run it well. More than once during the regular season the Saints used their running game to win. Against he Buffalo Bills, the Saints rushed for 222 yards. The Bills shut down Drew Brees and the passing game but the Saints adjusted and rushed the ball. Against the New York Jets, the Saints rushed for 153 yards after the Jets and cornerback Darrelle Revis held the Saints wide receivers in check. Overall, the Saints have the 6th ranked rushing attack in the NFL.

So, the Saints can definitely rush the ball but can they control a game with it? Yes, they can. When their Pierre Thomas is healthy, and they have committed to running the ball, the Saints are capable of dominating on the ground. Thomas is a very, very good back. Although he has only rushed for 793 yards so far this season, he has the moves and the power to get significant yards per carry as his 5.4 average per carry attests.

New Orleans doesn’t just rely on Thomas, they also like to mix it up by giving it to Reggie Bush. Bush, of course, can break a long run almost every time he touches the ball. He was used sparingly in the running game during the regular season. The former Heisman Trophy winner ran for only 390 yards but he was also their punt returner and was used very effectively catching the ball. When he was running it, his 5.6 average was stellar, which is one of the reasons he has to be considered a factor going into the Super Bowl.

With Bush and Thomas, the Saints have their own “Thunder and Lightning”. The only question is whether or not the Saints will use their powerful running game in the Super Bowl to control the game and wear down the Colts D.
Edge: New Orleans Saints
Significant Enough of an Edge to Warrant a Bet?
It depends. Gamblers will need to do a bit of forecasting in regards to this one.
If the Saints come out and decide that the best way to win the Super Bowl is to dial up “Thunder and Lightning”, left, right and up the middle, then by all means they could cover the spread in the sportsbook. The Colts will not be able to stop the Saints’ rushing game without putting an extra man in the box. At that point, the Saints will open things up with Drew Brees strikes to his wide receivers and tight-end Jeremy Shockey.
But if the Saints abandon the run to early, then the Saints’ chances of winning the Super Bowl or beating the 5 ½ point spread is very little.
What do I believe will happen? The Saints’ rushing game towers over the Colts’ rushing game. It only makes sense that the Saints will try to use the run to beat the Colts in the Super Bowl.

This information is provided in partnership with BetUs Sportsbook

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