[BigdaddyQH]

Yes. That is not a typo. I am talking about the Saints, who were going to exploit the Colts defense and Feeney in specific by going to their bread and butter, the screen pass, early and often. Feeny knows one speed. Full speed straight ahead. With the Colts having to play a more conservative stype of defense, the Saints will not be able to use their best weapon on offense, the Screen Pass, as often as they would like. While no one wants to lose a player of Feeny's stature, this is by no means the end of the world. There are actually people who are paid to know what is going on in games like this think that the Colts are better off without him. That is not my opinion, but one that you will hear on ESPN.

Aparently this is not a big deal in Vegas, because the line actually climbed to 6 points in some casino's. The Hilton has the line fluctuating between 5.5 and 6 points. A rather strange reaction to the news about Feeny.

[JBQB107]

I kinda sorta agree with you on this statement. The saints have had some big plays in the playoffs coming from the screen pass, but they also are able to throw the ball down field extremely well. Yes they scored on a flea flicker last game and that won't happen again, but if you look at Brees against super bowl MVP's he is 3-0 this season against them. I would look for the saints to try and run to the left against the Colts with Freeney out of the lineup, and then use the play action to their advantage

[Doc JS]

Ummmm....no.

[Rig]

I'm going to respectfully disagree
his pass rushing is too much to give up
I seem to recall him sniffing out some screens too over the year

[Jasonal_98]

I think it does hurt them. The Colts need to get pressure on Brees. I already felt that the Saints were the right side, and I am even more convinced now (though I do think that the Colts will win the game SU).

[woody78]

Hurts Colts, don't care what "Stink" and the others say on ESPN.

[Serbone]

Yes. That is not a typo. I am talking about the Saints, who were going to exploit the Colts defense and Feeney in specific by going to their bread and butter, the screen pass, early and often. Feeny knows one speed. Full speed straight ahead. With the Colts having to play a more conservative stype of defense, the Saints will not be able to use their best weapon on offense, the Screen Pass, as often as they would like. While no one wants to lose a player of Feeny's stature, this is by no means the end of the world. There are actually people who are paid to know what is going on in games like this think that the Colts are better off without him. That is not my opinion, but one that you will hear on ESPN.

Aparently this is not a big deal in Vegas, because the line actually climbed to 6 points in some casino's. The Hilton has the line fluctuating between 5.5 and 6 points. A rather strange reaction to the news about Feeny.

Good point, but I have always believed that a HUGE problem exists when a team loses a top flite defensive lineman...

Example, this yr Jets lost DT Jenkins early mid season and lost to the spread 4-5 times in a row before the line adjusted.

But you have a good point since Saint's forte is the screen... may not make as much a difference as I thought.

[Grux]

Your theory makes sense but I think the loss of Freeney hurts the Colts. I think it is very important for them to get to Brees in order to win the game.

[Brocc]

Actually, yes it is a typo..His name is Freeney

[JuicedUp]

Actually, yes it is a typo..His name is Freeney

Yea who is this Feeney? I don't think he will have much of an impact either way. Just saying...

[IrishTim]

Interesting theory, BD. I'm more interested to see how (if) it affects the line movement?

[The General]

Not knowing is harder on preparation. The Saints will not really know what to expect from his replacement as much as they would have Mr Freeney.

[masr]

I say, Freeney plays!! Colts D...secondary hold Brees
COLTS WIN and COVER

[IrishTim]

The better is question is is Freeney worth a half point?

[Capybara]

A) His name is Freeney, not Feeney and not Feeny -- that was just weird to read.

B) I disagree for a couple of reasons. He's not just a good pass rusher, he's an elite pass rusher, so no, he doesn't have just one speed or one style -- the guy makes plays.

C) You're forgetting that the Colts have a very fast defense that keeps everything in front of them, and that tackles very solidly. The Saints were never going to do much with screens in this game, with or without Freeney.

I for one am worried for the Colts now. I think Freeney could be the difference between covering and not.

[jon13009]

Saints will win regardless of the injury.

[ZetaPsi808]

thats why the line dropped to 4.5

[THE PROFIT]

Bush promised Kim that he would marry her if he won the super bowl just to shut that bitch up never thinking he would acyually make it! Now he's sweatin bullets & will do what he can in subtle ways to make sure they lose.
Watch for a repeat of the muffed punt from the c'ship game for sure!!!!

[DaColts]

Where did the line drop at. Freeney will play not every snap but enough to make brees fear that he's there. The backup is good but no stud. The colts getting some reps for the backup might play out well cause he's def played in some games

[PAULYPOKER]

Bottom line It's effecting the money line so the spread line will move like a yoyo to get read on public's opinion then books will adjust from there We are talking Superbowl here: meaning there is no room for error on books part because of the billions of dollars wagered on this game

[The General]

Dwight said today that his fate will be determined by a group of doctors, coaches and Polian of course whether he plays at all. If he's at ANY risk for worse injury he will not suit up. No Brainer call there and Bill Polian is a sharp sum-gun.

[slacker00]

The COLTS are better off without him. Look at him, he can't even hardly run! However, he's still going to attempt to play.

It's very f_ucking sad that IND is going to allow a gimp, crippled Freeney to start when there is another qualified professional that has full mobility. The guy can't even practice but will most likely start this Sunday. Unreal.

For IND backers, I hope he's only in the first snap and gets his ass back in bed.

This is the best post on this topic. I totally agree, Freeney may do more harm than good if he tries to play but is ineffective.

I'd be interested to see if the Saint try to run right at him and get those O-line guys to roll over that sore ankle. Or maybe it's better to get Reggie Bush isolated on Freeney in the open field. Maybe if Freeney is ineffective, the Saints softplay him to keep him in the game! It should be interesting.

[Capybara]

If the Colts play him at half-speed, they are idiots. And the Colts are not idiots -- my prediction is he doesn't go.

And that will help the Saints, big-time. But... Colts are still superior and will win. Only question is do they cover.

[blueghost]

giving brees more time to pass cannot be a good thing for the colt secondary..more comps.,more PI,holding and such..look out

[blueghost]

according to the present line have to say YES

[Holtgetsback]

Dwight Freeney has really established himself this year as a complete defensive player. He shows much improved run awareness as well as a keen ability to identify the screen. His pain threshold is also extremely high so you should still expect to see him in some key snaps. Also note that defensive end backup Raheem Brock is a real stud. This injury will hurt the Colts, but it will not be enough to impact the outcome of the game.

[ZBOIZ]

Holt Raheem is not a speed rusher he's more of a power end. That's a big difference when your facing a offense like the Saints. The Saints weakness is there weakness to defend speed rushers on there left side of there line.

[smitch124]

[Jasonal_98]

If you had asked me at the beginning of the season to name 2 players on the Colts defense, I would have said Bob Sanders and Dwight Freeney. Sanders is out, Freeney is not going to be 100% if he plays. Yeah, it hurts.

This game is going to be a complete shoot-out.