Based on the attention his bum angle has received this week, it’s safe to say Dwight Freeney is a key factor for the Colts. Putting pressure on any quarterback is essential and without Freeney in good health, the Colts will struggle to do so. But he isn’t the key defensive player for Indy on Sunday. This honor is bestowed on safety Antoine Bethea.

Even though he’s a Pro Bowler, Bethea is not a household name like say injured Colt Bob Sanders. He doesn’t lay huge hits like Sanders or bring back interceptions like Ed Reed. What he is, though, is a terrific ball hawk. He plays one of the most important positions in the Colts Cover 2 scheme and executes his assignments nearly flawlessly. Even though he only had four picks this year, he almost never gets beat deep and is a sure tackler.

The key to stopping a dominant force, such as Drew Brees, is great coverage, not a great pass-rush. Brees is so elusive that even the best D linemen often whiff on him. If the Colts coverage can hold up, though, he tends to dance around too much rather than getting rid of the ball. This can often be a recipe for disaster, especially if Indy rush specialists Freeney and Robert Mathis can get to him.

The Saints offense is too deep and multi-faceted to shut down completely. If the Colts can’t close up the middle of the field, Brees will get in a groove. With their variety of screen and trick plays, the Saints can and will beat the Colts if their deep passing game isn’t neutralized. This is where Bethea will make his biggest impact.

-- TOMMY ALTER
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