The Indianapolis Colts are the best team in the NFL right now. Hands down. Anyone that argues this point shall be exiled into football purgatory and removed of the credentials “football fan.” It is preposterous to say that any team (even the 11-0 Saints) are better than the Colts. Let’s peer into some statistics:
The two undefeated teams, the Saints of New Orleans and the Colts of Indianapolis, are almost completely evenly matched in terms of defense. They are both middle of the road teams that can make some stops when they have to, and also blow it when they shouldn’t. Both teams have strengths and weaknesses on defense. The Colts are ranked third in scoring defense, while the Saints are further down at 15th. The Saints do have the advantage in the ever important category of turnovers though. They lead the league with 32 overall takeaways, whereas the Colts have only taken the opponent’s ball 21 times.
The defense, however, is not what sets the Colts apart from the Saints. The offensive juggernaut that is the Colts offense has been one of the top squads in the NFL for the last 8 years. Year in and year out Peyton Manning and his ever revolving supporting cast put up gaudy numbers that normally translate into wins for the team. This year Indy leads the league in passing, with Manning throwing for over 3,300 yards and 25 touchdowns through 11 games. The Saints have their own version of the “greatest show on turf” led by rising star Drew Brees. Though right out of Purdue Brees was not considered an elite NFL passer, he made considerable strides after being traded to the Saints in 2006. Now in his third season under the Saints’ system, Brees has himself thrown for over 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Looking at the stats this year, both teams seem to be as evenly matched as could be possible. The difference, and my reasoning for the Colts being the best team comes down to one simple factor: experience. The Colts have been an elite team in the league for the last five years, and have a Superbowl ring to prove it. They have shown a level of consistency that is rarely seen in professional sports. The Saints are just coming into their first “great” season and though their accomplishments should not be diminished, it must be understood that they have proved nothing. No matter what a regular season record might be, it comes down to the playoffs an who is the strongest team. The Colts have proven they can win in December and January against the toughest of opponents and against the toughest odds. The Saints, despite their talent and insanely smart coach in Sean Payton, have everything to prove and nothing to back up their claims to the best team in the league. Until playoff time rolls around, and both teams stay undefeated, there is really only one logical choice for the best team in the NFL, and let’s just say they’re not playing in “The Big Easy.”
