The Indianapolis Colts put together the finest regular season in team history running up a record of 14-2 and perhaps narrowly missing out on a perfect regular season. Much of the credit for the team’s success goes to All-Pro QB Peyton Manning, as it should, but the Colt’s defense has also been credited with much of the Super Bowl success as well.

At first glance this unit has done a fine job ranking in the top ten nearly every statistical category. It ranks 8th in the NFL betting lines in scoring (19.2) which is, afterall the most important defensive stat in the NFL odds.

But a closer look reveals that this unit ranks a lowly 24th in run defense (126.5 ypg) and just 14th in pass defense. And much of the pass defense is predicated on a feverish pass rush from DE Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. These gentlemen aren’t likely to have a lot of success against a super O-line like New Orleans has.

Many of these stats have come against inferior teams as well as the Colts had arguably one of the weakest schedules in the online betting this season with its biggest wins coming on the road in Baltimore and at home against a so-so Pats squad, both games they barely won. And consider that the Colts’ last two games have come against two very challenged offensive teams.

In fact, this team hasn’t seen an offense even half as dynamic as the Saints since they played New England two and a half months ago (Nov. 15th). So while this unit might look good on paper, it’s going to have a rude awakening in Miami.