Here's why the Colts will win: Just take a look under center

Enlarge By Eric Gay, AP Peyton Manning's presence will be too much for the New Orleans Saints to overcome and is a big reason the Indianapolis Colts will be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl XLIV The Indianapolis Colts quarterback is a four-time MVP winner, the MVP of Super Bowl XLIand the winningest signal-caller of the last decade.It starts with Peyton Manning. And he's the reason the team will add a second Super Bowl trophy in four years to its collection Sunday night. WHY THE SAINTS WILL WIN: Defense will rise to challenge USA TODAY PICKS: Our staff picks the Super Bowl winner Let's consider what's working in the Colts' favor: •Manning's arsenal: His weapons are well known. Reggie Wayne has earned four consecutive Pro Bowl bids and has scored 35 touchdowns over the last four years. Rookie Austin Collie and second-year wide receiver Pierre Garcon are blossoming into prime options. And tight end Dallas Clark, Manning's safety blanket, had his first 100-catch season this year. But it's the Colts quarterback who blends those physical weapons with the ammunition inside his head — his astute reading of the defense — to make the Colts offense so potent. Consider how Manning dismembered the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game. Jets coach Rex Ryan, as promised, delivered new and confusing defensive schemes that limited the Colts to six points through the first five drives. But patient Manning adjusted, found holes in the Jets' coverage and sliced the team's top-rated defense apart for 24 points over the ensuing four possessions. •No comeback too big: The Saints' top-rated offense is formidable, for sure. The rallying ability shown by Drew Breesin several games this season (i.e., a comeback from a 24-3 deficit at the Miami Dolphins in Week 7) suggests that the team who has the ball last in Super Bowl XLIV might emerge the winner. But Manning, in a manner reflective of his MVP status, has shown an unmatched ability to respond to a deficit in crunchtime this season. The Colts faced second-half deficits in seven of their last 12 games (and trailed in the fourth quarter six times). So even if the Saints offense jumps out to a big lead Sunday, it's impossible to count out the Colts. •Time in the pocket: The Saints battered Brett Favre but did not sack him, in their win against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship Game. Getting to Manning will be more difficult. The Colts surrendered the fewest sacks in the NFL this season, with 10 of the 13 takedowns coming against Manning. His stout offensive line and his quick decision-making make Manning less susceptible to drive-altering hits. The Saints ranked 13th in the NFL with 35 sacks this season. Their front four might need help bringing pressure on Manning. And that could expose another problem: If the Saints unleash blitzes to pursue the Colts quarterback, that could open up fresh passing lanes for Collie, Clark or even tailback Joseph Addai. •Colts have a defense, too: The Saints offense, which has averaged 38 points a game in the playoffs, will be the most potent unit the Colts have faced this season. And the uncertain availability of all-pro defensive end Dwight Freeney clouds the effectiveness Indianapolis defenders might have. But the Colts defense, ranked 18th in the regular season, has risen in the postseason as it did in its run to a Super Bowl XLI title three years ago. They have surrendered 20 points through two games and have surrendered an average of 86.5 rushing yards (down from 126.5 in the regular season). With or without Freeney, Robert Mathis, Gary Brackett and the Colts' fast defenders will bring pressure that limits New Orleans' scoring prowess. But ultimately, it will be Manning who has the biggest impact on whether the Colts rise or fall in Super Bowl XLIV. And in a game where the two teams are so evenly matched, count on the poise and unyielding fire Manning has displayed all season to help the 12-year veteran hoist his second Lombardi Trophy.