FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — It’s not too dramatic to state that the result of Super Bowl XLIV might rest on the right ankle of Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney.
It’s a heavy burden, but Freeney’s presence as a healthy, hungry, angry speed pass rusher for the Colts cannot be overstated as they try to slow down the potent Saints and Drew Brees tomorrow at Sun Life Stadium.
The reality is that, when healthy, Freeney is a dominant difference maker. The problem is that he’s not healthy, nor will he be anywhere close to 100 percent by the 6:25 p.m. kickoff.
Freeney again sat out practice yesterday, meaning he hasn’t practiced since he tore the ligament in his ankle in the AFC title game two weeks ago.
Though the Colts have not stated their plans, the belief is that Freeney will suit up for the game and attempt to play between 12 and 20 plays on defense, allowing him to be effective on passing downs.
“He’s trending in the right direction,” Colts coach Jim Caldwell said. “He’s getting better, but we’ll see. It’s still a day-to-day situation.”
All the Colts are aware how much Freeney means to the team.
“I’m very hopeful he will play,” Colts quarterback Peyton Manning said. “He has special characteristics about him and I’m counting on those this week.”
Freeney’s past history as a fast healer is what has had the Colts holding out hope this week. There have been numerous cases, including this season, when Freeney returned from an injury much faster than anticipated.
“If anybody can come back from an injury, it’s Dwight,” Colts linebacker Gary Brackett said. “He’s had weird things all season. People said he would miss 10 weeks and then he plays in seven days.”
Since being drafted by the Colts in 2002, Freeney has been a highly productive player, even while playing through injuries. He came off the bench for the first eight games his rookie season and finished with 13 sacks. He also became the first Colts player to win the league sacks title, with 16 in 2004. He has produced at least 10 sacks in six of eight NFL seasons.
Ironically, though, the very things that make Freeney so good — his rare blend of speed, leverage and spin moves that have terrorized opposing quarterbacks — might prevent Freeney tomorrow from being the game-changer he is when healthy
If Freeney were more of a power pass rusher, he might be able to play more effectively with the ankle injury. But he clearly will be prevented from utilizing all of his speed pass rush moves.
“If I can’t run, then I can’t play,” Freeney said earlier this week.
Well, entering today’s final walkthrough before the game, Freeney hasn’t run since he pulled up lame while rushing Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez late in the AFC Championship game two weeks ago. That makes for a big-time question mark entering tomorrow’s game.
The Colts’ mantra all season under Caldwell has been “next man up.”
The problem for the Colts — whose manta all season has been “next man up” — is that there is no “next man” who can make up for Freeney’s 13 sacks this season, and his 84 sacks and 36 forced fumbles since 2002.
An ineffective Freeney cannot help but have a profound effect on outcome of the game. Anyone who doesn’t believe that is either wearing Colts’ blue-colored glasses or is delusional.
“Obviously, Dwight Freeney is a great player,” Saints running back Reggie Bush said. “Obviously, we would love for him not to play in the game. But we’re going to prepare like he’s playing in the game. We’re going to continue to chip-block. We’re going to continue to do whatever we can to keep the pressure off [quarterback Drew Brees].”
The Colts defensive players know how huge Freeney’s presence is when he’s out there harassing quarterbacks.
“Of course you hope he’ll be out there. You want to look to your right and see Dwight,” defensive tackle Daniel Muir said. “He’s a good healer. He’s healed quickly with other injuries. All we can do it pray for him and hope he gets out there.
“Even with Dwight not out there, though, we’ve had success. It’s next man up. If he can’t go, we’ve got to pick up the bayonet and go.”
That’s a big bayonet to carry.