As we brace ourselves for Super Bowl XLIV, what’s the biggest non-football aspect of this big event?

That would be none other than the high-priced commercials.  Getting a spot in the big game seems to be reserved for the same companies year after year.  Maybe we’re just spending too much of our hard-earned money on their products.  Or maybe they’re just willing to continue their expensive tradition of entertaining the masses – as we sit back and chat on our T-Mobile phone with a bag of Doritos and a can of Coke.     

But over the past few years, I can’t say that I remember any of the Super Bowl ads.  While GoDaddy.com made itself memorable in a very nonconstructive way, none of the other commercials have embedded themselves in my mind.  As time goes on, it’s understandable that it will become more and more challenging to develop unique concepts that can resonate with the viewer. 

Being that this is the sole occasion that I (and most people since the invention of TiVo) watch commercials, I am looking for some vast improvement from the past few years.  I hope I’m not disappointed…

How much of an impact will Dwight Freeney's absence have on the Super Bowl?

Other Super Bowl notes:

-  Peyton Manning is, without a doubt, the most resilient QB in the league.  But he’s also given the most free reign over his team.  I wonder what it would take for more quarterbacks to be trusted by their organizations the way that Manning is in Indy. 

-  Dwight Freeney’s absence will definitely hurt the Colts.  But how much?  No one really knows.  It will just force Indianapolis defensive coordinator Larry Coyer to mix up his formations, use some stunts, throw in occasional blitzes…and just be creative.  Getting a little pressure on Brees will go a long way.  

-  This game should be won by the team that is able to make a big defensive play.  So, in essence it comes down to Manning versus the New Orleans’ defense – which is probably the only defense with the ability to be opportunistic.  Even though the NFL MVP is super-dynamic, I think the Saints have the capability of sneakily creating a turnover of two. 

-  If the Colts get good production on the ground from Joseph Addai, then their offense will be clicking on all cylinders.  Likewise, Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush need to support Drew Brees and the New Orleans passing game.  With the passing games that both of these teams possess, well-executed running plays could prove to be big-gainers.