"I think that experience can help a player like him or David Thomas (Texas). A number of these guys with the bigger programs have been in the pressures of games like this, and in NFL playoffs.

"I don’t know how many playoff we've had since '06, but It I think all those are positive experiences."

"I'm ready for the game to be over with," said Bush. "There's so much leading up to it with tickets and hotels. I've been in big games before. I need a vacation."

He meant after the Super Bowl.

Payton said he thought all the players and coaches had their ticket issues resolved before going to Miami.

Sun Life Stadium, where the Super Bowl will be played is 16 miles from downtown Miami and 18 miles southwest of Fort Lauderdale. There's not a good place to eat or drink" near the stadium, according to reports from the media there. The stadium is located in a bad neighborhood.  From Miami Herald sportswriter Jeff Darlington: "Unless your idea of a good party involves hanging out in a Walmart parking lot, I'd avoid the stadium."

FREENEY OUT: Colts coach Jim Caldwell said it would be an uphill battle for All-Pro defensive end Dwight Freeney to suit up for Sunday's Super Bowl.

Freeney has torn ligament in his right ankle that will make it difficult to play at all. Each year, there seems to be one injury that gets attention of the media. Expect   to hear more about Freeney's ankle over the week you could possibly want.

If you recall that the Jets picked up a quick 17 points on them in their playoff game. If the Saints jump out to a quick lead, it could be a long day for the Colts.

How media sources view the Super Bowl

Mark Alesia, indystar.com: Tony Reginelli, 75, coached Colts quarterback Peyton Manning in high school (Newman). But he also has a son (who played at Tulane) who owns a chain of pizza restaurants in and around New Orleans called Reginelli's.

"My wife's nervous about what I say," Reginelli said of media interviews."She was worried about the business aspect or someone throwing eggs at the house. I can't worry about that. It's a game. And it's no choice, really. It's a one-way street."

But for others in New Orleans including people who know the Mannings personally, the bond between team and town trumps their loyalty to a revered family and favorite son.  After all the Saints remained a rare constant amid the chaos of Hurricane Katrina. They are an underdog in their first Super Bowl after years of futility.

Going to Miami

The Saints were scheduled to touch down in Miami around 12:45 (CST) and went to work as they continued preparing for their Super Bowl debut.

Payton and his staff took their team to the University of Miami practice facility. They will have their first media session at 4:45 at the University of Miami. Payton selected six players that will be available for interviews.

The Colts are scheduled to arrive around 6 p.m.

Tuesday will be Media Day with the Colts going from 11 a.m. to noon and the Saints taking the center stage from 1 p.m. until  2 p.m. at Sun Life Stadium. The routine will be repeated Wednesday and Thursday, only they will be held at their respective hotels. Payton and Colts coach Jim Caldwell will conduct their final interviews on Thursday.

Check out Ed Staton at edcoachstaton@yahoo.com and visit his web site, Louisiana Sports Talk, for your Saints, LSU and Hornets merchandise.