The city of New Orleans and the Saints ended years of frustration Sunday, as the Saints beat the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 to claim their first world championship in their 43 year history.
Things didn't start out so well for the Saints, as Peyton Manning and the Colts came out guns a blazzing early on. After Indy's defense forced a three and out, the Colts marched right down the field on a series of short passes, culminating in a 38 yard field goal by the oldest player in Super Bowl history, Matt Stover. The Saints were able to get a first down on their next possession, but were forced to punt again after Marquis Colston dropped a would-be first down reception.
Starting on their own 4, the Colts rattled off a 96 yard touchdown drive thanks to 53 yards (on 4 carries) from Joseph Addai and a 19 yard fade pass from Manning to Pierre Garcon for the score. The Colts had a commanding 10-0 lead at the end of the first period.
Drew Brees conducted a nice drive for the Saints to begin the second quarter, hooking up with Colsten and Devery Henderson, and some additional help in the run game. They seemed poised for 6 points, but Dwight Freeney had other plans, as the injured star brought Brees to the ground on a third and short. Garrett Hartley kicked a 46 yard FG to cut Indianapolis' lead to 7. After a Colts three and out, Brees lead the Saints on another drive deep in to Colts' territory. After a false start penalty on the 3, Pierre Thomas rushed for a gain of 7 off right tackle, setting up a 3 and goal from the 1. The Colts defense held strong the next two plays lead by Garry Brackett, and New Orleans failed to put points on the board.
It was a risky decision, but I thought it was the right choice, you need to put as many points on the board as possible when playing against Manning, and you're not going to do that with field goals form the 1.
With 1:46 remaining in the half, the Colts played it conservatively, running the ball 3 times and punting after failing to run out the clock. When the Saits took over, Brees completed two passes to Henderson, setting up another Hartley field goal. The teams into the locker room with a 10-6 Colts lead at the half.
With the Colts set to receive the ball to start the second half, Sean Payton surprised everybody by attempting an onside kick. Thomas Moorestead got a great bounce on the kick, and the Saints came out of one of the most nastiest, if not the most nasty scrum for the ball I have ever seen. The Saints, once again went straight down the field, and Pierre Thomas ended the drive with a 16 yard touchdown reception on a screen pass. He used some nice moves to carve through the Colts' defense.
The next Colts possession was a good one. Manning hooked up with Dallas Clark three times, including one of the best throws I've ever seen in my life, throwing over 5 defenders, and putting the ball right in Clark's hands on the flag route. Joesph Addai capped off the drive with a 4 yard TD run, putting the Colts back on top, 17-13. The Saints would add a FG, and the game went into the 4th quarter with the Colts leading 17-16.
Peyton Manning spread the ball around well, getting the Colts to New Orleans' 32, after converting a 4th and 2 on a slant pass to Reggie Wayne. The drive stalled there, and Matt Stover came on to attempt a 51 yard field goal. I thought this was an interesting choice. You're asking an older kicker to attempt a 50+ yard FG, instead of letting arguably the best QB in the history of the game get a chance to extend the drive. My opinion aside, Stover had enough leg on the kick, but pulled it just left. The Saints were set up in good field position to attempt to take the lead.
Brees lead another methodical drive, hitting Bush, Thomas, Colston, and Meachem on short passes before Jeremy Schockey's 2 yard TD reception. New Orleans went for two, and Lance Moore made an acrobatic catch that was originally ruled incomplete, but was reversed, to complete the try. 24-17 Saints.
With 5:42 remaining in the game, we were poised for overtime. Peyton Manning would lead the Colts to a tie, and who ever won the coin toss would likely win, especially since they were moving down the field with no problems. But then, Tracy Porter jumped a route, and ran an interception back for 6. The Saints took a commanding 31-17 lead with 3:12 left. The Colts would try to mount a comeback, but Reggie Wayne dropped a 4th down pass in the end zone, ending any slim chance the Colts had. The Saints ran out the clock, and became world champions. Drew Brees was the MVP after completing 32 of 39 passes for 288 yards, 2 TDs, and no INTs.
The Saints executed their game plan, keeping the ball out of Peyton Manning's hands as much as possible. The onside kick will go down as one of the best plays in Super Bowl history. And the city of New Orleans will party until next season.
Final Thoughts:
*Sean Payton is a really ballsy coach.
* The Colts ran the ball a lot better than I thought they would, and the Saints did not run the ball like I thought they would.
*Peyton Manning's legacy should not have a negative effect form this game.
*Drew Brees is the man.
*The Saints offensive line deserves a lot of credit. Jermon Bushrod, Carl Nicks, Jon Stichcomb, Jahri Evans, and Jonathan Goodwin had a great game, limiting Dwight Freeney and Co. to one sack.
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