So this is probably the latest Super Bowl article in the world as my computer crashed when I wrote this the first time…but in case you were stuck in a cave for the last few days, the New Orleans Saints won their first ever Super Bowl in a record setting Super Bowl XLIV over the Indianapolis Colts 31-17.
My prediction that the Colts would take out their second Super Bowl win in the last few years was horribly wrong, but it was still a great game with plenty of action and excitement.
Both teams played a well executed game and came up with big plays when they needed to, but the game was ultimately over when Colts quarterback Peyton Manning trying to take his team downfield, threw a touchdown to Saints cornerback Tracy Porter with 3:12 remaining in the game.
The pass was intended for Colts receiver Reggie Wayne but Porter jumped the route and returned it 74 yards for a touchdown to give New Orleans a 31-17 lead. The Colts were unable to rally in the final minutes, giving the Saints their first Super Bowl championship.
Saints quarterback Drew Brees was great in his first Super Bowl appearance, completing 32 of 39 passes for 288 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Manning threw for 333 yards, one touchdown and one interception and the loss now takes his post season record to an average nine wins and nine losses, hurting his quest to become of the great quarterbacks ever to play the game.
The biggest surprise of the game came on the first play of the second half as the Saints attempted an onside kickoff . It was a gamble and a risky move by Saints coach Sean Payton which paid off, as the Saints recovered it and six plays later, Saints running back Pierre Thomas scored on a 16-yard catch-and-run to give the Saints their first lead, 13-10.
The game was watched by more than 106 million people, surpassing the 1983 finale of “M*A*S*H” to become the most-watched program in U.S. television history.
Looking ahead both teams look poised to have great seasons again next year despite the fact that New Orleans may lose a few key players to free agency in the off season.
I will be keeping you up to date with all the big off season news, moves, trades, and draft stuff so make sure you sign up to the newsletter, subscribe to the RSS feed or add us on Facebook to stay updated.
