The first half ended with the Colts up 10-6 in a relatively unexciting first thirty minutes, but this game would prove to be about the second half and gutsy coaching decisions. Sean Payton's decision to open the second half with an onside kick was cold blooded. You never see this happen before the fourth quarter of games unless you're playing Madden. It was the spark his team needed, the perfect curveball to offset Peyton Manning and the ultimate momentum changer. During the following drive Manning was shown on the side line displaying one of his trademark awkward faces. The camera also was showing Dwight Freeney being retaped on the bench, just moments after halftime. Weird.
The Tide was turning. Drew Brees, who was absolutely amazing the entire game (32-39, 288, 2 td) drove the Saints down the field and connected with Pierre Thomas for a 16 yard screen pass. We'll talk about Brees shortly.
Manning on the ensuing drive made some beautiful passes in tough spots, which created the feel for an epic finish to this game. Manning was ticked off, but he wasn't going to go easy. He is the best in the league, he can score faster than anyone and he wasn't about to be upstaged by the Saints.
Unfortunately this was not going to be Manning's night. His performance will be remembered more for poor clock management on the Colt's final drive of the third quarter (something he never struggles with), his clear frustration with the Saint's defense and one of the worst interceptions we have ever seen from a player of his caliber in a clutch Super Bowl moment. Had he led the Colts back in the fourth quarter it would have been another chapter in the Peyton Manning comeback catalog. Legacy locked up. However, throwing such an awful pass, which led to the 74-yard pick-6, opens him up to conversations regarding his 9-9 career playoff record. Or his inability to break off of his game plan even when it is obvious he needs to. Or that he is really good in the regular season, but can't win big games (that was a mediocre Chicago Bears team). Sorry Peyton, but you can't really point any fingers.
The night showcased a tremendous quarterback matchup that many people thought would ultimately be won by Manning. Even with the remarkable season Brees recorded, he hadn't been here before. How would he handle the bright lights, the weight of New Orleans on his shoulders and the shadow Manning casts?
With guts, accuracy and total control.
He outplayed Kurt Warner and Brett Favre in the two games leading up to the Super Bowl. His numbers in 2008 and 2009 are staggering. Maybe his turnover free performance against the Colts was exactly what we all should have seen coming. Again, these are all on the field statistics. He is the face of the Saints AND the entire city of New Orleans. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL draft and played solid football for four seasons, but eventually left after the Chargers drafted Phillip Rivers and refused to offer Brees top-5 quarterback bucks. Miami and New Orleans chased him, the Dolphins were concerned about his health, so Brees signed with the Saints. He has thrown for over 4,300 yards every year since joining the team. On multiple drives during the Super Bowl, Brees made consecutive completions to lead the Saints downfield with authority. Brees, the little guy out of Purdue teams looked over, is the same guy in the huddle pre-game pumping up his squad. Dare I say... the best in the game?
Quick side note from Mr. Bill Simmons:
"What if the 2006 Dolphins had pursued Brees instead of stupidly going after Daunte Culpepper? Undeniably the best football 'What if' of this decade? If Miami gets Brees, the Saints don't win the Super Bowl XLIV; Nick Saban doesn't flee Miami as quickly as he did, or at the very least, doesn't go to Alabama (now we're swinging this year's NCAA title as well); the AFC would have the four best QBs (Brees, Rivers, Brady and Manning); Miami's future is obviously altered; and the Saints are almost definitely playing in San Antonio right now. Good Golly"
Word.
So congratulations to the city of New Orleans, Drew Brees, Sean Payton and the entire Saints team. The celebration should last as long as possible. Mardi Gras is going to be absolutely insane, part of me is thinking I should find my way to Bourbon Street in two weeks. I never went on a real Spring Break.
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