Kansiov Talk: Super Bowl XLIV: Saints 31

I've been following the Superbowl since 2007 (XLI), and this game has been the first I've actually watched live (thanks to school). Boy was it exhilarating, especially in the second half. To be frank I'm neither a fan of either team, but for some reason I decided to support the Saints (the Darkhorse of the competition) this time.

Many commentators have said this game would indeed be a thrill and a very close game (3-7 points), as both teams have strong offense and a relatively mediocre defense. Of course like everyone else, many believe the game would core down to Brees Vs Manning. Statistically it is undisputed that Manning is the better player, however interestingly enough Brees's record this season brought him ahead of Tom Brady making him the 2nd best.

To be honest, the first half was rather disappointing. Both teams played it rather safe. Stover's 38 Yard Field Goal and Manning's trademark 19 yard pass to Garcon for a touch down lead the Indianapolis Colts for a comfortable 10 - 0 lead in the first quarter. This was countered by 2 46 and 44 yard Field Goals by Hartley in the second quarter for 10 - 6 lead in favor of the Colts by the first half. The Saints could have had their first touch down, if not for some brave last minute defending off the 2 yard line.

When 'The Who' were playing, me and SaintB were constantly bitching on MSN how poorly the first half went, and how safe it was. Seriously I mean, when was the last time a team in the Superbowl didn't even score a single touchdown by the half-time mark? I don't know seriously. All we could hope for is a much better second half from the Saints and the Colts.

In an almost god-like answer, the 3rd Quarter started off with a bang. The Saints started off with an onside kick to regain possession (after a giant mash-up), catching everyone off guard, eventually finishing the unexpected drive with their first touchdown. 13 - 10 in favor of the Saints. In an almost instantaneous response, Manning and the Colts responded with a touchdown, courtesy of an exuberant run by Joseph Addai to bring the Colts once again into the lead, 17 - 13. In the Saint's drive, they decided to go for a Field Goal (much to my frustration) by the 47 Yard line, and Hartley duly delivered. They were however still trailing 16 - 17. It would be a pivotal final quarter.

The forth quarter saw a rather panicky display. P. Manning made numerous incomplete passes (unacceptable for his caliber), which inevitably led to a New Orleans Drive which dejavued them back to the 3 yard line, in which they failed to pass in the first quarter after 3 attempts. This time however, it was different. A 2 Yard pass to Shockley, whom collapsed into his marker and into the touchdown line brought the Saints forward. In sheer luck, they earned an extra 2 points after what was thought by everyone to be a fumble. Saints lead 24 - 17 with 5 minutes and 47 seconds to play. The Colts needed a Touch Down and 2 Extra points to lead (or basically need to repeat what the Saints just exactly did). Manning rallied his troops for attack, easing pass the Saints' defense to the 50 yard line. However, it was here where the Saints' started to show their defensive prowess. A couple of incomplete passes, and a near turnover stalled the Colts' onslaught. Then, in a very rare occasion, P. Manning's ball was intercepted (Manning only had his passes intercepted 16 times in the entire year). Tracy Porter, undoubtedly one of the fastest players on the field zipped past the bewildered Colts to score the final touchdown of the game with 3 minutes plus of play. By then, the Saints had a comfortable lead and the Superbowl was likely to be in the books... well not quite. The final few minutes saw the Colts attempting and failing numerous attempts to get passes into the end zone. By the 31st second after a incomplete Manning pass into the Red Zone, the Colts finally conceded defeat.

It was the first win for the Saints, and a hell of a game for me to type my entire recollection out. Well played to the Saints, especially Drew Brees who made 32 complete passes out of 39 attempts, a whopping 82% for the game. (I think that's a Superbowl record)

Probably a more accurate highlight: