Saints bring joy to New Orleans

Drew Brees marched a completions record, Tracy Porter made another huge post-season play and the New Orleans Saints provided an early contender for sport’s feel good story of 2010 with a stunning 31-17 victory in Sunday’s Super Bowl.

MVP Brees racked up a monstrous 32 completions – 32 of 39 for 288 yards – to match Tom Brady’s Super Bowl record and send the state of Louisiana into delirious celebration. Running back Pierre Thomas and tight end Jeremy Shockey scored the touchdowns that gave the Saints a seven-point cushion heading into the final five minutes but it was Porter who really sunk the Indianapolis Colts, picking off a Peyton Manning throw intended for Reggie Wayne and racing to the end zone. It was the only turnover of the game – and it handed the Saints the trophy.

Manning had engineered a 10-0 first quarter lead but the Saints’ belief – generated by how far they have come since Hurricane Katrina and by the passion of their supporters – dragged them back into the game. By half-time, they had cut the deficit to 10-6 thanks to the boot of Garrett Hartley, who ended up with three field goals from more than 40 yards.

Shrewd coaching played its part too, with Saints head coach Sean Payton boldly gambling on a first half fourth down and cunningly starting the second half with an onside kick that led to Thomas’ touchdown. That latter play breathed life into his team.

Heading into the fourth quarter, it was still anyone’s game and the irrepressible Saints struck first as Brees picked out Shockey. New Orleans then went for the two-point conversion and, though Lance Moore’s quick-thinking score was initially ruled out, Payton successfully challenged to grab a 24-17 advantage.

The Colts, who gave so much to this spectacle through Joseph Addai and Pierre Garcon to name just two, had around five minutes to level but their drive ended abruptly as Porter stepped in front of Wayne for a priceless interception. After picking off Brett Favre in the closing seconds of the AFC Championship game, Porter again showed his big game pedigree.

Manning had one more surge in him but when the Saints courageously defended on their line, the Colts’ fate was sealed. And Manning’s wait for a second Super Bowl triumph would go on. Cue wild celebrations, hugs, tears and Payton receiving a Gatorade shower. Mardi Gras, due to begin in eight days’ time, was getting off to an early start in the Big Easy.

As Payton said as he received the trophy, it took a tremendous team effort to turn this much-mocked franchise into a winner.  And after everything that New Orleans has been through, there was an element of destiny too. The players and supporters have been a credit to their city and, as Sunday night drew to a close, it was impossible to find anyone who begrudged the buoyant Saints their moment in the sun.

Article written by Tom Oldfield

Tags: Drew Brees, MVP, New Orleans Saints, Super Bowl