The biggest party - and that's saying something - in New Orleans history is under way. It began Sunday night.
It hit a peak on Tuesday night, when an estimated 800,000 people celebrated the Saints' championship parade in front of an international television audience.
It may not end for a week. Mardi Gras, perhaps the biggest and most famous annual party on the continent, wraps up on February 16. Many Saints and owner Tom Benson will be riding again as kings of the biggest parades.
We can only speculate how many of Super Bowl XLIV MVP QB Drew Brees' throws were on target to receivers in the crowd, but we imagine it was at or better than his league-record of 70.6%.
The entire Saints organization rode a dozen borrowed floats in a zigzag through downtown, including a toast from the mayor and the governor, in the biggest gathering in the city's history that was organized in less than three weeks' time.
Can New Orleans party or what?
February 10, 2010
February 9, 2010
Saints Parade rolls this evening
The entire Saints organization will be rolling through downtown New Orleans in front of the Superdome starting at 5pm today. Lombardi Gras (or Who Dat Tuesday) celebrations are underway in a fashion they've never seen before, as many krewes the city have donated their floats to the Saints' Super Bowl champions parade.
Color guards, fire trucks, dance teams, numerous marching bands and a total of ten donated floats will roll through crowds that were massing hours before the event. Saints owner Tom Benson will ride in the lead float, followed by Drew Brees and Sean Payton in the second.
The mayor and governor of the city and state will address the route from a grandstand. Student were let out early today in the city.
Color guards, fire trucks, dance teams, numerous marching bands and a total of ten donated floats will roll through crowds that were massing hours before the event. Saints owner Tom Benson will ride in the lead float, followed by Drew Brees and Sean Payton in the second.
The mayor and governor of the city and state will address the route from a grandstand. Student were let out early today in the city.
February 8, 2010
The offseason approacheth
Saints free agents: Lots of news has been made about impending free agency season's impact on the Saints. Perhaps it is fitting that the Saints got their Super Bowl victory in before the league teeters off the edge of labor apocalypse. The uncapped 2010 offseason is approaching, a system designed to deter the two sides from ever getting to this point. We'll see public opinion sour severely against the NFL as it nears the March 5 death of the salary cap. We'll also see more and more players putting pressure on inexperienced Player Union leadership to get a deal done. The death of the salary cap will hardly benefit either side, as a tsunami of public opinion decries both sides.
Regardless, the Saints approach the 2010 uncapped season and its myriad special rules with something to benefit. We'll recap what we wrote in early January.
On March 5, 2010, restricted free agency will shift from players entering their fourth year to players entering their fourth, fifth, or sixth years of veterancy, meaning that players with four or five of experience in the NFL will miss out on a potential eight-figure check and have to settle for a restricted free agency tender offer of one year.
Under the old and new rules, these players will be RFA's for the Saints in 2010: RB Mike Bell, Pro Bowl G Jahri Evans, SS Roman Harper, WR Lance Moore, OT Zach Strief, TE David Thomas, CB Leigh Torrence.
Under the new uncapped year rules, these Saints players would have been unrestricted free agents but will now be RFA's: OT Jammal Brown, DT Anthony Hargrove, WR Courtney Roby.
Hargrove and Roby played very well this season and Brown still has value as a high-level performer at left tackle, so all three would be hitting the open market under past rules.
Thanks to the uncapped seasons, Brown, Hargrove, Roby may be in line for significantly less pay in 2010, as the Saints will be able to retain their services with a restricted free agent tender that will require draft pick compensation from a poaching team.
2010 Draft: The 2010 NFL Draft is moving to a radically new format, with the first round starting during prime time on Thursday, April 22 instead of Saturday afternoon. The official draft schedule has yet to be finalized, but it is no secret that the league is aiming for bigger TV ratings for their college-to-pro graduation ceremony.
That schedule means that the Super Bowl XLIV Saints will be picking with the 32nd overall selection late Thursday night, April 22. The Colts pick 31st.
Stallworth free: Former Saints WR Donte Stallworth, a first round pick of the Saints in 2002 who was electric as a rookie, has been released by the Browns. It is just the latest event in the troubled story of the former Tennessee star, who most recently served 24 days in jail after manslaughter charges resulted from the death of a pedestrian as Stallworth sped through early morning Miami Beach, FL.
Regardless, the Saints approach the 2010 uncapped season and its myriad special rules with something to benefit. We'll recap what we wrote in early January.
On March 5, 2010, restricted free agency will shift from players entering their fourth year to players entering their fourth, fifth, or sixth years of veterancy, meaning that players with four or five of experience in the NFL will miss out on a potential eight-figure check and have to settle for a restricted free agency tender offer of one year.
Under the old and new rules, these players will be RFA's for the Saints in 2010: RB Mike Bell, Pro Bowl G Jahri Evans, SS Roman Harper, WR Lance Moore, OT Zach Strief, TE David Thomas, CB Leigh Torrence.
Under the new uncapped year rules, these Saints players would have been unrestricted free agents but will now be RFA's: OT Jammal Brown, DT Anthony Hargrove, WR Courtney Roby.
Hargrove and Roby played very well this season and Brown still has value as a high-level performer at left tackle, so all three would be hitting the open market under past rules.
Thanks to the uncapped seasons, Brown, Hargrove, Roby may be in line for significantly less pay in 2010, as the Saints will be able to retain their services with a restricted free agent tender that will require draft pick compensation from a poaching team.
2010 Draft: The 2010 NFL Draft is moving to a radically new format, with the first round starting during prime time on Thursday, April 22 instead of Saturday afternoon. The official draft schedule has yet to be finalized, but it is no secret that the league is aiming for bigger TV ratings for their college-to-pro graduation ceremony.
That schedule means that the Super Bowl XLIV Saints will be picking with the 32nd overall selection late Thursday night, April 22. The Colts pick 31st.
Stallworth free: Former Saints WR Donte Stallworth, a first round pick of the Saints in 2002 who was electric as a rookie, has been released by the Browns. It is just the latest event in the troubled story of the former Tennessee star, who most recently served 24 days in jail after manslaughter charges resulted from the death of a pedestrian as Stallworth sped through early morning Miami Beach, FL.
Saints' win echoes around a continent
Not only was Super Bowl XLIV the most watched television show in the history of U.S. television shows (surpassing the 1983 M.A.S.H. finale), but it also broke the Canadian TV ratings record.
Thousands greeted the Saints at Armstrong International today as their charter plane returned to home soil, and Saints TE Billy Miller was in awe of the numbers and attention: "They shut down the HWY from so many fans at the airport. Congrats New Orleans you deserve it!" So was ESPN's Rachel Nichols, on location. She snapped this picture of a young fan.
Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal wagered the Super Bowl Indiana governor Mitch Daniels - the stakes the flag of the other's home state football team flying over state property. We'll see if Daniels honors the deal, his office sniped at Maryland governor Martin O'Malley over failing to honor his part of a similar deal.
Drew Brees is a busy man now. He was in Disney World parades today, defying laws of physics, also recorded an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman today, which will air tonight.
The presses are still rolling at the Times-Picayune, where demand for Super Bowl "Amen!" issues is staggering.
Jets safety Kerry Rhodes, himself a bit disgruntled and perhaps on his way out, congratulated another former Jet who was shipped off when he wrote: "I'm happy 4 my brother J vilma some people wanted him out a situation, he got out and got the BIG ONE! Congrats."
Cowboys Hall of Fame QB Troy Aikman wrote: "Congratulations to Sean Payton, Drew Brees and the entire Saints organization...quite a thrill for the city of New Orleans. Well done!"
Aikman's longtime backfield teammate, Hall of Famer Emmit Smith wrote: "Big time congrats to drewbrees his Saints teammates and the whole who dat nation"
Boston Celtics Glen Davis (of LSU) and Rajon Rondo (of Kentucky) will ride with the Saints in their Super Bowl parade tomorrow.
Saints CB Usama Young wrote: "Who dat?! We dat!!! Nola, we're back... The kids posed for the cam while everybody welcomed us back from MIA" and included this picture.
Saints CB Leigh Torrence wrote: "Back home in New Orleans! First time home on the couch being a champion! Feels So Good!!!"
Former NFL OL and Sports Illustrated write Ross Tucker wrote: "How about the stark contrast between the Colts 3 runs at end of 1st half and Saints onside kick? Aggressive beat Conservative. Usually does."
Jets kicker Jay Feely wrote: "Happy for Drew Brees (one of the best guys in NFL) and New Orleans!! Their rebirth from Katrina is complete. They deserve this celebration."
Lastly, strangely, former Bills great Thurman Thomas took a shot at former Bills head coach and Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams when he wrote: "Now everyone wants Greg Williams to b a HC candidate. He's a DC, not a head coach!!!!!!!! Retread!!!!!"
Thousands greeted the Saints at Armstrong International today as their charter plane returned to home soil, and Saints TE Billy Miller was in awe of the numbers and attention: "They shut down the HWY from so many fans at the airport. Congrats New Orleans you deserve it!" So was ESPN's Rachel Nichols, on location. She snapped this picture of a young fan.
Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal wagered the Super Bowl Indiana governor Mitch Daniels - the stakes the flag of the other's home state football team flying over state property. We'll see if Daniels honors the deal, his office sniped at Maryland governor Martin O'Malley over failing to honor his part of a similar deal.
Drew Brees is a busy man now. He was in Disney World parades today, defying laws of physics, also recorded an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman today, which will air tonight.
The presses are still rolling at the Times-Picayune, where demand for Super Bowl "Amen!" issues is staggering.
Jets safety Kerry Rhodes, himself a bit disgruntled and perhaps on his way out, congratulated another former Jet who was shipped off when he wrote: "I'm happy 4 my brother J vilma some people wanted him out a situation, he got out and got the BIG ONE! Congrats."
Cowboys Hall of Fame QB Troy Aikman wrote: "Congratulations to Sean Payton, Drew Brees and the entire Saints organization...quite a thrill for the city of New Orleans. Well done!"
Aikman's longtime backfield teammate, Hall of Famer Emmit Smith wrote: "Big time congrats to drewbrees his Saints teammates and the whole who dat nation"
Boston Celtics Glen Davis (of LSU) and Rajon Rondo (of Kentucky) will ride with the Saints in their Super Bowl parade tomorrow.
Saints CB Usama Young wrote: "Who dat?! We dat!!! Nola, we're back... The kids posed for the cam while everybody welcomed us back from MIA" and included this picture.
Saints CB Leigh Torrence wrote: "Back home in New Orleans! First time home on the couch being a champion! Feels So Good!!!"
Former NFL OL and Sports Illustrated write Ross Tucker wrote: "How about the stark contrast between the Colts 3 runs at end of 1st half and Saints onside kick? Aggressive beat Conservative. Usually does."
Jets kicker Jay Feely wrote: "Happy for Drew Brees (one of the best guys in NFL) and New Orleans!! Their rebirth from Katrina is complete. They deserve this celebration."
Lastly, strangely, former Bills great Thurman Thomas took a shot at former Bills head coach and Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams when he wrote: "Now everyone wants Greg Williams to b a HC candidate. He's a DC, not a head coach!!!!!!!! Retread!!!!!"
Saints, nation relish Super win
Drew Brees in a post-game press conference said, "We played for so much more than just ourselves, we played for our city, we played for the entire Gulf Coast region, we played for the entire Who Dat Nation, who was behind us every step of the way."
New Orleans resident, former LSU and starting Colts RB Joseph Addai said: "Obviously, I feel good for the fans of New Orleans, with everything that's going on. They have something else to turn to. I understand the problems, and the Saints deserved to win."
LSU head football coach Les Miles wrote: "Great team victory. Great for the state. Great for the city. Congratulations to coach Payton and the Saints. Who Dat!" During the game, The Hat also wrote: "Wow! What a way to start the second half. Gutsy call by Coach Payton - I liked it!" and "Enjoying a great Super Bowl. Former LSU players making a big impact. Addai running hard, Devery has made some nice catches."
Baton Rouge native, former Buc and Falcon RB Warrick Dunn wrote: "Really hate to say I told ya so but...I'm happy no matter what. Mardi Gras comes to Miami. Bourbon Street on a roll."
Comedian George Lopez wrote: "Say Hello to the NEW America's Team .. Superbowl Champs The New Orleans SAINTS!!"
Former Saints and Rams DT La'Roi Glover wrote: "Congratulations to the Saints Family and the the entire city of New Orleans! Who Dat!!"
Drew Brees' college teammate and former Raider safety Stuart Schweigert wrote: "GAME! BTFU. Congrats to my QB, Drew Breeees. ... That had to of been terrible for Archie Manning to watch that Pick 6, he had to be so happy and sad at the same time."
Hornets PG Chris Paul wrote: "Words can't express how happy I am for the city of NEW ORLEANS rite now...to kno those guys and how hard they've worked...VERY DESERVING!!!"
Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong wrote: "Great win by the saints. Great coaching and players ready to play. Austin boy Drew Brees does good."
Saints IR CB Leigh Torrence wrote: "World Champions! Who Dat!!! We did it!!!"
Rookie punter Thomas Morstead dedicated his big Super Bowl performance to his college special teams coach, Frank Gansz Sr., who passed away at the age of 70, the day after Morstead was drafted. Gansz Sr. was a longtime coach at the pro and collegiate levels. Morstead's impressive rookie season was capped by including a successful onside kick to open the second half, two punts for 44 yard average, and three of six kickoffs in the end zone.
RB Reggie Bush wrote: "Here it is baby! Who Dat! New Orleans I got you! San Diego I got you!!!!!" and published this picture of him and the Lombardi Trophy in the Saints' locker room.
QB Chase Daniel wrote: "World Champions! There is no better feeling!"
RB Pierre Thomas kept his promise to give his his touchdown football to retired Saints Deuce McAllister.
TE Billy Miller wrote: "Thank you Jesus! I love you New Orleans! We did it! All of us, we did it! Wish you could have seen this dad"
ESPN reporter Rachel Nichols wrote: "Have been trying to upload photos of French Quarter but cell signals jammed - just picture the biggest party you've seen...and multiply it."
Former LSU and current Falcons CB Chevis Jackson wrote: "Ok they did it... Congrats to the aints... I'm light weight hatin tho.. Shout out to t.porter big play..."
Packers RB Ryan Grant wrote: "Much respect to the Saints & the city New Orleans....much deserved win and this is great for all that city has been...a city of spirit... Soooo for tonight and only tonight...lol ima be yelling WWHHOOOO DATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!! Lol Enjoy it"
Former Tulane and current Bears RB Matt Forte wrote: "Congrats to the saints and the city of N.O."
Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco wrote: "Congrats to the city of NEW ORLEANS, may you all enjoy this superbowl victory-after all the city has endured this is much deserved."
Titans K Rob Bironas wrote: "After a good game...the Saints come marching in...looks like Mardi Gras is off to an early start!"
Former Falcons RB Jamal Anderson wrote: "I'm out yo, what a game. The City of New Orleans is so deserving as well. Shouts to the homie reggie_bush kid you got one! Whoa"
Former Giants DL Michael Strahan wrote: "I want to be on Bourbon Street right now. Forget Miami the party in N. Orleans!!!"
Giants WR Steve Smith wrote: "congrats to my boy reggie and the saints.. the city of new orleans deserves it after all theyve been thru"
ESPN's Sportscenter twitter account wrote: "When you're wrong, you're wrong. Saints proved a lot of people wrong today. Congratulations to the Saints and all of New Orleans."
NASA astronaut Jose Hernandez wrote: "Congrats to the Saints!Super Bowl Champions!Great Game! Felicitacions a los Santos de Nuevo Orleans! Campeones del Super Tazon! Buen Juego!"
Actor Rainn Wilson of The Office wrote: "A sincere congratulations to the great city of New Orleans - the better team (and better coached team) WON!"
Sports Illustrated writer Stewart Mandel wrote: "I want to see brees and his little boy on the cover of SI this week. Make it happen guys."
ESPN's Bruce Feldman wrote: "I bet 20 years from now the thing I'll remember most from this Super Bowl is the sweet image of Drew Brees hugging his baby boy."
New Orleans resident, former LSU and starting Colts RB Joseph Addai said: "Obviously, I feel good for the fans of New Orleans, with everything that's going on. They have something else to turn to. I understand the problems, and the Saints deserved to win."
LSU head football coach Les Miles wrote: "Great team victory. Great for the state. Great for the city. Congratulations to coach Payton and the Saints. Who Dat!" During the game, The Hat also wrote: "Wow! What a way to start the second half. Gutsy call by Coach Payton - I liked it!" and "Enjoying a great Super Bowl. Former LSU players making a big impact. Addai running hard, Devery has made some nice catches."
Baton Rouge native, former Buc and Falcon RB Warrick Dunn wrote: "Really hate to say I told ya so but...I'm happy no matter what. Mardi Gras comes to Miami. Bourbon Street on a roll."
Comedian George Lopez wrote: "Say Hello to the NEW America's Team .. Superbowl Champs The New Orleans SAINTS!!"
Former Saints and Rams DT La'Roi Glover wrote: "Congratulations to the Saints Family and the the entire city of New Orleans! Who Dat!!"
Drew Brees' college teammate and former Raider safety Stuart Schweigert wrote: "GAME! BTFU. Congrats to my QB, Drew Breeees. ... That had to of been terrible for Archie Manning to watch that Pick 6, he had to be so happy and sad at the same time."
Hornets PG Chris Paul wrote: "Words can't express how happy I am for the city of NEW ORLEANS rite now...to kno those guys and how hard they've worked...VERY DESERVING!!!"
Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong wrote: "Great win by the saints. Great coaching and players ready to play. Austin boy Drew Brees does good."
Saints IR CB Leigh Torrence wrote: "World Champions! Who Dat!!! We did it!!!"
Rookie punter Thomas Morstead dedicated his big Super Bowl performance to his college special teams coach, Frank Gansz Sr., who passed away at the age of 70, the day after Morstead was drafted. Gansz Sr. was a longtime coach at the pro and collegiate levels. Morstead's impressive rookie season was capped by including a successful onside kick to open the second half, two punts for 44 yard average, and three of six kickoffs in the end zone.
RB Reggie Bush wrote: "Here it is baby! Who Dat! New Orleans I got you! San Diego I got you!!!!!" and published this picture of him and the Lombardi Trophy in the Saints' locker room.
QB Chase Daniel wrote: "World Champions! There is no better feeling!"
RB Pierre Thomas kept his promise to give his his touchdown football to retired Saints Deuce McAllister.
TE Billy Miller wrote: "Thank you Jesus! I love you New Orleans! We did it! All of us, we did it! Wish you could have seen this dad"
ESPN reporter Rachel Nichols wrote: "Have been trying to upload photos of French Quarter but cell signals jammed - just picture the biggest party you've seen...and multiply it."
Former LSU and current Falcons CB Chevis Jackson wrote: "Ok they did it... Congrats to the aints... I'm light weight hatin tho.. Shout out to t.porter big play..."
Packers RB Ryan Grant wrote: "Much respect to the Saints & the city New Orleans....much deserved win and this is great for all that city has been...a city of spirit... Soooo for tonight and only tonight...lol ima be yelling WWHHOOOO DATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!! Lol Enjoy it"
Former Tulane and current Bears RB Matt Forte wrote: "Congrats to the saints and the city of N.O."
Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco wrote: "Congrats to the city of NEW ORLEANS, may you all enjoy this superbowl victory-after all the city has endured this is much deserved."
Titans K Rob Bironas wrote: "After a good game...the Saints come marching in...looks like Mardi Gras is off to an early start!"
Former Falcons RB Jamal Anderson wrote: "I'm out yo, what a game. The City of New Orleans is so deserving as well. Shouts to the homie reggie_bush kid you got one! Whoa"
Former Giants DL Michael Strahan wrote: "I want to be on Bourbon Street right now. Forget Miami the party in N. Orleans!!!"
Giants WR Steve Smith wrote: "congrats to my boy reggie and the saints.. the city of new orleans deserves it after all theyve been thru"
ESPN's Sportscenter twitter account wrote: "When you're wrong, you're wrong. Saints proved a lot of people wrong today. Congratulations to the Saints and all of New Orleans."
NASA astronaut Jose Hernandez wrote: "Congrats to the Saints!Super Bowl Champions!Great Game! Felicitacions a los Santos de Nuevo Orleans! Campeones del Super Tazon! Buen Juego!"
Actor Rainn Wilson of The Office wrote: "A sincere congratulations to the great city of New Orleans - the better team (and better coached team) WON!"
Sports Illustrated writer Stewart Mandel wrote: "I want to see brees and his little boy on the cover of SI this week. Make it happen guys."
ESPN's Bruce Feldman wrote: "I bet 20 years from now the thing I'll remember most from this Super Bowl is the sweet image of Drew Brees hugging his baby boy."
February 7, 2010
Brees outguns Manning as Porter seals Saints Super Bowl victory, 31-17
Peyton Manning won the regular season NFL MVP. Drew Brees won the Super Bowl MVP.
The Saints' slow start featured a game-opening three-and-out drive, followed by a six-play drive that also resulted in a punt. The Colts built a 10-0 lead in their first two drives, connecting on a short field goal after the Saints' defense held, but then Manning victimized backup CB Usama Young for a touchdown pass to WR Pierre Garcon.
Brees led the team to two second quarter field goals, both connected from long distance by Garrett Hartley. The Saints had a shot at three second quarter scores, but a tough Colts defense won a battle at the goal line.
After the Saints forced a Colts three-and-out in the middle of the second quarter, they moved from their own 28 yard line to the Colt three yard line on the strength of a 13 yard strike to Colston and a 21 yard catch, juke dazzle and dash by WR Lance Moore. Moore made the most of two of his three Superbowl touches, with that remarkable gainer on third and two and a later catch that will go down as one of the most acrobatic in Super Bowl history.
But that drive which reached first and goal at the Colt three yard line with 3:42 left in the half would be hard fought. Brees on a quick pass to Moore got no yardage, and on second down Zach Strief was called for a false start. Strief received lots of playing time in the Super Bowl as a sixth lineman, often going in motion. It was a novel usage of the Saints' deep offensive line corps on display tonight, especially when the Saints went with a six linemen, four receiver formation.
On second down and eight, Pierre Thomas zipped around right tackle for seven yards down inside the Colt one yard line, setting up third and inches. The call was to Mike Bell off right tackle, but Bell slipped on the slick natural turf and was dropped at the one yard line. On fourth down, just inside the two minute warning, the Saints went for it again. Payton dialed up the third straight run off right tackle and Thomas was bowled over and stopped short of the goal line.
Taking over at their own one yard line, the Colts moved within inches of the first down marker but the Saints defense had a big stand of their own, holding upback Mike Hart to no gain on third and inches. The Colts punted to Reggie Bush at midfield.
Brees, with :35 left, closed the distance necessary for Hartley's second field goal with a strike over the middle to Devery Henderson for 19 yards. Hartley's 44 yard kick pulled the Saints to within four points.
A 10-6 halftime lead for the Colts looked steady enough, especially since the Colts would receive the second half opening kickoff.
Or would they?
Out of a conventional kickoff formation, rookie punter Thomas Morstead's gorgeous onside kick across his body was recovered at the bottom of a very large pile by special teamer Chris Reis, a huge play for one of the top special teams cover men in the league.
It was the first onside kick attempt outside the fourth quarter in Super Bowl history, and one of the more courageous calls in the game's long history as well. It was set up by the Saints' winning the opening toss and electing to receive.
With all the momentum, Brees jumped on the Colts defense with four straight completions, then a seven-yard run up the middle by Pierre Thomas moved the Saints within the Colts red zone.
A signature screen pass from Brees to Pierre Thomas had a familiar result- a patiently rumbling Thomas evaded five different Colts defenders and ran away from the rest of them.
That Thomas touchdown was eerily similar to his screen pass rumble touchdown against Minnesota, and was perfected throughout the regular season. It was deployed by Payton masterfully and executed by downfield blockers perfectly.
But that 13-10 lead would be short-lived. The Colts stole back the momentum with a ten play, 76-yard drive that featured five first down conversions and eventually a touchdown run by former LSU product Joseph Addai with 6:15 left in the third quarter. Stover's extra point would prove to be the Colts' final scoring.
It wouldn't have been believed to have predicted that the Saints would shut the Colts out in the remaining 21:15 of game time left. But Gregg Williams' scheme, which saw the Saints start the game in a 3-4 and play most of the time in 3-4 or 3-3-5 formations, would do just that.
The Saints fought to within one point when Hartley hit his third clutch field goal from 47 yards out four minutes later, and the teams went into the fourth quarter with the Colts holding a slim lead. On that drive, Brees threw incomplete to Reggie Bush in the left flat, a fastball deflecting out of Bush's hands with 4:49 left in the third quarter. That would be the last incompletion of Brees' night.
The fourth quarter, as was the second quarter, would be owned by New Orleans.
The Colts moved to the Saint 32 in the beginning of the fourth quarter, and with a first and ten rushed two yards to the 30. But the Saints then dropped an Austin Collie dump-off pass for a three yard loss, and on one of the game's few deep down field passes, Jonathan Vilma went up high to disrupt a would-be touchdown to Collie, setting up 4th and 11.
Matt Stover, the Colts' kicker and the oldest player to ever play in a Super Bowl, attempted and hooked left a 51 yard field goal that awarded Brees the ball at his own 41. It appeared the kick was outside of the aging Stover's range, while the Colts had deactivated a healthy Adam Vinatieri.
Still down by one point, the Saints then went on the most significant drive in franchise history with 10:39 left in the season.
Reggie Bush ripped off a 12-yard run to start the drive, moving the Saints into Colts territory. Brees went after the Colts with an unstoppable short passing game, hitting his backs and receivers for gains of 5, 6, 8, 8, 6, and 9 yards, moving the Saints with a long, time-consuming drive to the Colts five yard line. Pierre Thomas got down to the two with a run off right tackle, and then Brees drilled the ball into Jeremy Shockey's chest for the go-ahead touchdown.
Shockey lined up wide right and stabbed inside of his coverage, presenting Brees a perfect target for a left-side throw and touchdown, a undefendable play. Up five points, the Saints went for the two point conversion that saw Lance Moore make an unbelievable play with the ball.
With trips receivers to the right and Reggie Bush in the backfield, Brees rolled right with protection and hit Moore running parallel to the goal line. Moore's feet in the end zone and falling down, he caught the ball in the field of play and rolled on his side and the back of his neck as he extended the ball in front of him, inverted, over the goal line.
It took two impacts from Jacob Lacey's legs to jar the ball free as the limber Moore was pretzeled, legs flying high. While a side judge eyeballing the play ruled it incomplete, a Sean Payton challenge and initiated a replay review that reversed the call and put the Saints up by seven points, 24-17. That eight point drive took 4:57 off the clock in the fourth quarter.
Peyton Manning, a New Orleans native and son of Archie, is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. But in the fourth quarter, the Saints defense rose above Manning's team-on-shoulders effort.
With 5:42 left, Manning began his deadly fourth quarter bombardment of the Saints, just as he had begun so many other fourth quarter comebacks and game-sealing drives this season. But he hadn't faced a defense so good at creating turnovers, and while only one turnover was created in Super Bowl XLIV, it was a game-sealer.
Manning hit on four of six passes to move his team from their own 30 to the Saints' 31 in roughly two minutes, but that seventh pass attempt was read by Tracy Porter, who stepped in front of Reggie Wayne, caught the ball and was streaking down the right hashmarks in one fluid motion.
Porter picked up a key block from RDE Will Smith and zipped free for the game-clinching score from 74 yards out. The Port Allen, La. native Porter picked Vikings QB Brett Favre and Manning in successive fourth quarters, but his interception of Manning will likely be the play to remember of Super Bowl XLIV.
With 3:05 left, Manning was down 14 and not without hope. He moved his team from their own 14 to the Saints' 3 yard line with eight straight passes. That yardage included a 40-yard strike to Collie, an unnecessary roughness penalty on DT Anthony Hargrove that gave the Colts a first down, and an offensive pass interference call on Garcon that prevented Saints CB Jabari Greer from intercepting Manning along the side of the end zone.
Manning had six snaps inside the Saint 13 yard line but couldn't punch it in. That included a second down pass which Scott Shanle got a palm on to deflect high and off the cross bars, a third down run to the right by Addai that Sedrick Ellis and Hargrove stopped for a two yard loss, and a fourth down incompletion that was in and out of Reggie Wayne's hands over the middle.
It was a titanic defensive victory by Gregg Williams and his tried-in-fire Saints defense over Manning, the author of five fourth quarter comeback victories in 2009 and the AP NFL MVP.
To seal Super Bowl XLIV, Drew Brees kneeled off the final :44 seconds of the clock.
The Saints' slow start featured a game-opening three-and-out drive, followed by a six-play drive that also resulted in a punt. The Colts built a 10-0 lead in their first two drives, connecting on a short field goal after the Saints' defense held, but then Manning victimized backup CB Usama Young for a touchdown pass to WR Pierre Garcon.
Brees led the team to two second quarter field goals, both connected from long distance by Garrett Hartley. The Saints had a shot at three second quarter scores, but a tough Colts defense won a battle at the goal line.
After the Saints forced a Colts three-and-out in the middle of the second quarter, they moved from their own 28 yard line to the Colt three yard line on the strength of a 13 yard strike to Colston and a 21 yard catch, juke dazzle and dash by WR Lance Moore. Moore made the most of two of his three Superbowl touches, with that remarkable gainer on third and two and a later catch that will go down as one of the most acrobatic in Super Bowl history.
But that drive which reached first and goal at the Colt three yard line with 3:42 left in the half would be hard fought. Brees on a quick pass to Moore got no yardage, and on second down Zach Strief was called for a false start. Strief received lots of playing time in the Super Bowl as a sixth lineman, often going in motion. It was a novel usage of the Saints' deep offensive line corps on display tonight, especially when the Saints went with a six linemen, four receiver formation.
On second down and eight, Pierre Thomas zipped around right tackle for seven yards down inside the Colt one yard line, setting up third and inches. The call was to Mike Bell off right tackle, but Bell slipped on the slick natural turf and was dropped at the one yard line. On fourth down, just inside the two minute warning, the Saints went for it again. Payton dialed up the third straight run off right tackle and Thomas was bowled over and stopped short of the goal line.
Taking over at their own one yard line, the Colts moved within inches of the first down marker but the Saints defense had a big stand of their own, holding upback Mike Hart to no gain on third and inches. The Colts punted to Reggie Bush at midfield.
Brees, with :35 left, closed the distance necessary for Hartley's second field goal with a strike over the middle to Devery Henderson for 19 yards. Hartley's 44 yard kick pulled the Saints to within four points.
A 10-6 halftime lead for the Colts looked steady enough, especially since the Colts would receive the second half opening kickoff.
Or would they?
Out of a conventional kickoff formation, rookie punter Thomas Morstead's gorgeous onside kick across his body was recovered at the bottom of a very large pile by special teamer Chris Reis, a huge play for one of the top special teams cover men in the league.
It was the first onside kick attempt outside the fourth quarter in Super Bowl history, and one of the more courageous calls in the game's long history as well. It was set up by the Saints' winning the opening toss and electing to receive.
With all the momentum, Brees jumped on the Colts defense with four straight completions, then a seven-yard run up the middle by Pierre Thomas moved the Saints within the Colts red zone.
A signature screen pass from Brees to Pierre Thomas had a familiar result- a patiently rumbling Thomas evaded five different Colts defenders and ran away from the rest of them.
That Thomas touchdown was eerily similar to his screen pass rumble touchdown against Minnesota, and was perfected throughout the regular season. It was deployed by Payton masterfully and executed by downfield blockers perfectly.
But that 13-10 lead would be short-lived. The Colts stole back the momentum with a ten play, 76-yard drive that featured five first down conversions and eventually a touchdown run by former LSU product Joseph Addai with 6:15 left in the third quarter. Stover's extra point would prove to be the Colts' final scoring.
It wouldn't have been believed to have predicted that the Saints would shut the Colts out in the remaining 21:15 of game time left. But Gregg Williams' scheme, which saw the Saints start the game in a 3-4 and play most of the time in 3-4 or 3-3-5 formations, would do just that.
The Saints fought to within one point when Hartley hit his third clutch field goal from 47 yards out four minutes later, and the teams went into the fourth quarter with the Colts holding a slim lead. On that drive, Brees threw incomplete to Reggie Bush in the left flat, a fastball deflecting out of Bush's hands with 4:49 left in the third quarter. That would be the last incompletion of Brees' night.
The fourth quarter, as was the second quarter, would be owned by New Orleans.
The Colts moved to the Saint 32 in the beginning of the fourth quarter, and with a first and ten rushed two yards to the 30. But the Saints then dropped an Austin Collie dump-off pass for a three yard loss, and on one of the game's few deep down field passes, Jonathan Vilma went up high to disrupt a would-be touchdown to Collie, setting up 4th and 11.
Matt Stover, the Colts' kicker and the oldest player to ever play in a Super Bowl, attempted and hooked left a 51 yard field goal that awarded Brees the ball at his own 41. It appeared the kick was outside of the aging Stover's range, while the Colts had deactivated a healthy Adam Vinatieri.
Still down by one point, the Saints then went on the most significant drive in franchise history with 10:39 left in the season.
Reggie Bush ripped off a 12-yard run to start the drive, moving the Saints into Colts territory. Brees went after the Colts with an unstoppable short passing game, hitting his backs and receivers for gains of 5, 6, 8, 8, 6, and 9 yards, moving the Saints with a long, time-consuming drive to the Colts five yard line. Pierre Thomas got down to the two with a run off right tackle, and then Brees drilled the ball into Jeremy Shockey's chest for the go-ahead touchdown.
Shockey lined up wide right and stabbed inside of his coverage, presenting Brees a perfect target for a left-side throw and touchdown, a undefendable play. Up five points, the Saints went for the two point conversion that saw Lance Moore make an unbelievable play with the ball.
With trips receivers to the right and Reggie Bush in the backfield, Brees rolled right with protection and hit Moore running parallel to the goal line. Moore's feet in the end zone and falling down, he caught the ball in the field of play and rolled on his side and the back of his neck as he extended the ball in front of him, inverted, over the goal line.
It took two impacts from Jacob Lacey's legs to jar the ball free as the limber Moore was pretzeled, legs flying high. While a side judge eyeballing the play ruled it incomplete, a Sean Payton challenge and initiated a replay review that reversed the call and put the Saints up by seven points, 24-17. That eight point drive took 4:57 off the clock in the fourth quarter.
Peyton Manning, a New Orleans native and son of Archie, is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. But in the fourth quarter, the Saints defense rose above Manning's team-on-shoulders effort.
With 5:42 left, Manning began his deadly fourth quarter bombardment of the Saints, just as he had begun so many other fourth quarter comebacks and game-sealing drives this season. But he hadn't faced a defense so good at creating turnovers, and while only one turnover was created in Super Bowl XLIV, it was a game-sealer.
Manning hit on four of six passes to move his team from their own 30 to the Saints' 31 in roughly two minutes, but that seventh pass attempt was read by Tracy Porter, who stepped in front of Reggie Wayne, caught the ball and was streaking down the right hashmarks in one fluid motion.
Porter picked up a key block from RDE Will Smith and zipped free for the game-clinching score from 74 yards out. The Port Allen, La. native Porter picked Vikings QB Brett Favre and Manning in successive fourth quarters, but his interception of Manning will likely be the play to remember of Super Bowl XLIV.
With 3:05 left, Manning was down 14 and not without hope. He moved his team from their own 14 to the Saints' 3 yard line with eight straight passes. That yardage included a 40-yard strike to Collie, an unnecessary roughness penalty on DT Anthony Hargrove that gave the Colts a first down, and an offensive pass interference call on Garcon that prevented Saints CB Jabari Greer from intercepting Manning along the side of the end zone.
Manning had six snaps inside the Saint 13 yard line but couldn't punch it in. That included a second down pass which Scott Shanle got a palm on to deflect high and off the cross bars, a third down run to the right by Addai that Sedrick Ellis and Hargrove stopped for a two yard loss, and a fourth down incompletion that was in and out of Reggie Wayne's hands over the middle.
It was a titanic defensive victory by Gregg Williams and his tried-in-fire Saints defense over Manning, the author of five fourth quarter comeback victories in 2009 and the AP NFL MVP.
To seal Super Bowl XLIV, Drew Brees kneeled off the final :44 seconds of the clock.
Super Bowl XLIV Box Score
1st Quarter
IND FG M.Stover 38 yd. Field Goal (11-53, 5:53)
IND TD P.Garcon 19 yd. pass from P.Manning (M.Stover kick) (11-96, 4:36)
2nd Quarter
NO FG G.Hartley 46 yd. Field Goal (11-60, 6:02)
NO FG G.Hartley 44 yd. Field Goal (5-26, 0:35)
3rd Quarter
NO TD P.Thomas 16 yd. pass from D.Brees (G.Hartley kick) (6-58, 3:19)
IND TD J.Addai 4 yd. run (M.Stover kick) (10-76, 5:26)
NO FG G.Hartley 47 yd. Field Goal (8-37, 4:14)
4th Quarter
NO TD J.Shockey 2 yd. pass from D.Brees (D.Brees-L.Moore pass) (9-59, 4:57)
NO TD T.Porter 74 yd. interception return (G.Hartley kick)
Colts
IND FG M.Stover 38 yd. Field Goal (11-53, 5:53)
IND TD P.Garcon 19 yd. pass from P.Manning (M.Stover kick) (11-96, 4:36)
2nd Quarter
NO FG G.Hartley 46 yd. Field Goal (11-60, 6:02)
NO FG G.Hartley 44 yd. Field Goal (5-26, 0:35)
3rd Quarter
NO TD P.Thomas 16 yd. pass from D.Brees (G.Hartley kick) (6-58, 3:19)
IND TD J.Addai 4 yd. run (M.Stover kick) (10-76, 5:26)
NO FG G.Hartley 47 yd. Field Goal (8-37, 4:14)
4th Quarter
NO TD J.Shockey 2 yd. pass from D.Brees (D.Brees-L.Moore pass) (9-59, 4:57)
NO TD T.Porter 74 yd. interception return (G.Hartley kick)
Saints Passing | CP/ATT | YDS | TD | INT |
| D. Brees | 32/39 | 288 | 2 | 0 |
Rushing | ATT | YDS | TD | LG |
| P. Thomas | 9 | 30 | 0 | 7 |
| R. Bush | 5 | 25 | 0 | 12 |
| M. Bell | 2 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| D. Brees | 1 | -1 | 0 | -1 |
| D. Henderson | 1 | -7 | 0 | -7 |
Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
| M. Colston | 7 | 83 | 0 | 27 |
| D. Henderson | 7 | 63 | 0 | 19 |
| P. Thomas | 6 | 55 | 1 | 16 |
| R. Bush | 4 | 38 | 0 | 16 |
| L. Moore | 2 | 21 | 0 | 21 |
| J. Shockey | 3 | 13 | 1 | 7 |
| D. Thomas | 1 | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| R. Meachem | 2 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| Kicking | FG | LG | XP | PTS |
| G. Hartley | 3/3 | 47 | 2/2 | 11 |
Punting | NO | AVG | I20 | LG |
| T. Morstead | 2 | 44.0 | 1 | 46 |
Kickoff Returns | NO | AVG | TD | LG |
| C. Roby | 4 | 25 | 0 | 34 |
Punt Returns | NO | AVG | TD | LG |
| R. Bush | 1 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
Defense | T-A | SCK | INT | FF |
| J. Vilma | 7-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| R. Harper | 6-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| S. Shanle | 5-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| M. Jenkins | 4-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| T. Porter | 4-0 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 |
| S. Ellis | 3-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| S. Fujita | 3-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| J. Greer | 3-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| R. Gay | 2-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| T. Hargrove | 2-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| B. McCray | 2-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| D. Sharper | 2-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| J. Charleston | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| W. Smith | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
Colts
| Passing | CP/ATT | YDS | TD | INT |
| P. Manning | 31/45 | 333 | 1 | 1 |
Rushing | ATT | YDS | TD | LG |
| J. Addai | 13 | 77 | 1 | 26 |
| D. Brown | 4 | 18 | 0 | 5 |
| M. Hart | 2 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
| D. Clark | 7 | 86 | 0 | 27 |
| A. Collie | 6 | 66 | 0 | 40 |
| P. Garcon | 5 | 66 | 1 | 19 |
| J. Addai | 7 | 58 | 0 | 17 |
| R. Wayne | 5 | 46 | 0 | 14 |
| D. Brown | 1 | 11 | 0 | 11 |
Kicking | FG | LG | XP | PTS |
| M. Stover | 1/2 | 38 | 2/2 | 5 |
Punting | NO | AVG | I20 | LG |
| P. McAfee | 2 | 43.0 | 0 | 46 |
Kickoff Returns | NO | AVG | TD | LG |
| C. Simpson | 5 | 22 | 0 | 29 |
Punt Returns | NO | AVG | TD | LG |
| T. Rushing | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Defense | T-A | SCK | INT | FF |
| G. Brackett | 12-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| J. Lacey | 6-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| M. Bullitt | 5-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| K. Hayden | 5-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| A. Bethea | 4-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| T. Jennings | 3-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| C. Session | 3-2 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| E. Foster | 2-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| R. Brock | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| D. Freeney | 1-0 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 |
| A. Johnson | 1-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| D. Muir | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| J. Powers | 1-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| K. Dawson | 0-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
Hartley, Porter, Brees complete unbelievable postseason performances
These three players were among the best for the Saints in the postseason, though countless others rose to the occasion for huge plays in the playoffs.
Kicker Garrett Hartley is in just his second season as a kicker in the NFL, and the Superbowl he was rock solid - cleanly connecting on field goals of 46 and 44 yards in the second quarter and adding a 47 field goal on the slick grass of Sun Life Stadium.
Hartley completes a perfect post-season for his team that stuck with him through a four-game suspension - connecting on all five field goal attempts, all from 40 or more yards, and 12 extra points. It adds up to one of the single best post-seasons for a kicker in league history, the best since Eddie Murray was a perfect 6/6, 11/11 for the 1993 Superbowl Champion Cowboys, but two of those field goals were from less than 25 yards.
...
Second year CB Tracy Porter, a native of Port Allen, La., had game-clinching interceptions in both the NFC Championship (intercepting Brett Favre's ill-conceived pass with seconds left in regulation) and in the Superbowl (picking Manning with minutes left and returning it for a coffin-nailing touchdown). He picked off two first ballot Hall of Fame quarterbacks in Favre and Manning, and may have caught Favre's final pass in the NFL.
Porter's two interceptions are next to three passes defensed and 17 tackles. He and Jabari Greer, who was also outstanding during the playoffs, gave the Saints the ability to handle some of the league's premiere receivers: Larry Fitzgerald, Bernard Berrian, a red-hot Sidney Rice, Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon all went up against the 2009 Saints defense and lost.
The Saints defense defeated all five Superbowl winning quarterbacks they faced this season: defeating Eli Manning and Tom Brady in the regular season, and Kurt Warner, Brett Favre and Peyton Manning in the playoffs. (Porter sat out the victory over Brady with a knee injury.)
...
QB Drew Brees' postseason was the most outstanding. Brees took the worst of what the Vikings defense had in the NFC Championship game and he took a vicious hit from Dwight Freeney in the Superbowl. But Brees didn't turn the ball over a single time in their three-game playoff run. He completed an unbelievable 82.1% of his Superbowl passes and 70.6% of his passes in the playoffs.
His pass completion percentage was the second most in Super Bowl history behind Phil Simms in Super Bowl XXI, who completed 22 of 25 passes.
Brees' three game 2009-10 postseason numbers: 72 of 102, 732 yards, 8 touchdowns, zero interceptions, zero fumbles lost, only two sacks and 117.0 QB Rating. That's good for the seventh best Super Bowl winning QB postseason of all time, behind only these names: Joe Montana (1989), Bart Starr (1966), Phil Simms (1986), Troy Aikman (2002), Steve Young (1994), and tied with Montana (1988).
Brees was named the Super Bowl MVP and tied the game record with 32 completions for 288 yards and two touchdowns. He finished the game by completing 10 consecutive passes, including all his attempts in the fourth quarter, the second longest streak in Super Bowl history.
Brees' career postseason QB rating is 103.7, second only Bart Starr (104.8).
Kicker Garrett Hartley is in just his second season as a kicker in the NFL, and the Superbowl he was rock solid - cleanly connecting on field goals of 46 and 44 yards in the second quarter and adding a 47 field goal on the slick grass of Sun Life Stadium.
Hartley completes a perfect post-season for his team that stuck with him through a four-game suspension - connecting on all five field goal attempts, all from 40 or more yards, and 12 extra points. It adds up to one of the single best post-seasons for a kicker in league history, the best since Eddie Murray was a perfect 6/6, 11/11 for the 1993 Superbowl Champion Cowboys, but two of those field goals were from less than 25 yards.
...
Second year CB Tracy Porter, a native of Port Allen, La., had game-clinching interceptions in both the NFC Championship (intercepting Brett Favre's ill-conceived pass with seconds left in regulation) and in the Superbowl (picking Manning with minutes left and returning it for a coffin-nailing touchdown). He picked off two first ballot Hall of Fame quarterbacks in Favre and Manning, and may have caught Favre's final pass in the NFL.
Porter's two interceptions are next to three passes defensed and 17 tackles. He and Jabari Greer, who was also outstanding during the playoffs, gave the Saints the ability to handle some of the league's premiere receivers: Larry Fitzgerald, Bernard Berrian, a red-hot Sidney Rice, Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon all went up against the 2009 Saints defense and lost.
The Saints defense defeated all five Superbowl winning quarterbacks they faced this season: defeating Eli Manning and Tom Brady in the regular season, and Kurt Warner, Brett Favre and Peyton Manning in the playoffs. (Porter sat out the victory over Brady with a knee injury.)
...
QB Drew Brees' postseason was the most outstanding. Brees took the worst of what the Vikings defense had in the NFC Championship game and he took a vicious hit from Dwight Freeney in the Superbowl. But Brees didn't turn the ball over a single time in their three-game playoff run. He completed an unbelievable 82.1% of his Superbowl passes and 70.6% of his passes in the playoffs.
His pass completion percentage was the second most in Super Bowl history behind Phil Simms in Super Bowl XXI, who completed 22 of 25 passes.
Brees' three game 2009-10 postseason numbers: 72 of 102, 732 yards, 8 touchdowns, zero interceptions, zero fumbles lost, only two sacks and 117.0 QB Rating. That's good for the seventh best Super Bowl winning QB postseason of all time, behind only these names: Joe Montana (1989), Bart Starr (1966), Phil Simms (1986), Troy Aikman (2002), Steve Young (1994), and tied with Montana (1988).
Brees was named the Super Bowl MVP and tied the game record with 32 completions for 288 yards and two touchdowns. He finished the game by completing 10 consecutive passes, including all his attempts in the fourth quarter, the second longest streak in Super Bowl history.
Brees' career postseason QB rating is 103.7, second only Bart Starr (104.8).
Game Time in Miami
Inactives for the Saints: WR Adrian Arrington, TE Darnell Dinkins, TE Tory Humphrey, LB Anthony Waters, RB Lynell Hamilton, G Jamar Nesbit and DE Paul Spicer. Chase Daniel is dressed as the emergency quarterback.
As they did against Minnesota, the Saints are going with two tight ends. The Saints are gambling that TE Jeremy Shockey remains healthy enough to contribute and help block with foot and knee injuries. With Dinkins and Humphrey both in street clothes, only Shockey and David Thomas remain at available tight end. Should Shockey not be able to finish, the Saints would be forced to remove all 2TE formations from their lineup, or try to put 5'11, 237 pound FB Kyle Eckel there.
Colts: DE Ervin Baldwin, TE Colin Cloherty, T Michael Toudouze, DT John Gill, WR Sam Giguere, DT Fili Moala, OL Mike Pollack and K Adam Vinatieri.
Star DE Dwight Freeney is active despite a third degree ankle sprain.
According to the NFL Network, Saints HC Sean Payton asked Bill Parcells to speak to his team pre-game. Parcells, Payton's mentor and current Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the Dolphins, declined, not wanting to appear to slight the Colts because Parcells is still in the league.
Ex-Saints Michael Lewis and Deuce McAllister are expected to be with the Saints on the sideline, among others.
Super Bowl Sunday
The Saints (15-3) face the Colts (16-2) in the biggest game in franchise history today.
In the 43rd season of the franchise's existence, the team has officially joined the NFL as a championship contender.
Forty three years of memorabilia and merchandise have a new glimmer, a shiny fresh veneer, thanks to the gem of this year's team.
Lance Moore wrote: "Its almost time! Get ready Who Dats!"
Jeremy Shockey wrote: "the Time is near!!! who dat nation is taking over MIAMI"
Hornets PG Chris Paul wrote: "Mornin evrybody...headed to church here in NO...black and gold day at church lol..."
It is fitting that on the weekend the Saints' make their biggest impact on the league yet, the team makes a dent in the NFL's most prestigious institution: LB Rickey Jackson was elected to the NFL Hall of Fame on Super Bowl Saturday.
Jackson, who we believe has been overdue for the honor, is the first player in Saints history to fill his resume with accomplishments in a Saints jersey. The NFL does not place players into the Hall of Fame with a team. The Saints are represented in the Hall by DB Doug Atkins, RB Earl Campbell, GM Jim Finks, HC Hank Stram, and RB Jim Taylor. But none of those players earned their way in while wearing a fleur di lis, and none represented the Saints on the field in the past 20 years. Finks helped created the Saints' first winning seasons with Jim Mora, but is first credited with turning the Vikings franchise around.
Payton's investment: Saints HC Sean Payton ponied up a quarter of a million dollars of his own money during salary negotiations with defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Payton admitted this week that in Week 9, the Saints reimbursed Payton for his investment, which helped purchase a 9-0 start, a 13-0 run, a division championship, a #1 overall seed, two home playoff and a Super Bowl bid.
Bush's shoes to charity: RB Reggie Bush will autograph and auction his Super Bowl shoes for Haiti relief efforts after the game. Check out the design here.
In the 43rd season of the franchise's existence, the team has officially joined the NFL as a championship contender.
Forty three years of memorabilia and merchandise have a new glimmer, a shiny fresh veneer, thanks to the gem of this year's team.
Lance Moore wrote: "Its almost time! Get ready Who Dats!"
Jeremy Shockey wrote: "the Time is near!!! who dat nation is taking over MIAMI"
Hornets PG Chris Paul wrote: "Mornin evrybody...headed to church here in NO...black and gold day at church lol..."
It is fitting that on the weekend the Saints' make their biggest impact on the league yet, the team makes a dent in the NFL's most prestigious institution: LB Rickey Jackson was elected to the NFL Hall of Fame on Super Bowl Saturday.
Jackson, who we believe has been overdue for the honor, is the first player in Saints history to fill his resume with accomplishments in a Saints jersey. The NFL does not place players into the Hall of Fame with a team. The Saints are represented in the Hall by DB Doug Atkins, RB Earl Campbell, GM Jim Finks, HC Hank Stram, and RB Jim Taylor. But none of those players earned their way in while wearing a fleur di lis, and none represented the Saints on the field in the past 20 years. Finks helped created the Saints' first winning seasons with Jim Mora, but is first credited with turning the Vikings franchise around.
Payton's investment: Saints HC Sean Payton ponied up a quarter of a million dollars of his own money during salary negotiations with defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Payton admitted this week that in Week 9, the Saints reimbursed Payton for his investment, which helped purchase a 9-0 start, a 13-0 run, a division championship, a #1 overall seed, two home playoff and a Super Bowl bid.
Bush's shoes to charity: RB Reggie Bush will autograph and auction his Super Bowl shoes for Haiti relief efforts after the game. Check out the design here.
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