Thread: Saints WIN!

The New Orleans Saints, longtime residents of the bottom of the NFL barrel, now stand at the pinnacle of American sports. A thrilling Super Bowl XLIV ended with the Saints on top, 31-17.

The New Orleans Saints are world champions. That feels so weird -- and so great -- to say.

The Saints got off to a slow start, but they never stopped playing aggressively and with a fierce passion. They were afraid of nothing, they took risks, and they went out and made the plays to beat a great football game.

I'd point to two key plays. First, obviously, was the brain-rattling Tracy Porter(notes) interception of Peyton Manning(notes) that went for a touchdown, and for all intents and purposes, put the game away. It was a shockingly bad throw from Manning and an electrifying return from Porter. That'll go down in the books as one of the great plays in Super Bowl history.

Maybe the real key, though, was the onside kick with which the Saints used to open the second half. The call from head coach Sean Payton took the guts of a thief, and it paid off immeasurably. The Saints never really relinquished momentum after Jonathan Casillas(notes) came out of that pile with the football. To me, that play personifies the Saints and their attitude in this game.

Fans just got their third straight classic Super Bowl. Two years ago, the Giants shocked the world by edging the Patriots. Last year, the Steelers and Cardinals went back and forth in a nail-biter, and this year, the Saints and Colts fought tooth and nail for 60 minutes. The final score might not show a thriller, but this thing was hotly contested until very late in the game. Things turned on one major mistake.

The fact that it was the Saints who won adds to the feeling that we just saw greatness. Between the years of miserable football and what they and their fans went through with Hurricane Katrina, it feels great to see them on top. I'm not a Saints fan, and I can't help but smile right now.

Related: Tracy Porter, Peyton Manning, New Orleans Saints, Super Bowl XLIV
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdo ... nfl,218129

That was a good game, closer than the score shows.

Pulled for the Saints since they have never even been to a Super Bowl let alone win one. Also liked Drew Brees the short time we had him for the Chargers and have always wished him well.

That was a fun ride!

Popping around the neighborhood stores the last few days, every employee and customer was rooting for the Saints. It was an interesting experience, and a few that spoke accented English had no idea what I was talking about when I asked, "Saints or Colts?" But then again, I have no idea which country is favored in the soccer tournaments.

WHO DAT! WHO DAT!

SAINTS WIN. SAINTS WIN

I have to say, I loved that game... and the NO QB kissing his baby with tears in his eyes... well, that was just fabulous.

It was a really nice break from the stress and strain.. relaxing and fun !!! and exciting !!!!

Great game. Not only was Drew Brees great, but I was delighted with the Saints' defense. Most commentators have chided the defense all year, and thru the playoffs, for allowing too many yards, and being weak against the run. To me, what really counts is who you play and who you beat. To win the Super Bowl the Saints had to beat teams led by three sure Hall of Fame quarterbacks (Kurt Warner, Brett Farve, and Peyton Manning). That says something about the Saints offense. It also says a lot about their defense. Minnesota was limited to 28 points, and Arizona and the Colts were kept under 20 points.

Geaux Saints

P.S. I think Drew Brees is on his way to the NFL HOF too. [/quote]

Such a great game!! How about that onside kick? That was one of the boldest moves in the Super Bowl I have ever seen!

Congrats to the Saints. A much deserved win.