Peyton Manning attempted to mount a comeback in the waning moments of the fourth quarter, but it was too late and the former laughing stock of the NFL, the New Orleans Saints, claimed a 31-17 victory in Super Bowl XLIV.
For all of the bandwagon fans rooting for the Black and Gold, especially with all that the Big Easy has been through since Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc back in 2005, most believed, including me, that the NFL MVP-led Colts would be victorious. I mean, how could you doubt Peyton Manning, especially with how he dissected the NFL’s top defense in the AFC Championship game? So when the Saints took a 24-17 lead with over five minutes remaining in regulation, I was 100% positive that the Colts would tie the game and probably set up the first overtime game in Super Bowl history (I guarantee the NFL did not want that to happen). And, like clockwork, they began to march down the field.
A pass to wide receiver Pierre Garcon for 17 yards. A few plays later, a 12-yard pass to wide receiver Reggie Wayne. In a matter of a few minutes, the Colts had made it to the Saints’ 31-yard line. I’m sure that New Orleanians around the French Quarter were probably nervously sipping their Hurricanes at this point. But, a few plays later, it happened.
On 3rd and 5, defensive back Tracy Porter broke on a pass intended for Reggie Wayne and intercepted it, taking it to the house for a championship-sealing touchdown. Replays demonstrate that Porter knew exactly where Peyton Manning wanted to throw the ball and quite simply beat Wayne to the spot. The rest was history. A dejected Manning walked off the field, a look of anguish in his eyes. I think even he knew at that point that it was over. Defeated by his hometown team; the team his father quarterbacked for over 10 years.
As I write this article, I’m sure the streets of New Orleans are still buzzing with joy and excitement. And, I’m pretty sure that many residents called-in to work today. The Colts were outplayed and outcoached by the Saints. Coach Sean Payton made gutsy calls, such as the on-side kick to start the second half, and Super Bowl MVP and future key-to-the-city holder Drew Brees methodically beat the Colts’ defense time and time again. As for Peyton Manning and the Colts, a long offseason ensues.
Although #18 is a lock for Canton and will arguably go down as one of the top two QBs ever, he will relive that fateful attempted pass to Wayne in his nightmares all summer long. The supreme architect and perfectionist, Manning was not able to muster up the 4th-quarter comeback that has become his trademark. But, he’ll be back and more prepared than ever.
