I didn't see that one coming...based on the success Indianapolis has had the last two seasons in meaningful games (25-1 or something like that), I just wasn't going to pick the Saints. But destiny was apparently on their side...and that certainly was an embarrassing pick I made...thoughts below:
-Drew Brees has won over a city like no NFL quarterback has done since Joe Namath. He will forever be a legend in New Orleans...and to think his career was seriously derailed by a severe shoulder injury at the end of the 2005 season...
-Brees was fantastic on Sunday night by taking what the defense was giving him...after the 1st quarter, the Saints QB continued to make precise shorter throws and pretty much abandoned the deep ball. He put on a clinic by taking what the defense would give him.
-Peyton Manning, on the other hand, looked flustered throughout. He had plenty of time to throw most downs, but he didn't seem nearly as calm in the pocket as he usually does.
-Saints Coach Sean Payton dialed up the most gutsy call in Super Bowl history with his second half opening onside kick. The resulting Saints recovery and ensuing touchdown changed the momentum towards the Saints side, even though they scored a last second field goal in the first half.
-How about Saints kicker Garrett Hartley? He was suspended for the first four games of the 2009 season for performance-enhancing drugs, yet came up clutch in the NFC Championship Game with the game-winner despite finishing the regular season poorly. His three 40+ yard field goals on football's biggest stage were extremely impressive...
-Give Saints cornerback Tracy Porter a big raise...he sends the NFC Championship into overtime by intercepting Brett Favre in Saints territory and essentially put the Super Bowl away with a long interception return for a touchdown.
-A 100% healthy Dwight Freeney would've helped, but Drew Brees was "in the zone" as they say...his accuracy was unquestionable under any circumstances.
-I wouldn't want Jim Caldwell coaching my team. No question that he did a fine job this year...but these were Tony Dungy's leftovers...Caldwell just had to make sure he didn't screw it up. He was a less than stellar head coach in college and displays no personality on the sidelines...give me a gambler like Sean Payton all day.
-It was a good game...not an all-time classic...but a well-played Super Bowl by both teams.
-Congratulations to the city of New Orleans...your championship is well-deserved based on the hardships you've encountered in the last five years.
-My playoff picks were absolutely brutal...hopefully you didn't take them to the bank (like I did at times)...
-And now...my early projection for Super Bowl XLV in Dallas:
Green Bay Packers 30, Pittsburgh Steelers 27
Mind you I reserve the right to change this pick several times before next September...other teams in consideration: Dallas, Atlanta, San Diego, Indianapolis, Baltimore (sorry New Orleans).
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