05 February 2010, 4:04 am
Miami Sunday will mark a giant step in New Orleans history as the Saints will play in their first Super Bowl. Only four years after the city was destroyed by hurricane Katrina the Saints have breathed life back into the people of New Orleans and their city. New Orleans has one of the most unique and loyal fan bases of all professional sports teams.
'Who Dat' say they gonna beat them Saints is the calling card for Saints fans it is their rally call anyone who has ever had the pleasure to visit the Jazz City knows this. This weekend one can bet on hearing 'Who Dat' more than a few times. But who can blame the fans of the Saints New Orleans has experienced hell on earth and at least for this weekend the city will be featured for something more than tragedy.
As for the game no one gives the Saints much of a chance as they take on the Peyton Manning lead Indianapolis Colts. Peyton Manning a fixture in the playoffs the last decade has compiled many stats but only one Super Bowl win. By the numbers and appearances in the playoffs one could say the Colts have been a disappointment. Peyton Manning has 15 playoff games and he only has a quarterback rating over 80 in 7 of those games. Experts can say that Manning has not had much of a running game in those games but remember Manning calls his own plays so he is responsible for the lack of rushing yards and attempts in those games.
The Saints this year have impressive numbers stating the season 13-0. Drew Brees has 34 td passes which lead the NFL this year. The Saints are 2nd in total first downs, 1st in total offensive yards, 1st in yards per play, 1st in total in total touchdowns and also 1st in points per game at 31. The Saints also have Sean Payton as a head coach who has had two weeks to prepare a game plan for the Colts defense needless to say the Colts have faced nothing this postseason like the Saints offense. The Ravens and the Jets come no where close to the Saints. Throw in the kick returning of the budding superstar Reggie Bush and the Colts may be playing catch up all evening.
The Saints would love to see Manning drop back and pass all game playing from behind. The defense of the Saints lead the NFL with 8 touchdowns Darren Sharper the safety of the Saints has 3 touchdowns off interceptions himself. They lead the league in takeaways and that has stayed true in the playoffs just ask the Vikings. The Saints created 5 turnovers in the Conference Championship Game. The Saints have also hit the opposing quarterbacks hard Kurt Warner and Brett Farve probably still have bruised body parts. Greg Williams the Saints defensive coordinator has made no secret he plans on coming after Manning.
If nothing else this Super Bowl should be entertaining with two teams who like to pass the ball. The Saints are right where they want to be being the underdog suits them just fine. Just like the city of New Orleans they have had a rebirth this year so do not be surprised New Orleans if you not only have your traditional Mardi Gras Parades next week but you also have a Super Bowl victory parade as well. The Saints will complete their mission 35-24 over the Colts Sunday.
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