1. Saints Win Superbowl XLIV
Coming off an emotional overtime win against the Minnesota Vikings, the Saints were set to face Payton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts in Miami for Superbowl XLIV. This marked the Saints first Superbowl appearance in 43 years of existence.
The favored Colts jumped out to an early 10-point lead in the first quarter. The Saints were able to put some points on the board in the second quarter but couldn't find a way into the endzone. Garret Hartley made two field goals to put the Saints only down by four points. Going in to halftime, Indianapolis led 10-6.
The Saints started the second half with a bang. Lining up to kick off deep, Saints coach Sean Payton planned to start with an onside kick. Morestead bounced the ball in the air. The ball deflected off the hands of Hank Baskett and was recovered by Saints LB Jonathan Casillas.
Instead of defending Payton Manning, the Saints were able to send Drew Brees and the offense back on the field. Brees drove down the field and eventually completed a 16-yard pass to Pierre Thomas for the Saints first touchdown, and lead, of the game. The Colts answered by scoring on a 4-yard touchdown run by Joseph Addai that put the Colts ahead 17-13. Hartley added a 47-yard field goal towards the end of the third quarter to bring the game within one point.
In the fourth quarter, Brees was able to turn another drive into points, eventually connecting on a 2-yard touchdown throw to TE Jeremy Shockey. Brees also converted on the two-point conversion with a pass to Lance Moore to bring the score to 24-17 New Orleans.
The Colts turned their focus to their next offensive drive with hopes to tie the game and send the Superbowl to overtime. With a little over three minutes to play in the fourth, Manning felt the pressure from a Saints blitz and fired a pass to Colts WR Reggie Wayne. The ball was intercepted by CB Tracy Porter and returned 74-yards for a Saints touchdown. Porter put the Saints ahead 31-17 and sealed the game for New Orleans. Drew Brees was named Superbowl MVP after recording 32-of-39 for 288 yards and two touchdowns.
