The Sommer Frieze

The Colts went up 10-0 after 1 quarter. 

Then they joined the Broncos of SB XXII in blowing that lead.

At the half, it was 10-6. Saints coach Sean Payton showed a lot of guts late in the second quarter. He went for it on 4th down from the two. He didn’t get it. Thankfully for him, a three and out gave the Saints the ball at midfield and they did get the FG to make it 10-6. A tougher make for the FG kicker, 44 yards or so instead of 20. To the credit of Garrett Hartley of the Saints, he hit three FG of 44 yards or longer. The Colts’ Stover missed one of 51 yards. 

Payton showed more big you-know-whats by starting the second half with an onside kick. Can you imagine, down 10-6, giving Peyton Manning the ball at midfield if the onside kick didn’t work? Especially after the failed 4th down from the two? But it did work, and SB MVP Drew Brees (32 for 39, 288 yards) drove the Saints to a TD, 13-10 Saints.

Back came the Colts. TD 17-13 Colts. But who knew that was the last the Colts would score in the game?

FG Saints. 17-16. TD Saints. 22-17. You knew they had to go for two.

It was initially ruled no good. The challenge flag. A gutsy but correct call said that the ball did cross the plane. 24-17 Saints.

Manning (31 for 45, 333 yards) drove the Colts into NO territory. 3rd and 5. You figure if Manning doesn’t make it here, that he will on 4th down. You are expecting a tie game at 24-24 and OT.

But Manning throws a pick. It’s returned for a TD (74 yards) and the game is over. Party on Bourbon Street.

Who’d have figured that?

The Saints win the Super Bowl. They may just party from now right through the Mardi Gras.

The only turnover of the game decides the game.  31-17 Saints.