Man, it was a good game! I don’t necessarily think the *better* team won, but the more deserving one certainly did. Â The Colts got timid when they took the lead, and stayed timid. Â The Saints got aggressive when they fell behind, and stayed aggressive.
I loved the gutsy calls that Saints coach Sean Payton made. Â Obviously, the onside kick was inspired! Â And the 4th and goal call, even though it failed, was great. Â The confidence it showed inspired the team, and they ended up better off than if they had kicked the field goal. Â Contrast that with the Colts three and out immediately following .. the best 2 minute quarterback in the league, yet they run three up the middle with 2 minutes left.
I feel for Peyton Manning. Â He had a good game, but it wasn’t up to his standards. Â He had a couple of passes dropped, and the lone interception was the play that changed the game. Â Given how much responsibility he has for audibles and adjustments, I do wonder if perhaps some of the timid “safe” play calls were his. Â I have this sneaking suspicion that the game got to him.
Kudos to Drew Brees! Â He played a great game, one of the best of his life, and certainly deserved the MVP. Â He rose to the occasion, Â playing exceptionally well in by far the biggest game of his career. Â I don’t imagine he will buy a beer in New Orleans for a decade or so.
Finally a note about football karma. Â When the Colts threw in the towel against the Jets and gave away the perfect season 6 weeks ago, they committed an offense against the game. Â The game got it’s revenge.
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