February 10, 2010
NFL- Saints Win their First Super Bowl after Beating the Colts
By Ally White
The New Orleans Saints got up against adversity and, for the first time in their history, won the Super Bowl. The Saints beat the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 this past Sunday night. Indianapolis was the favorite to win, boasting one of the best quarterbacks in the league, Peyton Manning. The Colts were also aiming for a second Vince Lombardi trophy in four years; they last took it in 2006-07. But the Saints were more determined in the second half, and, taking advantage of some incredible plays by quarterback Drew Brees, closed the game with victory.
During the first minutes of the first quarter, the Colts advanced to the 20-yard line after 11 offensive plays, with Manning at the helm. With 7:29 left, the team opened the score with a 38-yard field goal from Matt Stover, putting the score at 3-0. The Saints tried to react, but the Colts were just more effective in their offense; with only 36 seconds to complete the first quarter, Indianapolis strengthened its lead after a 19-yard touchdown pass from Manning to Pierre Garcon put the score at 10-0. The play was completed with a field goal from Stover.
Early in the second quarter, the Saints scored their first three points with a 46-yard field goal from Garrett Hartley, bringing the score to 10-3. The Colts were unable to score in this quarter as the Saints improved their defense. Then, with five seconds left in the quarter, the Saints managed another field goal from Hartley, closing the gap and ending at halftime with a score of 10-6.
The Saints came out more aggressive in the third quarter, and the New Orleans crowd roared with pleasure as Breese sent a touchdown pass to Pierre Thomas. Thomas scored after mocking the Colts’ defense. The Saints were now ahead, 13-10.
But after several offensives, Manning connected in the air and brought his team 20 yards closer to the end zone. The danger materialized four plays later, with Manning’s touchdown pass to Joseph Addai, who scored for the Colts. Then kicker Stover rounded out the account and put the Colts back in the lead 17-13. The Saints responded quickly with another Hartley field goal.
In the fourth quarter, the Saints really shone. The players were more aggressive, and with 4:57 left, Brees sent a 5-yard touchdown pass to Jeremy Shockey to put the score 24-17 in favor of New Orleans. Shortly afterwards, the Saints sealed their lead with an interception from Tracy Porter that led to an incredible touchdown. The team was ahead 31-17.
The interception all but ended the game. The Colts tried to score but the Saints defense neutralized four of their attacks within five yards of the end zone in less than two minutes. The game ended, and the Saints celebrated their victory, 31-17.
At the end of the match, Brees was named MVP of the game, having completed 32 of 39 passes and two touchdowns, totaling 288 yards. Colts quarterback Manning ended with 31 of 45 passes, completed 333 yards, and attained one touchdown and one interception.
This was the first Super Bowl title for the Saints, who have had to wait 21 seasons to reach the playoffs, 34 to win a postseason game and 43 years to obtain the Vince Lombardi trophy.
Congratulations to the Saints!
About the Author
Ally White is a top senior copywriter for the NFL games as well as the top ranking online sports betting site: www.instantactionsports.com/uk/
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