Saints take advantage of Manning's mistake to capture first-ever Super Bowl

If you're reading this, it means you're not among the thralls of New Orleans Saints fans in Louisiana or with the team in Miami that are just beginning what is sure to be a month-long party because their team just won their first ever Super Bowl. On a night thought by many to be Peyton Manning's coronation, Drew Brees ended up at the post-game podium as the MVP of the night after a 31-17 victory. Sunday's championship contest didn't get off to the most exciting of starts, but it sure finished with one.

After getting out to an early 10-0 lead, Peyton looked primed to make the Saints a footnote on his way to history. New Orleans kept it close with two field goals in the second quarter, even after failing a fourth down conversion down at the goal line. When the second half kicked off, it was all Saints. A surprising and successful onside kick led to a Pierre Thomas touchdown, signaling a momentum shift. 

In the fourth quarter, down seven after a Jeremy Shockey touchdown and reviewed two-point conversion, Peyton Manning had the ball in his hands heading down the field, a moment we all expected him to take head on. Then a poor throw fell into the hands of corner Tracy Porter, who promptly returned it 74 yards for the game-sealing score. The Saints victory party began with over 44 seconds left in the Super Bowl, as Manning led his team to the goal line and failed to convert on fourth down. 

We all watched the game, so I won't over-analyze. Instead, all I can say is that its hard to be upset that Drew Brees and the Saints won, despite my immense love of Manning. It was a game we all though Manning would show his colors, but it only took one mistake to lose out on his second title. Still, I don't think this will take much of a toll in his NFL legacy as some would have you believe. I will always know him as Peyton Manning: Crusher of Dreams, Destroyer of Worlds. Better luck next year Peyton. 

Brees on the other hand overcame early jitters to accumulate a masterful 32 of 39 for 288 yards and two TD stat-line. He was so efficient that the Saints didn't even need a running game, only rushing 18 times for 51 yards. Sean Payton's team didn't make any mistakes and capitalized on the only turnover of the night. Now Brees can finally be recognized as a championship-level quarterback, even if we already knew he was.

Thanks everyone! Let the New Orleans party begin!