Super Bowl 44 (James)

Since Sam doesn't do sports, I thought I'd share a few thoughts about last night's game. I know just enough about sports to form an educated prediction about a big event, and going into last night my opinion was that the Saints simply would not be able to stop Indianapolis from scoring. New Orleans' defense was risky and aggresive and dependent on the big play, which worked beautifully against Favre and the Vikings but the Colts are a different story. Peyton would be the difference.

In one sense, my theory proved true...the Colts moved the ball easily the entire game. What I didn't anticipate was that Sean Payton would create such a brilliant game plan to limit the amount of times the Colts would HAVE the ball. I think Payton agreed with my theory...his defense would not be able to stop the Colts. That's why he made sure Drew Brees threw short passes in the middle of the field the entire game...keep the clock running. That's why the Saints went for it on 4th down late in the first half...don't give the ball back to Manning. And that's why they risked the onside kick to start the 2nd half...they couldn't afford to go down 17 - 6 right out of the gate.

In the end, Payton's strategy paid off. They wore down the Colts, and Harper's interception return for a touchdown was the one big play they needed. Despite amassing over 400 yards in total offense and outgaining the Saints by 100 yards, the Colts only scored 17 points. The Saints played a flawless game...few penalties, no turnovers and three long field goals backed up the daring plan Payton crafted for his team.

John Wooden once defined competitive greatness as "being at your best when your best is needed." For Super Bowl 44 it was a coach who was at his best in the biggest moment. Somehow I knew Payton would be the difference.