It wasn’t exactly a classic Super Bowl, but it was the latest in a string of very good Super Bowls. In the end, it was two surprise plays that won the game moreso than anything Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees did: Peyton Manning’s win-sealing interception and an onside kick to start the second half. Those are the two plays that turned the tide of Super Bowl XLIV and gave the New Orleans Saints the victory.
As shocking as Manning’s pick-six was, it was merely a sign of the changes in the game plan made by Saints coach Sean Peyton during halftime. With his team down at the half, Peyton went from safe coach playing not to lose to a riverboat gambler, and it was that onside kick that started things off right. After that, Gregg Williams was able to dial up more blitzes, get more pressure on Manning, and that allowed the corner backs to play their man more aggressively, leading to Tracy Porter’s interception.
Next thing you know, Reggie Wayne is dropping a pass in the end zone and there’s a party on Bourbon Street for the victorious New Orleans Saints.
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Tags: Super Bowl, NFL, football, professional football, New Orleans Saints, National Football League, Super Bowl XLIV, Drew Brees, Super Bowl MVP, Sean Peyton, Gregg Williams