Saints Win Super Bowl 44: 2009/2010 NFL Predictions - 7-4

When all was said and done, my 2009/2010 Playoff predictions came out 7-4 - not too bad...  There were some speed bumps along the way [I fully expected the Cowboys and Packers to go deeper in the playoffs], but I think I did a pretty good job of putting my favoritism aside and picking the teams that I actually thought would win, over those I wanted to win.  Here is a recap of my playoff picks this post-season, and a recap of Super Bowl 44.

I was anticipating that the Saints would win Super Bowl 44, but never did I expect it to happen the way it did.  The men from New Orleans play superbly, clearly frustrating Peyton Manning and the Colts offense, as well playing with astounding efficiency on offense and making some gutsy calls in special teams.


Correct
Saints win 1st NFL title by beating Colts 31-17 
Drew Brees tied a Super Bowl record for most completions in a game [32] and was named the Super Bowl MVP after going 32-39, with 288 yds and 2 TDs.  Efficiency was Brees' middle name Sunday, throwing with an accuracy that is seldom seen in games of that magnitude, targeting eight different New Orleans receivers. 

Down 10-points early, the Saints did not give up, even going for a risky 4th down play near the Colts goal-line.  The Saints didn't convert, but instead amped up the intensity of defense and got the ball back and promptly kicked a field goal to make the game 10-3, then added another before half to make it 10-6. 

Showing their determination to do anything and everything to win the game, Sean Peyton called a gutsy onside kick at the beginning of the second half which the Saints recovered, and ultimately seemed to shift the momentum in the Saints favor.

The Saints defense also played terrific, limiting Peyton Manning, the NFL MVP, to just one score [a field-goal] in the final three quarters.  Tracy Porter picked off a Manning pass with 3:12 left in the game and returned it for a touchdown to seal the victory.

New Orleans is celebrating its first Super Bowl victory ever.