Not My Pick For MVP
Super Bowl MVP's for the most part go to the quarterbacks. Brees stat line was 32-39 and two touchdowns. He tied Brady for the most completions in Super Bowl history. My choice for MVP would not be Brees or his receivers or even Tracy Porter, whose case is stronger because he had one of the game changing plays. For my money, Sean Payton was the MVP. That onside kick call not only set the tone for their second half but propelled them to the win. That called showed his team that they were playing to win and not to lose. Which is conversely what you saw from the Colts sideline. Payton pushed the tempo and inspired his team to play above their abilities. We have all seen coaches in the past hamstring their teams with conservative calls. Payton didn't second guess himself, he knew he had that one shot and if it worked he was a genius and if he failed then at least he tried. That is what makes Payton my MVP. His willingness to adjust to the moment and play to win.
Not All Peyton's Fault
As much as Peyton Manning will get the blame, looking at the game Payton wasn't sharp but he was sharp enough for the Colts to win. Besides, the onside kick, the real game changing moment happened before half. Pierre Garcon dropped a third down catch and had some room to run. If he makes that catch, the Colts at the least get a field goal or most likely a touchdown. That drop was huge because the Colts punted when the had the Saints defense reeling.
Reggie Wayne was more hurt than he let on. On the interception, he didn't run his route as crisp and that is why Porter was able to pick it off. Granted Peyton's throw wasn't as sharp but Wayne normally helps his quarterback out better than that. Also on the fourth and goal pass to Wayne he didn't finish his route again. He actually started walking through as if he wasn't getting the ball. Wayne is not one to make excuses but he did not look like himself. That is another reason why Peyton can't get all the blame.
Brees Is A Guy You Can Root For
Drew Brees is a guy you can definitely get behind. He's just six foot and no one wanted him and said he was too short to play qb. More than that, Brees is one of the great people in the NFL. The way he embraced the city of New Orleans. He and his wife have been apart of New Orleans recovery from Hurrican Katrina with their foundation. Brees stated throughout their playoff run they were not only playing for themselves but for their downtrodden city. If they could bring some hope to a city that has been ravaged by anguish and despair, then they know they did their job. That's the kind of guy that you want your sons and daughters to be like.
Yep, that's the genuine Super Bowl, though I'm not sure I'd have called it boring; it wasn't a classic, but it was competitive.
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