Super Bowl: Colts vs. Saints, Manning vs. Brees is historic
The NFC title win over Minnesota Sunday and the Super Bowl berth that goes with it was a long time coming for Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. (AP photo).
This is what you wanted. Indianapolis started the season 14-0, and the Colts still might be undefeated if they didn’t place themselves in a protective bubble in the final two weeks. New Orleans started the season 13-0 and led the NFL this season in offense, points and humiliated defensive coordinators.
This is the way it’s supposed to go. The two best teams, led by the two best quarterbacks, driving two of the best offenses into the Super Bowl.
Only the coaches with a defensive pedigree will have a headache.
“It’s going to be a long week for the two defensive coordinators,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said Sunday night after watching the New Orleans Saints earn their first trip to a Super Bowl with a 31-28 overtime win over Minnesota. “They’ll be burning the midnight oil, trying to figure out how to stop the other quarterback. I don’t envy them. Well, I do envy them, actually. But, you know.”
This is the way things are supposed to work. Karma. Ain’t it great?
Poor Brett Favre. Here he is after a second-quarter fumble, one of his three turnovers and five by Minnesota in the NFC title game.
Some Falcons fans might not be thrilled with the Saints, their long-time rival, finally making it to the Super Bowl. But there is no more fun team to watch play in the NFL than the Saints, and the backdrop of Hurricane Katrina and the physical and financial ruin of one of the world’s most special cities makes it that much sweeter.
Only one thing could have made it better, and we got it: Brett Favre’s self immolation.
Favre orchestrated exits from the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets, all so he could play for the Minnesota Vikings following a protracted Hamlet act that kept the football world waiting. He threw for more than 300 yards Sunday night. But he committed
Peyton Manning will play in his second Super Bowl, this time against his favorite team as a kid, the Saints, whom his father, Archie, played for.
three of the Vikings’ five turnovers, including an interception with seven seconds left in regulation that prevented the them from attempting a game-winning field goal.
Then in overtime, Favre watched helplessly as the Saints won a coin flip and drove to a game-winning, 40-yard field goal. There was nothing he could do from the sideline.
Smith: “I noticed that.” (That’s all I could get out of him.)
The Saints vs. any team would make for a special Super Bowl. The fact they will face the Indianapolis Colts comes with some irony. Peyton Manning, the Colts’ quarterback, grew up in New Orleans a Saints fan. His father, Archie, was their quarterback.
The matchup of Manning vs. Drew Brees should, Smith said, “make for a lot of fireworks.” He knows both well. He faced Manning twice a year when he was Jacksonville’s defensive coordinator. He faces Brees twice a year now in the NFC South
Pick a winner?
“No way.”
Break it down?
“Obviously, they’re two great offenses. I think the thing it will come down to is which team protects their quarterback better. Both teams have pretty good pass rushes. But both quarterbacks will be hard to stop.”
Smith saw what happened to the Jets’ defense, and it looked familiar. New York got early pressure on Manning. Even sacked him a couple of times. But then the quarterback starting burning the Jets when they blitzed and picked apart their zone defenses when they didn’t. The Colts were held to two field goals in their first five possessions, then scored three touchdowns and a field goal in the next five. A 17-6 deficit turned into a 30-17 lead.
“It’s risk-reward when you blitz him,” Smith said. “The Jets were coming after him early. But once [the Colts] identified the looks, they had a better idea how to attack him. When they were in a zone, they took the short throws. When they saw pressure, they had one-on-one opportunities.
“I saw some of the same routes and same checks that he’s been doing for 10 years. You notice how many plays he takes down to the last second on the play clock before he snaps the ball? He gets an image of the defense. He wants to take it down to the last second before he decides what the best way to attack is.”
So how do you stop him?
“Sometimes making him go the long way is better,” he said. “When the Jets were winning, they were holding Indy to field goals. Play great red zone defense. Give them the short stuff. Tackle well, and knock the ball out when you can.”
Both defenses will be scrambling in two weeks. But Manning vs. Brees and Colts vs. Saints is the best show we could have hoped for.
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101 comments Add your comment
Brett Favre
January 25th, 2010
12:39 am
…and my pick didn’t help. But despite all of my flip-flopping and diva attitude Jeff Schultz’ wife will always want me.
Wow.
January 25th, 2010
12:46 am
Jeez, JSS. What is he supposed to think about someone who finds it rational to kill everything around them before killing themselves? Can you really politicize something like that? I don’t think you can blame any politician for that kind of decision on someone else’s part. Clearly, that was between the farmer and his maker.
Greg Norton
January 25th, 2010
12:50 am
I am overjoyed that the saints won. Not cuz I’m such a fan but I think I might have done harm to myself if I had had to endure another two weeks of Brett Farve-ra. He and his fake limping around act very nearly made me sick. Maybe he is coming back to be a soccer player.
G
January 25th, 2010
12:50 am
I am sick and tired of all of the smack. ONly 2 teams make it to the Super Bowl and only one wins. All of this shoulda, coulda, woulda it sooooooooo………. childish. Let the teams play and the best on that given day will win. Such grown cry babies. Your team did not make it, there is always next year, so GET OVER IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Colts Vs Saints - Nardu
January 25th, 2010
12:54 am
[...] Super Bowl: Colts Vs. Saints, Manning Vs. Brees Is Historic | Jeff This is what you wanted. Indianapolis started the season 14-0, and the Colts might still be undefeated if they didn’t place themselves in a protective. [...]
MARTIN
January 25th, 2010
12:56 am
Why are you guys still talking about the saints /falcons games. The better team won both games, I mean get over it people. Just like tonight’s game, the better team one, they created turn overs, just like they have been doing this entire year. Yes, payton manning is good, but so is drew brees. The saints ARE THE NFC CHAMPIONS, so for all you HATERS, get over it, you’ll have another shot at the saints next football season.
Super Bowl 2010 Teams - Nardu
January 25th, 2010
12:57 am
[...] Super Bowl: Colts Vs. Saints, Manning Vs. Brees Is Historic | Jeff 11:06 pm January 24, 2010, by Jeff Schultz. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (18) talks with his father, former NFL quarterback. Peyton Manning led the Indianapolis Co… [...]
Saints Superbowl Results
January 25th, 2010
1:01 am
[...] Super Bowl: Colts vs. Saints, Manning vs. Brees is historic | Jeff …The New Orleans Saints defeated Minnesota for the NFC championship to reach its first Super Bowl and they’ll face Indianapolis, which beat New York Jets for AFC title. Read more [...]
Dogs rule
January 25th, 2010
1:01 am
Bug Killer, could not agree with you more. Due to the corruption that has been rampant in Louisiana for generations, the money sent to fix the levees as far back as the Clinton administration was never put to use. And all along, it’s been more popular politically to help those overseas than those at home.
Now, back to football…watching Favre throw that last pick was absolutely the icing on the cake. The way he jerked around the Packers, the Jets and the Vikings is worse than listening to Jordan’s speech at his induction into the NBA HOF. My money says he retires…again…and then changes his mind AFTER training camp is over…again. And of course, Minnesota will bend over…again.
But having been a Falcon since ‘66, I cannot wish for a Saints victory, so, Go Colts!
JSS
January 25th, 2010
1:03 am
Wow…
Ask Nancy, Jr. Psychiatrist (AKA BugKiller)? He’s spent the better part of the last 3 years diagnosing the behavior of so-called “sociopaths” on here… By the way, who politicized the matter? It certainly wasn’t me…
Colts Vs Saints Results | Broadcasting News
January 25th, 2010
1:06 am
[...] Super Bowl: Colts vs. Saints, Manning vs. Brees is historic | Jeff …The New Orleans Saints defeated Minnesota for the NFC championship to reach its first Super Bowl and they’ll face Indianapolis, which beat New York Jets for AFC title. Read more [...]
Superbowl » Current News Trends
January 25th, 2010
1:29 am
[...] Super Bowl: Colts vs. Saints, Manning vs. Brees is historic | Jeff … [...]
Willy
January 25th, 2010
1:32 am
Jeff, at least he’s saying he doesn’t know – which he doesn’t. I’d think it hard to say you want to quit football after so many years, and I think it’d be hard to say your’e ready to commit to all that pain and work. You fully underestimate that, preferring to label the guy as a diva, instead. He’s not doing it for the spotlight, he works at it. He may not do the whole camp, but at 40, and with his resume, he shouldn’t have to and it might be best to rest when you can. You are incredibly short sighted when it comes to Favre. Its annoying.
Willy
January 25th, 2010
1:37 am
I mean, the guy is 40 years old and is still competing at a hall of fame level. Who the hell are you to tell him how he should do it? I know, it’s your job (and you often times do it well), but your take on Favre is totally juvenile.
falstaffinNO
January 25th, 2010
2:16 am
It is amusing to hear the Falcon fans who voice their annoying whining dis of the team that beat them twice this year. Colts and Saints will be a great match up. The Vikings deserve credit for a great game that they could have won. As a lifelong Saints fan I wish the Saints would have passed more today. But whatever… GO SAINTS!!! Anyone dissing Favre is a F*&^%ing Pu&^y!! Put a uniform on yourself and see what you can do after being pounded 16 times by 300 pound linemen. The man deserves our respect!!
Bugkiller needs to STFU with his political talk. No one on this forum gives two s>&^%’s for your droll… Trolls like BK need to have their labia’s shoved in their mouths till they cannot speak or type. What an empty headed moron.
Keshawn
January 25th, 2010
2:29 am
I agree with G and Martin. Get over it. The Saints won. And we can talk about what coulda happened and what shoulda happened. But what happen was the Saints won. Won, won, won. And that can’t be taken back. People thought the Saints wasn’t going to make it this far. But they proved those people wrong. They made it to the superbowl. SO DON’T THINK THEY CAN’T WIN THE SUPERBOWL. And as for the turnovers, that’s part of winning the game. Its part of the game. Thats what the teams wish for. Turnovers, interseptions, and of course touchdowns. I’m a woman and I know that. Get over it.
Keshawn
January 25th, 2010
2:34 am
Who Dat. Who Dat. Who dat said they ga beat them Saints. Go Saints!!!!! And they will go all the way!
P. Bull Terrier
January 25th, 2010
3:06 am
I don’t know if it makes me cold hearted or just politically incorrect, but Jeff is the 1st person I’ve heard mention the Katrina story line and I’m already sick of it. We had to suffer through the MNF Falcons vs. Saints game a couple of years ago and listening to how wonderful the Saints were because they played football in a city that got flooded was enough to gag me. I hope we don’t have to do it all over again.
The hurricane was four years ago. It’s old news. Talk about Drew Breese and his great season, Reggie Bush and his mess at USC, the Saints defense and how they played better than expected this year, just leave the hurricane story line for the regular news media.
I have some sympathy for people who are still living on the streets four years after the hurricane, but not much. Bad things happen to people all the time and it can be hard to recover, but eventually you have to stop looking to someone else to fix your problems and do it yourself. Either that, or sit around waiting for the local football team to make it to the Super Bowl and hope some wealthy advertiser wants to gain some good PR and decides to start handing out money on the street corner.
Dr. Warren
January 25th, 2010
3:48 am
The Saints are Atlanta’s only longtime pro sports rival. I feel great for their fans, but I still can’t stand to see the black & gold in the Super Bowl.
The Whole Truth
January 25th, 2010
4:02 am
I like the Saints.. Rivals with the Falcons but a friendly rivalry to me.
After what the Republican and the Bush administration put that city through with Katrina, this is a blessing for them.
Free Market as defined by todays right-wing political losers says that you are own your own. If you are smart you would not live in NO. If you do it is your risk. Die if you must. Not my responsibility. Free market!Go Rush/Hannity!!!
Alison
January 25th, 2010
4:18 am
Super Bowl, Super Bowl.
Really taken my soul.
Here again u’ve come!
pleasure, brought more than some.
I’m looking forward to attend the gmaes, I even got ma tix from Ticketsinventory.com and waiting for February!
Come on February!
what surprise u carry!
who’ll win who’ll loose!
the latter is a moose.
The Vikings will make the bowl, of coure they are not mooses.
FalconManiac
January 25th, 2010
4:29 am
I can’t call the Aints no more. Who Dat, Who Dat…..Go Colts. And The Whole Truth, NO put themselves more than Bush did after Katrina. The people elected a Republican Governor.
falcon71
January 25th, 2010
4:58 am
love the Saints being there Its the best thing for the Falcons at this point. In this day the SB teams, ( less the Pats ) rarely have sucess the following year. Pittsburg most recently. Remember the Bears or Panthers or Falcons. Something seems to get them the next year.
The future in the Div looks brighter for the Falcons next year
tom
January 25th, 2010
6:10 am
Blame the coach or blame Favre. Passing on that last play was dumb. Run the ball and kick a field goal. Glad to see NO in the SB. Hope they win it.
UA Alum92
January 25th, 2010
8:28 am
As expected, the press is talking more about Favre in their loss than Manning in his win. I only hope BF stays retired this time. Sick of hearing about him. Manning may be the best QB to ever play the game.
Eric Moss
January 25th, 2010
8:34 am
Well, Roger Goddell made sure that the city of Nineveh, in mean New Orleans, would make it to the super(scam)bowl. I felt like I was watching Professional Wrestling last night. You kinda knew the predetermined outcome, but you’re hoping it’s not the case. FAKE FAKE FAKE FAKE FAKE!!!!! Go spend your money and time on something worthwhile instead of this junk. Their is a reason why they call it entertainment!
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
January 25th, 2010
8:36 am
blame the o-line for the Vikes for letting Favre getting hit at least 15 times..still you have to give him props for staying in the game. great game for sure
Pittsburgh Al
January 25th, 2010
8:47 am
This was a good game decided again by a questionable officials call. That the Vikings were still in this game after all of the turnovers was remarkable. But to lose it on an uncertain interference call is a lousy way to lose. After spending plenty of time looking at a couple of reviewable plays, the most critical play is accepted as called. The NFL has to come up with a way to look at official’s calls since bad ones affect the game just as much as the spot of the ball or whether the catch was made. This looked like an uncatchable ball and contact appeared to not be initiated by the defender. Yet the call stands without question or review and the game goes to the Saints. I realize the games drag on now with all of the reviews, but should at least interference calls be reviewable since they are game changers. They already have decided that not all plays are reviewable, so deciding that only these penalties are is not outside what is currently in place. One more thing on OT. I do not like college OT because it is so artificial. But NFL OT should not be decided on who wins the coin flip. Each team should have at least 1 possession, playing the game the way it is played by kicking off after a score. It would eliminate most OT games being decided on the dreaded field goal. Probably never happen, but a good idea in my mind.
Jeff Schultz
January 25th, 2010
8:51 am
Willy — True. Saying his doesn’t know is better than crying, saying he’s done, then coming back.
Eric
January 25th, 2010
9:04 am
bugkiller is an obvious moron. his garbage comes directly from the likes of limbaugh, oreilly and hannity. pure crap. I’m guessing he never had an original thought of his own in all his 15years. As for Brett Favre, he’s great for football. The Vikings wouldn’t even have been there without him. The man loves football. Like it or not, he’s a star.
Go Fish, Yourself!
January 25th, 2010
9:08 am
P. Bull Terrier
Let’s hope nothing bad happens to YOUR family, or anyone YOU care about.
UGAFan
January 25th, 2010
9:15 am
We’ll STILL hear more about Brett Farve’s near miss than Drew Brees for the next two weeks. And what’s wrong with Joe Buck?
Falcons fans: Are you rooting for or against the Saints? | Jeff Schultz
January 25th, 2010
9:25 am
[...] an interesting exchange last night with Falcons coach Mike Smith, when I spoke to him about two conference championship games. At one point, I asked Smith if he had any feelings about the New Orleans [...]
PMC
January 25th, 2010
9:30 am
I’m happy for the city the state and south mississippi that they finally have thier team in the Super Bowl… but I’m a falcons fan Shultz this is absolutely NOT what I wanted. I’d much rather have seen an epic battle between two of the best STAR QB’s of our age in Manning and Farve both of which household names.
How about Tom Benson…. if not for the hurricane they would be the San Antonio Saints already… somebody shove a rag in that dudes mouth.
Falcons fans: Are you rooting for or against the Saints? | India News Blog, Latest News From India, Latest Blogs From India
January 25th, 2010
9:30 am
[...] an interesting exchange last night with Falcons coach Mike Smith, when I spoke to him about two conference championship games. At one point, I asked Smith if he had any feelings about the New Orleans [...]
PMC
January 25th, 2010
9:32 am
Drew Brees was rather boring last night in comparison to Farve… but he sure lead his team well and to a victory. The late playoff interception the last 2 times in NFC championships is just expected from Farve.
PMC
January 25th, 2010
9:34 am
Farve should probably just say look I’m 41 now. Training camp is for rookies. I know the offense it’s ridiculous for me to spend a month and a half wasting energy. I’ll be back the second week in September and we’ll give it one more try.
I need Stimulation too
January 25th, 2010
9:41 am
Bugkiller — Good stuff
to bugkiller…a crooked free market will kill you…because it’s crooked and not a true free market…think about it.
Tweets that mention Super Bowl: Colts vs. Saints, Manning vs. Brees is historic | Jeff Schultz -- Topsy.com
January 25th, 2010
11:06 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by reis_baron, Jeff Schultz and Jeff Schultz, Troy Jones. Troy Jones said: RT @JeffSchultzAJC: Super Bowl matchup: Manning-Brees, Colts-Saints is best we could hope for (and no Favre!!!). http://bit.ly/7sFNAi [...]
Eric Moss
January 25th, 2010
12:01 pm
Well, Roger Goddell made sure that the city of Nineveh, in mean New Orleans, would make it to the super(scam)bowl. I felt like I was watching Professional Wrestling last night. You kinda knew the predetermined outcome, but you’re hoping it’s not the case. FAKE FAKE FAKE FAKE FAKE!!!!! Go spend your money and time on something worthwhile instead of this junk. Their is a reason why they call it entertainment!
Dejavu
January 25th, 2010
12:42 pm
Great games all teams played yesterday, Brett Favre is one of the best fo all times, I think the game Saints vs Viking will be in the top 10 best games ever played!!
congratulations!!!!!!!!!!
jim
January 25th, 2010
1:06 pm
Manning must be licking his chops,hoping the superbowl gets moved up a week so he can tear the saints pass defense apart.
Tweets that mention Super Bowl: Colts vs. Saints, Manning vs. Brees is historic | Jeff Schultz -- Topsy.com
January 25th, 2010
2:47 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Brenda Clayson and Debbie Woodall, Jeff Schultz. Jeff Schultz said: Super Bowl: Colts vs. Saints, Manning vs. Brees is historic: The NFC title win over Minnesota Sunday and the Super… http://bit.ly/665Pfa [...]
ACC Reality
January 25th, 2010
6:17 pm
Let’s go Saints! Not that I like one vs. the other, I just think the Saints winning will really put poor ole Archie Manning in a squeeze. You know it’s eating at his every nerve to want to be at the fore front for the very first Super Bowl the Saints will have been in, but he can’t cause his first born is the quarterback for the Colts. I’m positive Archie has ached for this day for the Saints as he would be coddled and smoozed by every talking head in the sports world and he would have been knocking on the Saints front office door immediately following their victory last night. Except for one BIG problem. I’ll bet he never in his wildest immagination ever thought the Saints very first Super Bowl would be opposite the hand picked team that Eli is the quarterback for. It’s quite funny…………..
Michelle from NOLA livin in ATL
January 25th, 2010
11:13 pm
How can a win be good for New Orleans? How can it help rebuild homes? Do you have any earthly idea how much business comes to town for these games? Saints fans from everywhere book hotels, eat in the restaurants, tip the waiters and the bartenders and those working at the Cafe Du Monde to make ends meet. Locals have seen 50% – 75% increases in their business with the playoffs and the seasons success of the Saints. The publicity will bring tourism and conferences. You ask any New Orleanian what the Saints do for NOLA. The players have dedicated time, money and their spirit and invested it in the people of the city…in a way unlike any other team in the NFL. If you cannot pull for the Saints in support of your NFC South brethen, shame on you! We rooted for the ATL when they went and I was sad when they lost! We may fight on the field twice a year but there is something called conference pride! And come on – this is not about Katrina – this is about a 43 year history of loss and disappointment and complete fan dedication…if you choose to rain on our parade, you are going to miss one hell of a party…I’ll be in NOLA for the bowl…there is no place I’d rather be.
GetKrunk
January 25th, 2010
11:35 pm
The sound that we’ll be hearing in the stadium: “Bluephi1914, please tell your mother to get off her knees. She’s been treating all of us for the first 3 quarters, we can only take so much”
Scott
January 26th, 2010
10:02 am
You know you’ve done something right when the only thing people have to complain about you is that you retired from something and then decided to come back.
April from New Orleans
January 26th, 2010
4:04 pm
Very well said Michele from NOLA
big D
January 27th, 2010
1:22 am
This is for all the jealous vikings fans on these posts. Farve on the ground, helmet to the side, a$$ on the ground, leg in a cast, Farve on the ground again!!!, verse #2 same as above but, add Farve put the ball on the ground, # 4 put the ball on the ground, the vikings put the ball on the ground,six times!!!! end chorus with, and Farve threw 2 picks in a repaired superdome! I actually like Farve, I am a true NFL fan. I can’t believe I used to like the vikings when I was a kid, until they lost four Superbowls, go figure.The vikings and ESPN think they gave the game to the saints, and we didn’t deserve or earn the win. They only had one unforced fumble at the 5 yard line, (botched hand off by Farve and Peterson.) The saints knocked the ball out 5 times through ball hawking and stripping techniques. Three of the 6 fumbles were recovered by the saints and 3 by the vikings. The other two turnovers were picks by the saints. If you follow the season stats, you would see that the saints have been doing this all year long, this isn’t a fluke, it is consistency.Get over it, Your Farve experiment failed,You lost, Period. The Saints defense took the game. Brees had ample time to throw the ball, he simply had a bad day. He was over throwing receivers and under throwing to backs and tight ends. Trust me, the vikes had no pass rush by their so called vaunted defense. Sean Payton also had a bad day with his scheme and some of his play calls. You’re right, it should have been a blow out in the saints’ favor. Lets go to excuse #2 Let me clear my throat. The refs. I see it this way. The refs wanted to see a story book ending to Farve’s career and gave him special treatment. The saints were getting flagged with bs calls all evening. #1 fair catch which was fumbled and the return man was hit after he tried to recover it. Free ball,Legal, Bogus 15 yards. #2 Two hand touch penalty on Farve right after he released the ball, can’t touch this. 15 more bogus yards. #3 Another penalty for illegal proceedure, moving the ball around, as explained. Give me a freeking break! #4 On one of many Farve knock downs or beatings, they called a 15 yarder for hitting a man out of bounds, After it was pointed out by Peyton that he didn’t hit him out of bounds, and Farve put on his limping act, the refs huddled, looked at the replay and changed the call to roughing the passer. The flag was thrown on the side line and not at Farve’s feet. By the way, the flag was thrown 5 seconds after the play was over. # 5 Receiver goes back for the under thrown ball in the endzone. The defense gets called for interference, ball on the one yard line. Their wasn’t even any contact. Just give it to them, tie score. The saints got by with one and only one bad call in overtime, the interference call which was uncatchable. I agree. But the saints still had downs and could have and would have gotten closer anyway. Most of the bogus calls against the saints were on third down which gave the vikes new life and extended drives, which contributed to some of the excess yards gained by the vikes and contributed to more time of possession. This kept the ball out of Breeses hands. This game was earned by the saints and is deserved by the city. I really beleive in my heart that the saints have a chance to win the bowl. My prediction is(drum roll) SAINTS 38 COLTS 35. If I am wrong, it will be a New Orleans saints super bowl anyway, with manning being New Orleans favorite son! Its win win for N.O. So get over it, all you doubters and Saint haters out there who come to our city and have the time of your lives when you’re here, and bad mouth us when we finally achieve something. The Saints aren’t going to be your wipping boys anymore! We have grown up. Oh and I almost forgot something, I know this pisses you off. Who Dat! ,Who Dat! Your story is ova!
Happy, elated and pissed off at the same time in N.O., Big D.
Chasethebeast
January 29th, 2010
2:09 pm
Colts get ball on the 1 drop back and hail Mary TD then saints ball ints colts throw it TD 1st quarter