Respect

In football, there is always that one special play where the momentum of the game shifts in favor of one team. One play, so eloquently drawn up by the Head Coach, that could be a sure thing or a gamble. You can’t go for the “What if?” You, have to just go with your gut and go for it.

That’s what New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton did in last night’s Super Bowl. The onside kick to start the second half of the game almost caught me off guard. I was just getting settled back in my seat after getting a slice of that new Domino’s Pizza (it was pretty good, by the way). Thank goodness I did not blink, would’ve missed it. Now, this onside kick was not really all that suprising to me, because we are talking about Sean Payton here. The man has some sick plays like he is a voodoo priest on the slick.

Payton had to do something spectacular. Something that was not expected to get his boys going. The Indianapolis Colts dominated the first half. Peyton Manning, of course, poised. Dwight Freeney gets in the pocket to sack Drew Brees on one foot! The Saints defense was not its usual Darren Sharper-esque, et al, at all. Brees, obviously was nervous. The Saints’ only offense was two 40-plus yard field goals made by Garret Hartley, which was a Superbowl record. The score at the half was 10 -6.

The onside kick gave the Saints the momentum which, apparently, was lacking in the first half. It was that kick which saved this game for them. Once a team gets their mojo back, especially this team, you better watch out. They marched. Then, Joseph Addai scored the last points for the Colts in the third quarter, putting the score at 17-16, placing them up by a point. The Saints defense woke up and came up with some great stops in the last quarter, and a touchdown by Saints running back, Pierre Thomas. The poise quickly shifted to Brees and the jitters to Manning.

Tracy Porter, cornerback for the Saints, sealed the deal. Reggie Wayne, Colts’ wide receiver, has been trapped on Revis Island before, but this time, on Porter’s “Who Dat” Island. Porter read Manning’s throw so well as if he were in blue and white instead of black and gold-well at least Manning must have thought that because he threw that spiral directly to him. Porter returned that ball for 74 yards, untouched and scored the TD. That was it.The Saints silenced the naysayers and shut down the Colts 31-17.

Respect the Who Dat. Respect NOLA. Respect the game. And after 40-plus years, the New Orleans Saints have earned Respect.

SPEAK ON IT =)