Super Bowl XLIV chat with Brandt, Brooks and Kirwan
5:30 PM - 10:00 PM ETSuper Bowl XLIV
152 comments
As Super Bowl XLIV unfolded at Sun Life Stadium in South Florida, NFL.com's Gil Brandt, Bucky Brooks and Pat Kirwan chatted live.
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NFL.com,
Hey Super Bowl Nation, ready to follow Super Bowl XLIV with NFL.com's trio of Super analysts? We've got Gil Brandt and Bucky Brooks here with us, and Pat Kirwan will be joining us shortly. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi everybody. We'll take questions here as well as giving some pregame thoughts. First off, what could be pretty important... -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Nobody knows for sure how ready Colts DE Dwight Freeney will be to play tonight. He’s active for the game – but that doesn’t tell us as much as what we can assume from the list of inactive players.
Defensive end Ervin Baldwin is inactive. If the Colts really didn’t think Freeney would be a factor, I think they would need as much depth in the defensive line rotation as they could get. -
bill lane, las vegas,nv
8:33 PM ET
do you think that manning having superbowl experience will have an affect on the outcome ?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Definitely. I think Manning will be a lot more settled than Drew Brees will be early in the game. If history means anything, the first couple of series of downs for a QB making his first Super Bowl start could be a little erratic.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I'm picking the Colts, 34-31. I thought it could be lower-scoring if the wind kicked up, but the flags are not waving right now, so the wind has died down a little and I'm sticking with that. -
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
I've got 27-17, Colts. -
Kruelgor, Denver
8:38 PM ET
The Colts won 7 regular season games be a mere touchdown or less which means they could have easily lost those games. The Saints, on the other hand, completely destroyed their regular season opponents with only 3 seasonal wins by a touch down or less. The Colts are one dimensional with their offense and the Saints proved they can stop a passing team with their victory over the Saints. Do you think it's possible the Saints could actually win by a blow-out?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Krueglor, That's a great observation. I think that many are viewing the Colts' offense as the most explosive unit in this match up, but when looking at their overall season, Indy didn't light up scoreboards as they have in the past. Although Peyton Manning enjoyed a stellar season, the team often bogged down in the red zone and experienced several close games due to their inability to punch the ball in the end zone. On the other hand, the Saints' offense led the league in scoring and they had three 40-point games. When they are clicking, they have proven to be an unstoppable force behind Drew Brees. If they get their running game going early, and allow Brees to throw comfortably off play-action they could give the Colts some problems. I'm not suggesting that the Saints will blow the Colts out, but I do believe that they have a much better chance of winning a shootout than some observers have suggested. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Dwight Freeney is getting around pretty good on the field right now during warmups. -
Tyler Harrison, Los Angeles, California
8:42 PM ET
Will Drew Brees "feel the heat" more than Peyton Manning?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Both QBs excel against the blitz. When opponents blitz Drew Brees, he’s got a passer rating of 109.6, and he’s been sacked 11 times with three INTs… When Manning is blitzed, he has a passer rating of 101.4, with five sacks and five INTs.
I think there will be more pass-rush pressure on Brees, because teams know they can't blitz Manning - they'll play more dropping into coverage and disguising coverages. -
mikki, Richmond,VA
8:43 PM ET
I've always heard that defense wins games...some say that may be so, but offense scores points. Which will be the determining factor today? Defense or Offense???
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Mikki, Defense will determine the winner in this game. Both defenses are special in their own right. The Colts are outstanding at forcing teams to settle for field goals in the red zone. Additionally, they don't give up big plays, which allows them to force teams to drive the length of the field without making mistakes. The Saints, on the other hand, are an opportunistic unit that relies on a high pressure scheme to force opponents into mistakes. Their ability to knock around QBs in the pocket results in turnovers and leads to extra scoring opportunities for the league's top scoring offense. I think the key to the game will be the Saints' ability to disrupt Manning's rhythm. If they can make him uncomfortable, they will have a shot to pick off a few passes and generate extra scoring chances. The Saints must get pressure on him to have any chance to win. -
dluna, tampa
8:47 PM ET
what is mannings biggest struggle going to be?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I would guess the Saints checked out all the tapes and saw a smart thing that the Texans did. They held up Dallas Clark at the line and then had rookie LB Brian Cushing on him. And they disguised coverages and frustrated Manning a bit. Most teams focus on stopping Reggie Wayne. The Texans focused on Clark. -
Gustavo Ribeiro, Brazil
8:49 PM ET
The Colts D strong is the speed of their players. How tough will they be against the Saints ground game?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Gustavo, The Colts' D has been solid in the post-season defending the run. The Saints present a bit of a problem because of their three-headed monster, but I think that they should be able to rise to the challenge due to their exceptional speed. -
Gustavo Ribeiro, Brazil
8:52 PM ET
Manning excels against the blitz. But the Saints secondary is very opportunistic. And history shows that a team has never won after the opponent scored a TD on an interception return. How dangerous the Saints D will be against Manning?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Gustavo, that's a great stat -- it's true that no team that's scored on an INT return has ever lost in the Super Bowl.
The saints defensive backs are very good. Manning is aware of S Darren Sharper and his ability to make plays. He'll be careful throwing the ball down the middle like he sometimes does -- especially to Clark. Also, in all 10 playoff games this year, the team that had the fewest INTs won the game.
Another key matchup for the Saints' defense is LB Jonathan Vilma against C Jeff Saturday. In the last six years, Saturday has allowed just 5 sacks. and he's only had eight holding calls against him in 11 years. -
Mr. Rider, Colts Capital City, IN
8:55 PM ET
I really don't see him as that much of a threat in this game against the Colts D, but Which Reggie Bush is gonna show up today?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Mr. Rider, The Saints need Reggie Bush to be a dynamic playmaker in this game. He has explosive speed and is very elusive in the open field, so it is important for the Saints to get him the ball in space. He should see plenty of touches on screens and swing passes to take advantage of his speed against the Colts' LBs. Additionally, he can give the Saints a boost by breaking a long return on a punt. If he is able to flip the field with a big play, it could provide a huge momentum boost for the Saints and lead to some easy points. -
Steven, USA
8:59 PM ET
Will the Colts lack of a running game finally hurt them?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Steven, The Colts must run the ball well enough to force the Saints to respect their play-action game. If Joseph Addai or Donald Brown can break off a few runs early, it will help Manning find bigger passing windows behind the linebackers, which will result in big plays. Getting the run establish early will undoubtedly be a key to their game plan. -
Irv Bovis, Milford, De.
9:00 PM ET
I think there will more running by Indy as a surprise. That may surprise N.O. More than all of his passes.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Irv, if you remember Super bowl XLI three years ago, everybody was quite surprtised that Indy ran a lot and ran that well against a good Bears defense. The Colts did a good job blocking Brian Urlacher.
But Manning will dictate it. He's so smart and knows that best thing to do when he sees the defense. so if he thinks running is the way to go, he'll do it. But that won't be decided until he sees what the saints are giving him. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
A little surprising here at the stadium that the Colts fans were louder than the Saints in pregame. -
Super Bowl XLIV,
Hi guys, Pat Kirwan has joined us. We'll start with the prediction question that Gil and Bucky answered earlier. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Hi all... I've got the Saints, 33-30.
It's a perfect night for offense, and I can see the game going into OT. Both QBs are tremendous fourth-quarter players. They will hide some things on defense until th second half. sooner or later, both will take the gloves off and spread the field. And keep on throwing. -
Jake Robert, Hayward,WI
9:07 PM ET
How do you think Dwight Freeney will do in this game with a sore ankle?
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Hi Jake, he looked great in pregame warmups. I saw him work the spin move twice. He got off the ball extremely well... But I will keep a close eye on him when there are real blockers in front of him.
The real question is what happens if the ankle stiffens up after halftime. It's a longer halftime than usual. -
Marvin, Fort Worth, TX
9:09 PM ET
Do you really think the Colts' offense as explosive? I've always considered Manning as more methodical. What if any weakness does the Colts' offense have?
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
The running game is last in the league,so it suggests they are not balanced. But after rushing for 102 yards against the Jets, I would not be surprised to see 150 yards rushing from them tonight.
RE: explosive offense. True, they had five games with 20 or less points. But with two weeks to prepare and everyone healthy, I expect Peyton to work over the Saints corners. That means a few more deep balls than usual. -
Shawn, KY
9:12 PM ET
Which reciever will have the biggest game?
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Austin Collie has been big in the playoffs, with 175 yards and two TDs. Peyton goes to the open guy, and they are going to cover Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
While we're talking about who is going to have a big game, i really like Pierre Thomas for New Orleans. The speed defense of the Colts lends itself to Pierre Thomas' running north-south style. And he's a pretty good cutback runner against the fast-flow defense. -
Shawn Goredema, Edmonton Alberta
9:15 PM ET
Who do U guys Think will Get the Superbowl Mvp From both teams?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Shawn, The Super Bowl MVP will likely go to one of the quarterbacks given the explosiveness of both offenses. In looking for a sleeper pick, I would go with a defensive player like Robert Mathis or Will Smith. Both have important roles as pass rushers, and they are capable of making a play that changes the dynamics of the game. -
youssif, pennyslvania
9:15 PM ET
do u think if the saints win the super bowl it will change the city.i dont think it will, a franchise can't change a city.
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
For what it's worth, I think the Dallas Cowboys success helped that city to erase the stigma of the Kennedy assassination. I think that helped. So I would imagine that a Saints' win -- and their success already -- would be a great shot in the arm for new Orleans to help move on even further from the Katrina tragedy. -
Coach Walrath, Santa Margarita, CA
9:18 PM ET
Do you think blitzing four to a side for the Saints defense against the offensive line of the Colts will be able to get pressure on Manning?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Coach Walrath, Overload blitzes are very effective against most protections, but the Saints must do a good job of masking their intentions for it to be effective against Manning. If he senses the overload pressure coming, he will quickly identify the "hot" receiver or get the Colts into a better play. Therefore, the Saints' ability to disguise their coverage in conjunction with the overload rush is the key. -
Super Bowl XLIV,
Time out for the National Anthem... Please stand... -
Drew, OH
9:23 PM ET
If Payton Manning were to win the big game would you consider him the best QB of all time
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I already think he is. -
Andy, Atlanta, GA
9:24 PM ET
How difficult do you think it is for the players to approach this as "just another football game" when everything about the game is anything but "just another football game"? Is it better as a player to treat the game mentally as "just another game" or to try and harness the extra adrenaline that would likely occur by playing in what would be the biggest game of their lives?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Andy, That is a great question. Players must approach it like any other game. If they can keep their emotions in check, then their natural talent with come through and they will make the plays that they normally make throughout the course of the regular season. As cliche as it sounds, it is the same game that they have been playing since they started in Pop Warner, and they need to approach it that way. -
connie, ireland
9:26 PM ET
guys what do you think of Regggie Bush for MVP?
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Connie, it's a long way to go for that. He'll get his chance as a punt returner and a third-down back. I think this is a QB driven game though -- and I think the MVP will be one of those guys.
Plus, this is not the defense to bounce outside -- the Colts defense is too fast. He has to stay disciplined and stay inside. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
In the first series of downs, don't be surprised if you see a screen or some type of gadget play to try to slow down the Colts' fast defense. -
Jonathan Kawula, Evergreeen, Colorado
9:29 PM ET
How will the Colts D stop the Saints offense?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Jonathan, The Colts must win the battle on 1st down. They want to force Drew Brees into long yardage situations, so Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney can get after him in the pocket. That is when the Colts are at their best, and they need to get the game on their terms to win. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
if they get the ball on offense. the Colts are 31st in kick coverage. Let's see.. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Off the bat... first two plays wirth Bush and Thomas on offense. He was fullback for first play and caught the pass on second. On third down, four receivers and Reggie in the pattern. Look for a matchup against the rookie cB.
The Saints are the best first-drive scoring team in the league and they went three-and-out. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
On the first colts' play, saints blitzed the OLB, which we expected from Gregg Williams. Manning saw it and hit the inside receiver. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
The Colts started in 2 TE personnel. on the first third down play, went to one TE, 3 WRs. they are looking to Wayne early and often. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Looks like the Colts are attacking safety Roman Harper, who is very good against the run but not as strong in coverage. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Manning willalso be looking to pick on CB Randall Gay when he can, and that's who Austin Collie beat for that third-down conversion. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Peyton under center: two runs, no passes. Peyton in shotgun: 7 passes, no runs. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
That was his first pass from under center. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Colts on the board... the team that has scored first in the previous 43 Super Bowls is 28-15. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Good for the Colts to take an early lead, but we did mention this earlier in the week: In what should be a high-scoring game, you don't want to be settling for field goals when you have a chance to score touchdowns. -
NIck Sanchez, Wausau, WI
9:45 PM ET
I am calling the Patriots winning by a landslide.
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Nick, the Patriots are one team we know for sure will NOT win this game. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Of the 8 passes by the Colts, there was only one real pressure on Manning -- and he completed the third-down pass to Collie. what does that mean? Gregg Williams can not sit back and not go after manning.
I think there will be more blitzing next time colts are on offense, but they'll have to be careful not to get burned. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Just a simple delay and hit Reggie Bush over the middle. Hard to cover him with five wide, but LB Gary Brackett might have missed the tackle. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Colts rookie CB Jerraud Powers,who was hurt all week, is out of the game. He's replaced by another rookie -- Jacob Lacey. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
In two series for the Saints: 2 runs, 7 pass. They've used backup OT Zack Strief twice as an extra lineman for the heavy personnel, and threw out of it both times. So he is in for protection right now. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
With five minutes left in the first quarter, teams have combined for 15 passes. On pace for 80. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Colts lined up in unusual formation for them -- rookie RB Donald Brown, Mike Hart in at fullback and Dallas Clark in to block. It worked, as Brown got a first down. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Two audibles on this drive, checking to a run both times. And gained 12 yards both times. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hargrove has replaced Sed Ellis on Saints line, which might be contributing to Colts' running the ball. Hargrove is better pass rusher. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Joseph Addai looking pretty good. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
This is looking a lot like Super Bowl XLI. Gil mentioned that earlier inthe chat -- everyone thought they'd pass on Chicago and they ran. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
That was an 11-play drive, almost the length of the field - 97 yards. Manning audibled to the run four times, with tremendous success. The Colts had 55 rushing yards on those four audibles. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
The guy Garcon beat was Usama Young, a very good special teams player but not a guy in at CB a lot. Not sure why he was in there. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
In the playoffs to date, Colts were 77 passes, 6 runs from shotgun. So he comes out,shows shotgun, the goes under center and runs it.
But what he's also doing is setting them up for the play-action pass later... -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Now is where Brees has to come in and make some plays. When you get behind 10-0, momentum is dangerous. What he'll probably do is throw some short passes to the backs and tight ends. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
As we said in pregame, even a great QB like Brees is going to take a few series to get calmed down in his first Super Bowl. We'll see what happens now. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Quick notes on first quarter: There were 21 passes in the first quarter... Colts were two-for-two in scoring drives. ... Only one first down for the Saints. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Second first down of the game for Saints. -
Clint Ash, Michigan
10:12 PM ET
What did you guys do with Bucky?Super Bowl XLIV,
Sorry about that... Bucky is taking some notes for his postgame story, but he will jump back into the chat later. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Those are the things you just can't do... Colts could get the Saints on the ropes, and Wheeler gives them life with a dumb penalty. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Freeney was out briefly. Just came back in. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Colts had an unusual defensive formation earlier on this drive... 2 LBs, 5 defensive backs. Colts were in a 4-receiver set and completed a short pass to Colston. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Bull rush by Freeney against Bushrod. nothing fancy, just beat him. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Nice job by the Saints answering with an 11-play drive. They used Strief again -- subbing him on the line to help protect, That takes a receiver off the field -- but the Saints have been having more success without him in there. they looked real good in the four-receiver set, which they used on first-and-10.
One thing they must correct is the run game outside. They try to bounce it outside and the Colts' speed takes it away. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I don't know why, but CB Kelvin Hayden was not in on that last series for Colts. Tim Jennings took his spot. Hayden, as you recall, returned an INT for a score in Super Bowl XLI. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Play-action like we said... Manning was setting that up all game. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Colts had Collie lined at up AT on that second-and-1. Not a good blocker. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
What a big break for the Saints. If Garcon catches that ball it's a 30-yard gain. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
At this point in the game, the Saints are starting to close the gap. After a terrible start, the Saints have earned five first downs -- to seven for the Colts.
Want to see more spread formations. There are matchups to be won for Brees against these corners. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Saints did good job blocking freeney on that play... and Freeney came off the field after it. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
After halftime, I think you'll see a lot of the Saints in four-wides and Reggie Bush as fifth in the pattern. It's working. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Colts can't stop that. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Brees goes to Colston every time in the four wides set. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Don't be surprised if this third-down play is a play-action to the tight end.
And if they don't make it, I say Sean Payton will go for it. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
And here's something I have always said: When a team scores at the end of the first half, it is a huge momentum builder for the rest of the game. This is a big play coming up. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Saints going for it. Watch play-action to TE David Thomas. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
It was surprising that the Saints ran to Thomas' side. He's not a real strong blocker. Session made the play -- he is one of those guys who has great, great recognition. -
andy smith, barnsley uk
10:45 PM ET
do you think the saints should have gone for the fg ?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Well, hindsight says they should have. But I thought it was the right move to try for the first down/touchdown. When you are playing Manning, you need to score as many points as you can. Maybe if it was a less dangerous offense, your strategy changes. But I agree with the decision. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Let's see if Brees can work some magic in 35 seconds. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
So the Saints ended up with the FG some thought they should have gone for before. And now they have that momentum I was referring to... always good to score points at the end of the half. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
That said, the Colts have the halftime lead, and the team leading at halftime has won 33 of 41 Super Bowls (there were two ties). -
sue, Gardners pa
11:14 PM ET
Why didn't the saints go for the field goal, they went to the right 3 times drew should've thrown the ball agreed?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Sue, The Saints were attempting to run behind the strength of their offensive line. On Mike Bell's attempt, they had a hole, but he slipped making a cut and was unable to get to it. On the fourth down attempt, Tim Jennings made a great play forcing the ball back inside, and their speedy linebackers got to the ball in a hurry. I don't fault the Saints for running the ball at that point, but the Colts won the battle of execution on those critical downs. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
We're back.. and we'll see how Freeney's ankle is doing after that 40-minute break. See if it stiffens. -
Ryan Heath, Maine
11:18 PM ET
With the Saint's offense finally getting warmed up and possibly building some very needed momentum, Do you think they will come out off the locker room with some very explosive plays like they did near the end of the 2nd quarter or take it easy as they did during the bulk of the first half? And which do you think they should try, fast paced explosion plays, or slow and steady small yardage plays?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Ryan, The Saints appeared to find their rhythm in the 2nd quarter. Drew Brees connected on a series of short and intermediate throws underneath zone coverage, and the Colts don't appear to have an answer for the "dink and dunk" approach. However, Sean Payton must find a way to get the Saints into the end zone because they won't win by constantly settling for field goals. -
josh, louisiana
11:20 PM ET
I agree with Sue instead of trying to force the ball after getting stopped three times they should have thrown the ball WHO DAT
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Josh, The Colts' two-deep zone makes it tough to throw the ball inside the 10-yard line. The Saints can attempt some quick throws underneath and hope that their receivers are able to run it in, but throwing the ball into the corners or down the middle will be tough based on the configuration of the coverage. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
They have no idea who has that ball -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Last time there was an onside kick in a Super Bowl: Bill Cowher's Steelers against Dallas early in the fourth quarter of XXX.
And now Saints can build on momentum of that score at the end of the half. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Freeney's on sidelines to start this series. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
The onside kick goes right in line with the fourth-down play in first half. Payton knows he is the underdog, so he's not afraid to try different things.
The key now is the spread. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Five pass, one run after the onside kick. And they are getting a feel that they can run the ball.
Bonjour, Pierre! -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Saints kept Manning off the field... Manning is very good in the second half, but Saints have seven fourth-quarter comebacks. It will probably go down to whoever has the ball last. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Pierre Thomas was the feature player in the 5-play drive, as he gained 34 yards on three plays: a checkodwn for 12, cutback run for 6 and screen pass for the score. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Now it's time to se Colts' halftime adjustment. Manning drifted away from Clark later in the first half. we'll see... -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Manning has been very good against Gregg Williams the second time around. He played two games last year when Gregg Williams was defensive coordinator in Jacksonville. Williams got the better of him in the first game but Manning figured it out in the second game. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
The Saints will not pay extra attention to stop the run. they'd be happy to le the colts gain 5 yards a run. Better than Manning passing the ball. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
On the long pass to Clark, great block by Donald Brown.
And on that first-down catch, Clark was held coming out and he still got out in the pattern to make the catch. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Ten-play drive for the score, and Colts' halftime adjustment was go back to Dallas Clark. they hit him on both critical third downs. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Great run for the score by Addai.
With momentum swinging into Saints' favor, that was an incredibly big drive for the Colts. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hidden yards... a 33-yard kickoff return by Courtney Roby is big. Roby is a really good return man. He's strong. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Freeney is back in the game. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
This is Brees' football, quick set, short drop. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
New Orleans is giving a little run flavor on first downs, but the success is still coming on the spread. they were able to isolate Reggie Bush on Clint Session for a big play. They need to keep doing that. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Great play by Shockey. Blocked first and then released. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Play by Shockey was critical to get closer for that field goal.
So far in second half, the Saints are three run, 10 pass. But the runs averaged five yards per carry. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Second-and-10 used to be a passing down, but there was an extremely high percentage of runs this season. The plan is to get more manageable third downs. We're seeing that again here tonight. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Thomas Morstead is a real weapon for the Saints, and he pinned the Colts back deep again. The Saints were criticized for trading up in the draft to get him, but he has been more than worth it both as the team's punter and kickoff specialist. -
bob tran, San francisco, CA
11:53 PM ET
do you think that manning will try to change up his throwing tactics, maybe by making shorter tosses?
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
He's a read-the-coverage guy, He gets the two high safeties, he'll keep the short passing attack going. He's working on the Sam and Will LBs a lot. -
John, Jacksonville
11:55 PM ET
the saints have to get pressure on manning to win, but one of these times they blitz manning will hit the big play. if you were the saints how would you play it?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
John, I think you have to blitz to show your team that you are being aggressive. Williams is aware that Manning is so good at recognizing the blitz, so he won't risk it too often. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Okay, here's a big stat: The team leading at the end of the third quarter has won 14 of the last 15 Super Bowls. And the 15th one was tied going into the fourth. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Third quarter: Six of the eight passes Manning threw were for 10 yards or less. Dinking and dunking down the field. And you know what: I don't think he's going to take long shots -- and part of that is that he's wary of Darren Sharper. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Came back to Garcon on the play that he dropped before. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Third quarter set up that long pass. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Tracy Porter has been playing very good on Reggie Wayne, but Wayne just beat him inside on that fourth-down play. That's a demoralizing play for the Saints. -
Rosehipcaper, Toronto, On,Canada
12:03 AM ET
What can stop the Colts?.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
They're in a bend-don't-break mode and content to do that. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Great play in coverage by LB Jonathan Vilma. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Vilma was in Tampa 2 coverage and he held off the deep middle.
-
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
We talked about the demoralizing effect of the Colts converting the fourth-and-2. But now that the Colts have missed a field goal, the Saints take over in decent field position and have a chance to gain back momentum. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Both teams have questionable left tackles and the QBs like the short drops to being with. That's why neither team has thrown many long passes. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Looks like the Saints are runing to the left -- at Freeney. -
Doug, Dallas
12:09 AM ET
If the Saints score here, do they go for 2pt conversion?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Yes, I think you have to follow the chart and chart says go for two. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Clint Session covering Bush every time and he can't cover him. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
The Saints pass protection has been great. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Brees has hit five different guys on last five passes. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
The Shockey touchdown was a formation I hadn't seen tonight. Shockey lined out wide and Colston in the tight end spot, the inside of a three-receiver set on that side. That drew attention away from Shockey who got singled up. They had four defenders on the three-receiver set and it was a no-brainer.
They should have come back and run it again on the two-point try! -
NFL.com,
Freeney taken to the Colts' locker room. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
If the Saints want to win this game, they need a turnover. Could this be the time? -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
The 56 completions by both teams is a new Super Bowl record. -
tyler kerr, ottawa can
12:26 AM ET
has manning even been hit this game?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Nope. No sacks and closest he came was a middle blitz from Vilma in the second quarter. Both teams' pass protection has been very good. The Saints have only allowed one sack.
Manning hasn't really been hit at all, but he is getting the ball out in a hurry. And I think he's not throwing deep because of Darren Sharper deep in the secondary. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
There's your turnover. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I still think this game turned around when Pierre Garcon dropped that pass in the second quarter. Colts were driving and had all the momentum. Not only did it stall the drive, but it led to a Saints field goal and gave them life. -
doug, dallas
12:32 AM ET
So do you think the party on Bourbon street will be the biggest party in NFL history lol!
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
They're gonna be dancing in the streets. they will be partying for a week... and next week is Mardi Gras! -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
It really is a great thing for the city, a city that has so much to deal with since Katrina. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I don't want to make it sound like the Colts have no way of coming back here. But it is a fact that no team that scored an INT touchdown has lost in the Super Bowl. -
emmanuel, montreal
12:38 AM ET
who do you guys like for mvp
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Tracy Porter. I think it willlikely go to Brees, but Porter deserves it. He had been doing a terrific job on Reggie Wayne before the scored on the INT. Wayne had one catch for five yards in three quarters. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I thought Manning should have spiked it there -- save the time out. Still have to plays to try to score. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Peyton seems frustrated now. -
doug, dallas
12:46 AM ET
Do you think the onsides kick was the difference in the game?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Sure, it really made a difference. Coupled with scoring at the end of the half, that was a double dip. Ten consecutive points.
Sean Payton gambled both times. He almost lost when he went for the fourth down and didn't make it, but they came back and got the field goal. -
Gerardo, Chicago
12:50 AM ET
Which team do you guys go for?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Bucky and I had the colts. Give Pat Kirwan credit, as he picked the Saints to win.
Bucky and Pat are off to the locker room, but let's keep the chat going... -
Kevin, Arizona
12:51 AM ET
What a great win for Brees. He was on the money tonight.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Brees was probably one of the most underrated players of all time. From high school in Texas to Purdue to the NFL, he has always been given less than his due. He had seven fourth-quarter comeback wins this year, and what he did today -- completing 32 of 39 passes -- was awesome.
The best thing he did was control the ball. The Colts dominated time of possession early in the game, and then it swung all the way in the other direction. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I wonder how Brett Favre and the Vikings feel tonight. -
emmanuel, montreal
12:55 AM ET
what happened with Wayne He only has one reception in the game
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Tracy Porter just shut him down. That's why I think he should get the MVP.
Ironically, Porter went to the University of Indiana. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Wayne had been injured earlier in the week, but he looked fine in pregame warmups. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
How fitting.. Purdue legend Len Dawson handing the trophy to Purdue legend Drew Brees. -
Leo, Miami
12:59 AM ET
Wow what a win for the Saints. Brees like you said was on the money tonight. Underrated passer he is, they should give him more credit now. He is a great QB his timing was great. How do you think the Saints will do next year??
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Leo, I think we saw this year that it's not easy to repeat. Last year's champs didn't even make the playoffs. There is such great competitive balance and you never know who will win from year to year. I'd say New Orleans should be one of the top three teams entering next year, but that doesn't guarantee them anything. They deserved everything they got this year, but they did get a lot of things to break their way this year. Every Super Bowl champion needs those things to happen. we'll see! -
emmanuel, montreal
1:07 AM ET
I am guessing the front office in san diego must be frustraed the 2 qb they drafted end up winning superbowls and mvps with other teams
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Well, I'm sure they are. But they got Philip Rivers out of the Eli deal. Salary cap and injuries made it impossible to keep Drew Brees there.
The funny thing is that New Orleans wasn't Brees' first choice. He wanted to play foir Nick Saban in Miami, but he failed the Dolphins physical. So the Saints should give a Super bowl ring to the Miami doctor who told the Dolphins not to sign him! -
Vess , Virginia
1:10 AM ET
How come the kicker didn't get any love? Do you not believe he should have been considered for the MVP?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I guess kickers don't get much love when it comes to awards. But we at NFL.com have been talking all week about Thomas Morstead and how good he is. I said the battle of rookie punters was a key matchup. And few people knew how good he was on kickoffs. He didn't kick off in college, and all of a sudden he tries an onside kick in the Super bowl.
I'm sure knowing Sean Payton, he felt he had to take a chance. Interestingly, when we did a chat with Bill Parcells last Monday, he thought special teams was going to be the deciding factor. And sure enough Parcells was right. -
George Vreeland Hill, New Hampshire
1:14 AM ET
Any early favorites for next season?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I think Dallas, New Orleans, Minnesota will be the early favorites in the NFC. Probably San Diego and the Jets in the AFC. -
Ron, Lubbock,TX
1:15 AM ET
How big was that second quarter for the Saints? By that I mean keeping the ball away from the Colts offense like they did?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Ron, the Saints had the ball just about 30 seconds less than the Colts had it in the first quarter. the big play to me was when Garcon dropped a pass that would have given them a first down in Saints territory. New Orleans was down 10-0 at the time and getting ready to score again. That drop changed everything. -
Jonathan, Paris, France
1:17 AM ET
was an amazing victory for the Saints. But through all the game Peyton Manning has been clinical, and everything collapsed in the 4th quarter. Aside the interception, why did Manning lost his rhythm?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Seemed on that last drive, especially near the goal line, he was really frustrated. I was shocked to see him run a running play with so little time on third down. We've come to expect Manning to always come through in these situations, and we have to give credit to a Saints defense that played really good. They made interceptions to win games all year, and they did it again here. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I thought it would be a close game, with the Colts winning. I thought there would be more scoring. Several plays changed the game. The Garcon drop, as we discussed. And right before the first half, when the Saints were stopped on fourth down, they came back and forced a three-and-out on the Colts, giving themselves the chance to get that late field goal. Thirdly: The onside kick surprised everybody, and showed that Sean Payton had a lot of confidence in his defense. It was an uplifting move for the Saints.
It was back-and-forth after that until Manning threw the interception. Reggie Wayne kind of rounded off the route and that allowed Porter to make the pick. And this game continued the playoff trend that all the teams that won the turnover battle won the game.
It was a crowd-pleasing game that will create more interest throughout the NFL, because I think people will be talking about this game the entire offseason. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Congrats to the Saints, and congrats to the Colts as well because both teams had a great season.
That's all for tonight. Hope you enjoyed the game!
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