New Orleans, a city once torn apart by tragedy, has united in celebration after winning Super Bowl XLIV, 31-17 in Miami. Many of the New Orleans Saints faithful were content just to be able to enjoy the team’s first appearance in the Super Bowl. But MVP quarterback Drew Brees and the Saints raised the Vince Lombardi trophy in tribute to the die-hard fans that stood behind the team when there was little else to cheer for.
“There’s definitely a similarity when you look at Hurricane Katrina and the city that was destroyed,” said running back Reggie Bush. “We basically had to overcome adversity, overcome life, overcome a lot of terrible things. Like I said, this city has a place in all of our hearts and [it’s] definitely right there with us every step of the way.”
The Saints matched the biggest point deficit comeback in Super Bowl history to win by rallying from 10 points down.
In the beginning it looked as if the favored Indianapolis Colts would run away with the game after taking a 10-0 lead in the first quarter. But a stingy Saints defense kept the ball away from league MVP Peyton Manning allowing the Colts only six plays in the second quarter.
“I think that anytime you fall short of your goal — and your goal is to win it all — you’re a bit disappointed,” said rookie head coach Jim Caldwell. “It doesn’t put us in a position of multiple championships in this period of time, but that’s what [the] 2010 [season] is for. We have to look forward to that now.”
Trailing by 24-17 with 3:24 left in the game, the Colts were 31-yards away from tying the game up. Peyton Manning threw an interception intended for Reggie Wayne that was returned 74-yards for a touchdown by cornerback Tracy Porter. That sealed the win for the first-time Super Bowl champions, the New Orleans Saints.
In a city with a reputation for celebrating at the drop of a hat, the New Orleans Police Department was on alert for revelers celebrating the Saints’ win in the French Quarter. The official celebration parade is scheduled for Tuesday. And with Fat Tuesday — the last and largest Mardi Gras celebration — just one week later, New Orleans will be party central for some time to come. –lenn durant
