A battle of Pierres

The two greatest Pierres in NFL history in one game! For the Colts, wide receiver Pierre Garcon has emerged from a small school curiosity into a consistent big play threat. Garcon’s 151-yard performance in the AFC Championship allowed him to proudly wave the Haitian flag on the winners’ podium in honor of his parents’ birthplace.


Saints running back Pierre Thomas was just as crucial to the Saints’ victory with 99 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. Reggie Bush will make more money this season in playoff bonuses than Thomas will make in salary, but Thomas is twice the player and has been for years.

Explosive Saints offense

Explosive Saints offense

The Championship game performances will skew memories about how these teams played in the regular season. It was the Saints that were the top-ranked team in points and yards. Instead of big skill position stars, the Saints have Drew Brees, wide receiver Marques Colston, and roughly seven other players that can step up on a given night. Throw in the most underrated guards in football — Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks — and there is a lot to talk about.

The Super Bowl Quarterbacks

The Super Bowl Quarterbacks

In a quarterback's league, these two are the very best. Peyton Manning and Drew Brees finished as the top two vote getters in the MVP race and now get to settle things with a championship at stake. Manning and Brees raise the level of the players around them, and they will raise this game. We respect both defenses, but no lead will be safe in Miami

Is Peyton the greatest quarterback of all time if he wins?

Is Peyton the greatest quarterback of all time if he wins?

We are witnessing greatness, no doubt. But it seems a little presumptuous to put so much historical meaning into one game. The accomplishments of all the great quarterbacks that came before Manning won’t vanish on Feb. 7th. Joe Montana is not leaving the room, and Manning is hardly approaching retirement anyhow. Sometimes, it’s not all about the quarterback. Manning could play great and lose or vice versa.


A win would certainly help Manning’s case as the best quarterback of his generation over Tom Brady, if you are inclined to pursue that angle.

Funny Video With Chad Ochocinco Reporting From Pro Bowl Practice

Funny Video With Chad Ochocinco Reporting From Pro Bowl Practice

What if the Colts were undefeated?

Get ready to cringe at this line of questioning that will come on Media Day. Can we let the Colts players enjoy making the Super Bowl? The decision by Colts management to rest their starters in Weeks 16 and 17 was frustrating, but we can’t have it both ways. They would have been crucified if they didn’t make it this far. We can’t kill them now that they’ve made it.


We can’t know what would have happened if the Colts had tried to go undefeated. At this point, who cares? The Colts have their hands full just to win another game. There is a great game coming up that’s a lot more interesting than those hypotheticals.

New Orleans

It’s one of America’s greatest cities, just starting to bounce back from one of the country's greatest tragedies. The storyline of the Saints lifting the spirit of New Orleans is easy to write in many ways. Many reporters will abuse that ease. And cynics will pick on the media’s manipulation without realizing how true all the clichés are.


The Saints' victory really does mean that much to the city; just ask anyone that lives there. Just look at the cathartic celebration after the win over the Vikings.


Forget Hurricane Katrina for a moment; A New Orleans Saints' Super Bowl after 43 bumbling seasons in a forgiving and football-mad region would have caused bedlam regardless. More than the fans, Katrina made the players feel different. It’s a small town, and the players are part of the fabric of the place, like in Green Bay. Saints players feel part of something bigger, a genuine connection. That’s pretty rare.

Saints as saviors

New Orleans and the uplifting story of the Saints is also in our storylines you won’t get tired of. But in the wrong hands, this could get maudlin and overdone quickly. This is a cool story worth telling if done right. But we know that isn’t always going to happen.

Archie Manning

Archie Manning

Oh, the divided loyalties! The longtime Saint and New Orleans resident will watch his hometown team go against his son. Archie is the early Vegas leader for most radio row interviews of the week. Here’s a preview: He’s rooting for his son. He’s happy for the city.

Peyton Manning is from New Orleans, won a Super Bowl in Miami

Now he’s playing against New Orleans, and he’s back in the city where he finally won a title. What are the odds? Alright, next subject please.

Kurt Warner Retires

Kurt Warner Retires

Super Bowl History 1970 - 1979

Super Bowl IV

New Orleans, Louisiana hosted Bud Grant's Minnesota Vikings and Hank Stram's Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 4 at Tulane Stadium. Over 80,000 people attended the game. Jen Stenerud kicked three field goals and Lenny Dawson took home the MVP after calling a seemingly flawless game. Led by Willie Lanier, Jerry Mays, and Johnny Robinson the Chief defense held the Vikings in check, causing 5 turnovers, allowing 67 rushing yards, a single touchdown by Dave Osborn, and a 23-7 win. Super Bowl Four marked the second straight year an underdog AFL team won the Championship.

Super Bowl V

On January 17th, 1971, in Miami, Florida, Jim O'Brien kicked a last second field goal to lift his Baltimore Colts over the Dallas Cowboys 16-13 in Super Bowl 5. Super Bowl Five had many firsts; the Colts were down at half, the outcome was within a score, the game was played on artificial turf, the MVP came from the losing team, and it was the first Super Bowl in a merged NFL . Earl Morrall relieved Johnny Unitas late in the first half, but it was Johnny U who threw the Colts lone touchdown pass. A ball tipped by Eddie Hinton and Mel Renfro eventually landing in the grasp of John Mackey who ran for a 75 yard score. Linebacker, Chuck Howley took home MVP honors in the losing effort.

Super Bowl VI

On January 16th, 1972 Tom Landry's Dallas Cowboys met Don Shula's Miami Dophins at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana. At the time, Super Bowl 6 was the top rated single day telecast ever. Richard Nixon's predecessor, Lyndon B. Johnson, telegrammed Tom Landry and the Cowboys before the game, wishing them luck. Roger Staubach didn't let the president down as he threw for two touchdowns (to Mike Ditka and Lance Alworth), taking home the games MVP. The Dolphins, led by Bob Griese and running backs Jim Kliick and Larry Csonka, were held without a touchdown for the first time in Super Bowl History. The Cowboys beat the Dolphins, 24-3.

Super Bowl VII

On January 14th, 1973 at Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California, Don Shula's Miami Dolphins put their perfect season on the line against the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl Seven. The First half saw the Dolphins continue their perfect season, scoring on a Bob Griese touchdown pass and a Jim Kliick plunge. Superstar quarterback, Billy Kilmer couldn't muster an offensive touchdown for the Skins. The second half had only one score, a 49 yard fumble return by Washington's Mike Bass on Garo Yepremian's infamous blocked kick. Safety Jake Scott had two interceptions, and was named MVP. Miami completed their perfect season with a 14-7 Super Bowl 7 victory.

Super Bowl VIII

Super Bowl Eight was played on January 13th, 1974 at Houston Texas' Rice Stadium. Don Shula's Miami Dolphins, back for the third straight year, played Bud Grant's Minnesota Vikings and their feared defense, "The Purple People Eaters". Fran Tarkenton and "The Purple People Eaters" were no match for Bob Greise, Mercury Morris, and game's MVP Larry Csonka, who rushed for a record 146 yards in Super Bowl 8. Commissioner, Pete Rozelle fined Bud Grant $1,500 for his criticism of the locker room and practice facilities. The Dolphins dominated the game, 24-7.

Super Bowl IX

Tulane Stadium of New Orleans, Louisiana hosted Super Bowl 9 between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings. Super Bowl Nine matched two of the greatest defenses of all time; Chuck Noll's "The Steel Curtain" led by Mean Joe Green, and Bud Grant's "Purple People Eaters". Neither defense allowed a first half touchdown. Pitttsburgh tackled RB Dave Osborn in the end zone for a safety, after he fumbled a Fran Tarkenton pitch for the half's only ponts. The Steelers held Minnesota without an offensive touchdown. Terry Bradshaw hit Larry Brown for a touchdown in the second half, and MVP Franco Harris rushed for 158 yards to finish the Vikings off, 16-6.

Super Bowl X

The Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida hosted Super Bowl 10 on January 18, 1976. Dallas was playing in the Super Bowl for the 3rd time and Pittsburgh was making their second trip in as many years. Super Bowl Ten was tight throughout, but Tom Landry's Cowboys couldn't stop Super Bowl MVP, Lynn Swan. After spending two nights in the hospital for a concussion after the AFC Title Game, Swan caught four balls from Terry Bradshaw for a Super Bowl record 161 yards and one touchdown. Roger Staubach threw a touchdown to Percy Howard and Drew Pearson. Pittsburgh's Reggie Harrison blocked a punt for a safety and Staubach's desperation toss in the final seconds was intercepted by Glen Edwards, icing the game 21-17.

Super Bowl XI

On January 9th, 1977 the Oakland Raiders beat the Minnesota Vikings 32-14 before 103,438 fans at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. In his first try, John Madden did something Bud Grant failed to do in 4 attempts, win a Super Bowl. Fred Biletnikoff made 4 key receptions, taking home MVP honors. But, it was running backs Clarence Davis (137 yards), Mark Van Eeghen (73 yards), and Pete Banaszak (2 touchdowns) who carried the work load for the Raiders. Fran Tarkenton threw a touchdown to Sammy White, but it was too late as corner Willie Brown's Raider defense put an end to Bud Grant's final shot at Super Bowl Eleven.

Super Bowl XII

On January 15th 1978, New Orleans, Louisiana hosted Super Bowl 12 at the Superdome. The great Tom Landry and his Cowboys battled Red Miller's Denver Broncos and their famous "Red Crush" defense. Dallas converted two early Craig Morton interceptions for a Tony Dorsett touchdown run and an Efren Herrera field goal. Roger Staubach threw a touchdown to Butch Johnson. Randy Hughes, Mark Washington, Aaron Kyle, and Benny Barnes each intercepted Morton. Rick Upchurch had a great kick return that helped Norris Weese lead the Broncos to lone touchdown. Dallas clinched the game when Dorsett's backfield partner, Robert Newhouse, tossed a touchdown to Golden Richards. Defensive linemen Harvey Martin and Randy White took home the game's first co-MVP honors after leading their defense to 8 turnovers in Super Bowl Twelve.

Super Bowl XIII

At the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida on January 21, 1979 Chuck Noll's Pittsburgh Steelers outlasted Tom Landry's Dallas Cowboys 35-31 in Super Bowl 13. Roger Staubach threw for 228 yards with three touchdowns to Tony Hill, Drew Pearson, and Billy Joe Dupree. But Ed "Too Tall" Jones and Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson couldn't stop Super Bowl Thirteen's MVP Terry Brandshaw's record 318 yards and 4 touchdowns. Catching touchdowns for the Steelers were John Stallworth (2), Lynn Swan, and Rocky Bleier. Dallas tackle Randy White fumbled when Tony Dungy delivered a crushing shot on special teams. Franco Harris ran for a touchdown in Pittsburgh's 3rd Super Bowl victory.

Super Bowl History 1967 - 1969

Super Bowl I

Los Angeles, California hosted the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs in football's first Super Bowl. Super Bowl 1 featured coaching greats, Vince Lombardi and Hank Stram. Over 61,000 fans watched Bart Starr throw 2 touchdowns, leading the Packers to a 35-10 victory while receiving MVP honors. However, it was unlikely hero, Max McGeeall-pro safety Willie Wood and running back Elijah Pitts, while the Chiefs were led by QB Len Dawson, and Curtis McClinton.
who opened eyes, catching 7 balls for 138 yards. Other key players for the Packers' were

Super Bowl II

On January 14th, 1968 the Oakland Raiders met the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl 2 in Miami, Florida's Orange Bowl. The game drew over 75,000 people, the first $3 million gate. Super Bowl Two was no different than Super Bowl One for Bart Starr and Green Bay. Starr was named MVP and the Packers won easily for the second straight year, 33-14. Kicker Don Chandler added four field goals, and All-Pro cornerback Herb Adderley60 yard interception return for a touchdown. Daryle Lamonica threw to Bill MillerVince Lombardi's last Championship. had a for both of Oakland's touchdowns. This was

Super Bowl III

Super Bowl 3 marks one of the biggest upsets in football history. In Miami, Florida on January 12th, 1969 Weeb Ewbank's New York Jets beat Don Shula's Baltimore Colts for the AFL's first Super Bowl victory. Everyone remembers Joe Namath's "Guaranteed Victory" over the heavily favored Colts. Namath followed through, taking home MVP honors. Running backs Matt Snell and Tom Matte each rushed for over 100 yards for there respective teams. Johnny Unitas came off the bench after starter Earl Morrall was intercepted thrice, but it wasn't enough, as the Jets won 16-7.

Colts hoping familiar locale leads to similar result in Super Bowl

The Colts started this season with one goal: winning another Super Bowl.

Now they are one victory away and headed back to the place they last won a championship.
Super Bowl XLIV: Sunday, Feb. 7, 6 p.m. ET

No, the plans haven't changed much from the Colts' last Super Bowl trip to Miami. This week will be spent putting in a game plan, and next week, first-year coach Jim Caldwell will take a page right out of Tony Dungy's playbook. The Colts will stay at the same hotel, practice at the same facility and follow almost the same routine that they did before beating the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI.

"We'll change some things," Caldwell said Monday. "We'll tweak them and adjust them a little bit, according to how we envision some things, and it depends on what happens to us this week. We'll make some adjustments -- it's not an iron-clad sort of routine. But, overall, we'll probably be fairly close to what we've done previously."

Some of the changes aren't by choice.

Four-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning and his Pro Bowl teammates, who include tight end Dallas Clark, defensive end Dwight Freeney and wide receiver Reggie Wayne, are expected to be in town Sunday afternoon for a pregame news conference -- a full day before the rest of the Colts arrive for Super Bowl XLIV. Team president Bill Polian called that rule "distasteful" and a "fiasco" on his weekly radio show Monday night.

The Colts' team plane also is expected to arrive a little earlier than it did three years ago because of new rules implemented in 2008.

But with nearly half of Indianapolis' roster having Super Bowl experience, Caldwell will rely on his veterans to help younger players cope with the countless distractions of the next two weeks. Players, like fans, are scrambling to make travel plans, fill countless ticket requests and answer all kinds of e-mail and text messages. Caldwell said he had about 250 e-mails and more than 150 text messages after Sunday's 30-17 victory over the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game.

Aztec Sun Merchandise

http://www.cafepress.com/aztec_sun
Aztec Sun Merchandise

Aztec Sun Merchandise

http://www.cafepress.com/aztec_sun

Colts face big challenge against new 'America's Team'

Move over Dallas, the New Orleans Saints are the new "America's Team."

With New Orleans about to make its first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history, memories of Hurricane Katrina still lingering and close ties between the team and the city's rebuilding effort, Colts players understand why the Saints are this year's sentimental favorite.
Super Bowl XLIV: Sunday, Feb. 7, 6 p.m. ET

They just want to play the role of spoiler.

"There's a reason America is pulling for New Orleans, and why wouldn't they? They've been through a lot," Indy safety Antoine Bethea said. "Sports tends to pull people together, so it's commendable for New Orleans to be, as I guess you'd say, America's team right now. But at the same time, we're going to go out there as the Indianapolis Colts and play ball."

The reach of New Orleans' fans goes all the way to the highest levels of the White House.

"You know, I think both teams are terrific," President Barack Obama told ABC News. "I guess I am rooting a little bit for the Saints as the underdog, partly just because when I think about what's happened in New Orleans over the last several years and how much that team means to them. You know, I'm pretty sympathetic."

The Colts know they're still the favorite in at least one state, Indiana.

"He's entitled to his opinion and why wouldn't he be rooting for them?" Bethea said of Obama's decision to cheer for New Orleans. "Like I said, the city has been through a lot. But the Colts, man, we're going to go down there and give them a show."

Colts doing it again in the Super Bowl

Colts doing it again in the Super Bowl

Saints soaking in landmark victory, then will prepare for Colts

Saints soaking in landmark victory, then will prepare for Colts
Sean Payton still hadn't gone home yet when the New Orleans Saints returned to work the day after the biggest victory in franchise history.

Drained after an emotional overtime triumph that set off celebrations all across the city, Payton joined family and friends for dinner downtown, then relaxed in a hotel.
Super Bowl XLIV: Sunday, Feb. 7, 6 p.m. ET

"There was just so much emotion," Payton said Monday at the team's suburban training center. "You know, when you finish with the locker room ... you just try to find your family. My son's concern is the confetti's going to keep us from being able to play catch on the field. That was his concern. It was just good to hug them and be around the family and enjoy the time. There never seems to be enough of it."

"For them to have a chance to be part of it, I think it makes it really special," Payton continued. "Obviously, the same goes for this upcoming game."

The upcoming game happens to be the first Super Bowl involving the Saints in the franchise's 43 years of existence.

This is just the ninth winning season the team has had. The 31-28 overtime victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night marked the first time the Saints had hosted an NFC Championship Game. So when it was over, fans in the Louisiana Superdome and residents of a city that already acts on any excuse for a party spilled into the streets and toasted the Saints' success.

Bourbon Street was mobbed with revelers in Saints jerseys letting out high-pitched howls of delight and stirring up impromptu chants of "Who dat say dey gonna' beat dem Saints!" Some exchanged watery-eyed embraces after watching their team pull out a high-stakes thriller that appeared to be going the Vikings' way before Tracy Porter intercepted Brett Favre's pass in Saints territory in the last minute of regulation.

"It was crazy. It was almost like Mardi Gras," said Porter, who would know because he grew up in south Louisiana.

Colts end Jets' run, advance to Super Bowl XLIV

Colts end Jets' run, advance to Super Bowl XLIV

It was over when ...
Peyton Manning became the first player to pass for three touchdowns against the Jets this season.
(Joe Robbins / NFL.com)

The Colts took 5:33 off the clock with a 12-play drive that culminated in K Matt Stover's 21-yard field goal. The score gave Indianapolis a 13-point lead with 2:29 remaining.

Game ball

With his No. 1 receiver, Reggie Wayne, blanketed by Darrelle Revis, Peyton Manning completed 22 of his 26 passes to WRs Pierre Garcon (11 catches, 151 yards) and Austin Collie (7 catches, 123 yards) and TE Dallas Clark (4 catches 35 yards). Manning finished with 377 yards passing and three touchdowns. He now has seven career 300-yard games in the playoffs, passing Kurt Warner and Joe Montana for the most all-time.

Key Stat

After averaging 170 rushing yards in their first two playoff games, the Jets' top-ranked ground game was held to just 86 yards on 29 attempts, allowing the Colts to win the time of possession battle 31:25 to 28:35.

Noteworthy

The Colts are making their second Super Bowl appearance in four seasons. ... The Colts have won 15 of their last 16 home games, including the playoffs, with their only loss during that span coming in Week 16 to the Jets. ... Indianapolis has allowed 17 points or fewer in eight of its 10 home games this season, including the playoffs. ... The Jets have never won three playoff games in a single postseason. ... Manning has 4,831 career passing yards in the playoffs, which is good enough to pass Dan Marino (4,510) for the fourth most in postseason history.

Old School Football - Colts vs. Jets

Old School Football - Colts vs. Jets

Saints vs. Vikings - TODAY!

Saints vs. Vikings - TODAY!

Colts vs. Jets - TODAY!

Colts vs. Jets - TODAY!

JETS vs. BENGALS - TODAY!

JETS vs. BENGALS - TODAY!

Cowboys vs. Eagles

Based on their recent postseason histories, the Philadelphia Eagles appear to have a convincing edge over the Dallas Cowboys.

Based on last weekend's matchup for the NFC East title, however, it's the Cowboys who have all the advantages over the Eagles.

The division rivals will meet at Cowboys Stadium for the second time in seven days as Dallas seeks to end its 13-year drought without a playoff victory Saturday night by defeating Philadelphia for the third time this season.

The Eagles are forced to return to Dallas this week after the Cowboys (11-5) clinched the NFC East crown with a 24-0 victory Sunday. Philadelphia (11-5) would have earned a first-round bye with a win, but instead is seeded sixth for the second straight season.

"They played better than we played," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "They coached better than we coached. You get back to business and you do it in a very matter-of-fact way. If you get caught up in all the what ifs and this and that, then you're making a mistake.

NFL Field Pass Eagles vs. Cowboys

NFL Field Pass Eagles vs. Cowboys

NFL Field Pass Ravens vs. Raiders

Field Pass Ravens vs. Raiders

Bruschi Calls Out Polian, Colts

Bruschi Calls Out Polian, Colts

WELCOME TO THE FOOTBALL BLOG!

WELCOME TO THE FOOTBALL BLOG!

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