The Superbowl trail is littered with monumental stories, implausible comebacks and Goliaths being laid low. If New Orleans win on Sunday though, you'd find it hard to get a better story or find a city more in need of that win than any other. Only a few shorts years ago, the city was destroyed and the Saint's stadium the Superdome housed thousands of the homeless despite suffering terrible damage itself. Drew Brees decided to come to New Orleans, not only because nowhere else would have him, but because he genuinely wanted to help a city on it's knees.
Brees has managed to turn the fortunes of the team around, and has led them to a first ever Superbowl appearance. I've seen videos from New Orleans when they beat the Vikings for the NFC Championship; the place went mental. The whole city has been lifted by this. Not only that, but the whole team and Brees in particular have been incredibly active in the city, helping out with whatever charity work they can. Brees has even moved his principle residence to New Orleans, an unusual event for an NFL pro.
If Brees and the Saints win it, it couldn't happen to better guys and neither could it be more important for a city.
That is the story. Unfortunately, it's Payton Manning and the Colts that stand in their way. As much as I want the Saints to win, I just can't see it happening in reality. The Colts are the complete package, with only a perceived weakness in special teams as their only constant criticism. The Colts defence can do a good enough job on the New Orleans line to make life tricky for Brees, and I can't see the Saints brutish but unsophisticated defence stopping the most intelligent quarter-back in the game from picking up another Superbowl MVP to weigh down his already groaning trophy shelf.
There's been alot of chat about the possibility of Dwight Freeney not playing. It's a factor, but I don't think there's enough in the Saint's defence to stop the key Colts plays. If the game is to be won or lost by either side, it's when the Colts have it that matters. If the Saints defence can actually get to Manning again and again and make hits without giving away oodles of penalty yards, and if they can shut down the Colts running game, and if their man-coverage secondary can hold up; then they have a chance.
That's a lot of if's though.
Payton Manning I do admire/secretly want to elope with but the Saints all the way!
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