Super Bowl XLIV ~ Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints
72SuperBowl Trophy
It's All About the Superbowl
"Men, I want you thinking of one word all
season. One word and one word only: Super Bowl."
~ Former Houston Oilers
coach Bill Peterson~
Super Bowl XLIV
Click edit above to add content to this empty capsule.
The NFL season begins the weekend after Labor Day. There are 32 NFL franchise teams who play 16 games during a 17-week period. Each and every one of these teams plays with the goal to get to the Superbowl. Super Bowl XLIV will be the 44th annual edition of the National Football League championship game. In 2010 the matchup for the biggest game of the year was between the Indianapolis Colts led by quarterback Peyton Manning and the winner of the game the New Orleans Saints led by MVP Drew Brees.
Super Bowl Match Up
The 2009 season was the team's most successful season, which culminated in the franchise's first league championship win against the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. After achieving a record of 13–0 with their win over the Atlanta Falcons, it marked the Saints' best start to a season in its franchise history.
The AFC championships Indianapolis Colts finished the season with a record of (14-2). The Colts suffered their first loss to the New York Jets,
29–15, a game in which Caldwell made the controversial decision to rest
his starters after the team took a slim lead rather than keep them in
to play for a chance at a 16–0 season. The Colts last game of the regular season was a loss to the Buffalo Bills in which they rested their starters with the stated purpose of having their team healthy for the playoffs.
20 Elements of a Super Bowl
As soon as the AFC and the NFC championship games are decided there are two weeks for the media to have a field day with all the hype that surrounds this game. In offices all over the world you can hear all the talk
around all the water coolers and its all about the Super Bowl XLIV. So what better time is there than to start it with 20 things about the sport of football and the road that brought the Colts and the Saints together.
New Orleans Saints Vs Indianapolis Colts
Super Bowl ELEMENT 1
THE Best Two Teams
The two teams that will meet in the Super Bowl XLIV are The Indianapolis Colts (16-2) and the New Orleans Saints (15-3). Its the first time in 16 years that two No. 1 seeds will met in the Super Bowl. Both New Orleans and Indy were undefeated through 14 weeks. Both have offenses that are off the charts and both have defenses with something to prove.
Super Bowl ELEMENT 2
HOW THE COLTS GOT THERE
The Colts owner Jim Irsay called his team's 30-17 AFC Championship game win over the Jets "an incredible effort," but added "we've got one more to go."
The Indianapolis Colts who by many
accounts, "let" the Jets into the playoffs, lost their perfect 14-0
season in the process. The NY Jets’ fairy-tale season ended Sunday in
the American Football Conference championship game, finished not so much by bad
bounces, or poor play, but by an elite quarterback named Peyton Manning.
Super Bowl ELEMENT 3
THE SAINTS GET IN
The Saints, who were victorious in their first 13 games only to lose their last three, won the battle of the NFC, 31-28, over the Minnesota Vikings. In addition to "General" Larry Platt of Pants on the Ground fame, the Superdome attracted celebrities ranging from ex-president George H. W. Bush to The Ying Yang Twins.
 | Amazon Price: $5.75 List Price: $23.68 |
ELEMENT 4
THE 4TH FOR THE COLTS
The Indianapolis Colts will be appearing in their fourth Super Bowl, having lost Super Bowl III but taking Super Bowl V and Super Bowl XLI. All four of the Colts' Super Bowl appearances have been in Miami (III, V, XLI and now XLIV).
ELEMENT 5
THE 1ST FOR THE SAINTS
It is the first NFL title game appearance for the Saints, who have linked their recent on-field success to the revitalization of New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.Following the win the Saints coach Sean Payton dedicated the team's Super Bowl berth to the city of New Orleans.
ELEMENT 6
THE HOST CITY
Miami will be hosting its record 10th Super Bowl. The last one came 3 years ago in Super Bowl XLI, when the Indianapolis Colts beat the Chicago Bears, 29-17. Anyone surprised to hear that Peyton Manning was named Super Bowl MVP.
This will be the 10th Super Bowl game to be played in South Florida. "Super Sunday" has been held at Dolphin Stadium five times, and at the Orange Bowl five times.
ELEMENT 7
A SIGN OF THE TIMES
Sure, Luck means a lot in football. Not having a good quarterback is bad luck
~Don Shula~
What we have more than anything is a sign of the times in the NFL. With all the rules changes, it has become a passing league. And two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL will decide whether the Lombardi Trophy goes to the Big Easy or the Big Forehead.
QUARTERBACKS
There is only one three time Super Bowl MVP. Who is it?
See results without voting
 | Amazon Price: $32.00 |
ELEMENT 8
COLTS QUARTERBACK "THE CONSTANT"
PEYTON MANNING
Colts QB Peyton Manning, who was born and raised in New Orleans, won his NFL-record fourth MVP award after throwing for 33 TDs in 2009 - or 16 fewer than his NFL-record of 49 set in 2004. It's quite possible that he is playing even better now. The guy has always put in the work, but the fact is, being 33 and in his 12th NFL season hasn't caused him to take anything for granted. Bill Polian, the Colts' president, calls Manning "the constant."
 | Amazon Price: $40.00 |
| Amazon Price: $34.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $30.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $40.00 |
Super Bowl ELEMENT 9
MANNINGS' ARSENAL
Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Brackett, Freeney, Mathis, and center Jeff Saturday were a part of the Colts' Super Bowl XLI win. Along with their talent on the field they have the advantage of understanding what it takes to prepare for the game and handle the massive hype that goes with it. Add to that line up, Manning's favorite targets against the Jets in the title game were little-known wideouts Pierre Garcon (of Haitian descent) and Austin Collie (a rookie out of BYU), who combined for 18 catches, 274 yards and two TDs. Its no wonder that Manning posted his league-record seventh 300-yard passing game in the postseason.
New Orleans Saints Drew Brees
Drew Brees Jersey
 | Amazon Price: $99.99 |
Super Bowl ELEMENT 10
SAINTS QUARTERBACK DREW BREES
"THE BIG BREESY"
Saints QB Drew Brees,
who established an NFL record for completion percentage (70.6),
finished
runner-up for this years MVP. He is flatout ruthless on the field. He wins the game on
Sunday with the hours he puts in on Monday through Friday. He plays
with heart, with passion and dedication. In terms of hitting a
bulleyes he is the master as he rears back, spots his target and fires a perfect spiral.
Super Bowl ELEMENT 11
BREES'S BATTALION
Drew Brees has his own offensive entourage, which starts with wideout Marques Colston, who caught 70 passes for 1,074 yards and nine TDs during the regular season. This wideout is Drew Brees' most trusted target, whether it's inside on third down or the outside in the red zone. Add to that roughly seven other players that can step up on a given night. Like Reggie Bush who is the best receiving threat, as he can line up inside or outside, giving Sean Payton plenty of possibilities. Jeremy Shockey’s Giants won this game without him two years ago; now it’s HIS turn to show what he’s made of.
The Saints led the league in total offense (403.8 yards per game), while scoring 510 points. A record 19 Saints players scored a touchdown in 2009. This team can also run the ball (the Saints averaged 131.6 yards on the ground in the regular season)
Super Bowl ELEMENT 12
THE COACHES
The Colts' Jim Caldwell became the fifth rookie coach to lead his team to the Super Bowl. Former 49ers coach George Seifert and Baltimore Colts coach Don McCafferty both won it in their first year at the helm
The Saints' Sean Payton has instilled a winning culture within the organization since his arrival by stressing responsibility, character and accountability.
ELEMENT 13
SOME SUPERBOWL HISTORY
The last time two No. 1 seeds met was Super Bowl XXVIII. The Dallas Cowboys beat the Buffalo Bills, 30-13. This was the first time in Super Bowl history that the same two teams had met in two consecutive Super Bowls. The Cowboys won their fourth Super Bowl in team history, tying the Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Francisco 49ers for most Super Bowl wins, while the Bills became the first team to appear in 4 consecutive title games.
Super Bowl ELEMENT 14
ARCHIE MANNING
Manning's father, Archie, was the Saints' quarterback from 1971-82, making two Pro Bowls. His full name is Elisha Archibald Manning III. Imagine how Archie Manning feels today. His son will be trying to win the Super Bowl against the team he played for in the NFL and the city where he lives today. He finished his playing career with the Vikings (1983-84). Its time to get ready for two weeks of old Manning home videos, stories of the family’s three quarterbacks and obligatory acknowledgments of Cooper (brother not in NFL) and Mom Olivia.
Eli and Payton Manning are the only set of brothers to play quarterback in a Super Bowl. They are also the only brothers to both win the Super Bowl MVP award.
Football Royalty
Superbowl ELEMENT 15
COLTS D
These Colts are defined by their ability to finish out close games, and it’s often been the defense that makes the big play, not Peyton Manning. Their defense ranked 24th in the NFL in that department in the regular season, but the unit makes up for it with speed and hustle.
The anchor of the Colts' 18th-ranked defense, defensive end Dwight Freeney, had 13 1/2 sacks in the regular season. Antone Bethea is a true star around the league for his ballhawking style. Linebacker Gary Brackett is the undersized heart and soul of this defense. Clint Session can cover a tremendous amount of ground, and he along with Brackett are good at getting to the ball in a hurry.
 | Amazon Price: $40.00 |
ELEMENT 16
SAINTS D
The Saints' defense ranks 25th in the NFL, but they are the masters in creating turnovers. They led the league with 29 during the regular season and forced five in the NFC title game.
ELEMENT 17
THE DARREN "SHARPER SHAKE"
Two teams have given up on this Saints Safety mainly due to age concerns, yet year after year Sharper continues to generate the biggest of big plays. Sharper's nine interceptions tied for the NFL lead and spearheaded a Saints defense that finished with the second-most takeways in the league.
ELEMENT 18
A BATTLE OF PIERRES
The two greatest Pierres in NFL history in one game!
For the Colts, its wide receiver Pierre Garcon. His 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.
 | Amazon Price: $28.75 |
ELEMENT 19
THE NFC vs THE AFC
The NFC leads the series 22-21 all time against the AFC. The NFL said that Sunday's AFC and NFC Championship Games drew a huge TV audience, giving the league its most-viewed Championship Sunday in 28 years. The league also said that the Saints' win over the Vikings was the most-viewed non-Super Bowl telecast on American Television since the Seinfeld finale in 1998.
What artist has not sung the National Anthem at a Super Bowl?
See results without voting
Super Bowl ELEMENT 20
THE AIRWAYS
The 11 most watched television programs of all time are Super Bowls.
Who: NFC Champion vs. AFC Champion
Playing For: The Lombardi Trophy
Site: Dolphin Stadium - Miami Gardens, Florida
Date: February 7, 201
Game time: 6:00 PM (ET)
Stadium Capacity: 74,000
Television: CBS
Radio: CBS Radio/Westwood One (English), Univision Radio (Spanish)
2010 Dallas Texas
BROADCASTING
Super Bowl XLIV will be broadcast in 232 Countries and territories
THE WHO
About one-fourth of America watches the Super Bowl for the halftime show and this year the who dat WHO will be the Half Time Show.
Super Bowl XLIV
Who Will Win The Game?
See results without votingCommentsLoading...
funny as you were reading this i was just over and reading you! Ok. . no Archie is def rooting for his kid. .. i am 100 per cent sure of that.. . i was listening to eli last week .. he has some radio show .. dont know how i ended up with it on but i did..and he spoke of how they all come together , ,so when one of them is where Peyton is ,, there is no question .. and I truly believe him. .. and i agree with you .. Eli is the spitting image of his dad. .. Let Manning win this one and let that pressure trail down to Eli. . he used it well the last time. . and we both know there is nothing better when out Blue Men go the distance! This super bowl is going to be hard to pick who I root for. . such good guys on both teams ... .a few friends went to Indy this past weekend and said the Indy fans were absolute wonderful people. . real class act. . .so I am still on the fence , but I guess come game day I will prob root for whomever is losing at the moment!!!
Thanks for coming by. . it wouldnt be a Hug without you sharing with me.
xoxoxoxox
Awesome game. I love that the Vikings got beat. What I don't like about football is that it is a contact sport and they are trying to take that away. At least one call against the Saints on Favre was crazy. Two steps, he was not lifted off the ground in the manner he was flagged for. My god let them play. But woooohooo for the Saints. I am rooting for them to go all the way. Thanks for a great read. Oh yea one more thing I think is great about the Superbowl is of course the commercials they really put out some great ones during the Superbowl.
fishtiger - you are a girl of my heart. . i have said if before and ill say it again - you would be so much fun to watch the games with. I am not a lover of Farve but it was sad seeing him on his arse all night . . not the way he or anyone thought he was going to go out . that is if he is out. and yes you are so right. how did i forget to put at least one commercial in here. i love the superbowl commercials. . time i think for an edit!! you rock gf!!
Reading your Super Bowl Hub just brought back memories of Super Bowl I (I'm dating myself here). Packers vs. Chiefs. Believe it not, the stadium wasn't even at full capacity. Yes, there were empty seats! It's amazing how much hype this game gets now. Prediction: Colts 49 Saints 45...
I liked your D Sharper vid, he's a player!
Thanks Shari.
I think it will go down as one of the best, or at least it has the potential! It may even rival the 2 great Giant victories of '91 and '08! Anyway, hopefully it will be filled with action-packed excitement, much like the Broncos/Green Bay matchup in 98!
I voted on for the Colts in one of your polls. I think Manning is going to pull this one out...
@Jai .... u want dating lol. . I can give you a little. .I was at Super Bowl X and Super Bowl XIII. . both in the Orange Bowl and both with the Steelers and the Cowboys!!! Cant say there was an empty seat for either game..
Always nice to see you stop by. . and I do love the Sharper Shake. .
@drej2522- got to agree with you. .Manning is the Man. . but with Brees you never know what force is going to be behind him .. I agree with you . .this is going to be one hell of a great Super Bowl!
Thanks for coming by ;)
wavegirl22, great hub. Loved the opening quote by Former Houston Oilers coach Bill Peterson someone should tell him that Super Bowl is two words. Manning was my fantasy QB all year and won a lot of games for me even though we fell one game short of the playoffs. I had one running back I couldn't count on game after game, Reggie Bush. Go Indy!
Right Black -thanks for the thumbs up on this one. I think I am starting to go through football withdrawal with the last game coming up! My cousin also had Manning in his Fantasy League. . and he cleaned up. . his take was like 1500 bucks. . and it was all Manning . .how could u go wrong with Mr Constant himself. . I agree go Indy . .but hmmm gotta love Breezy .it would be nice for New Orleans if they could take this one home. . I guess when your hometeam isnt in it. . its hard to pick "the one" you want .. ha. .
Always nice to see you stop by~~~
Very cool hub this one is. Thanks
free online live- thanks for stopping by and saying Hi! Gald to hear you enjoyed this one! Sure has the makings of a great Super Bowl.
Hey Wave, not a football fan as such lol being in uk dont get to see it.
I think the Saints are certain to win this game and i can see them win with 20 points to spare.
I know nothing about football so i would not place a bet on what i say lol.....jimmy
hey there jimmythejock - a jock and not into football . hehehe not here in the states for if you have 'jock' in your name it could be surmised that you are a huge sports fan. . i bet if you watched a game with me i could get you to love the game . . lol . .hmmm dont get it in the UK I might just have to scour the net and see from where you can watch it. worst come to worse u can twitter that day and stay abreast of the scores and plays!!!Meet me on Twitter on Super Bowl Sunday!
Shari, I would like the Saints to win so that they have something on them already -- and to lift their spirits too,
BTW ,my friends here challenged me if the COLTS will win, they gonna give me a new guitar, but still I go for the SAINTS, but then I like P. Manning,the brothers...hmmmm,,difficult, hehe, Maita
Maita- I could not agree with you more. On one hand I want the Saints. New Orleans could really use the boost. . and Drew has led them to such a good place I would so like to see him get the pay off. But then there is the Colts and Manning. . and how can you not root for that guy. . Such hard decisions. but one thing is for sure it is going to be a good game. .
Heres to next year .. lets see the Steelers and the Giants go the distance ;)))))))
I do hope you get that new guitar!!!
dohn121 Level 3 Commenter 2 years ago
*sniff* You know and I know that we'd much rather have a Manning Bowl this year! What a terrific job you did on this one, Shari! You nailed them all (the elements), 20 times to be exact! Here are some of the things that I wonder about:
1) Will Archie Manning secretly root for the Saints to win?
2) Peyton looks nothing like Archie, whereas Eli is a spitting-image of him in his younger days (same haircut! LOL). Is he adopted?
3) Will Eli react negatively just like he did when Peyton wond Super Bowl XLI as the pressure to now win another Super Bowl happen again? And finally,
4) In the end, I really do feel that the Colts are the better team. All season long, they made it look easy for the most part, whereas the Saints looked like they gave up in some games.
Thanks again, Shari! Who do you like?