Courtesy of AP

Wasn't really going for the Saints but it appeared the majority of the nation was...

The Saints were media darlings...sentimental favorites if you will. My Madden 'magic ball' had the Saints victorious with score of 38-28. Did I believe it? Not really...I wasn't even pulling for them to win. Why am I saying this? Because I truly think it was fate...

Remember during 9/11/01? The country was in shambles...emotions were high...the people needed a pick me up...something to thrive off of and inspire them. Football is an amazing sport and very emotional for players and fans alike. The New England Patriots were the 'America's team'...not the Dallas Cowboys. Everyone was patriotic and this team symbolized America...at least that's how I took it. It seemed to fit...it felt so right. Didn't it? You know there were questionable calls in that AFC Divisional game when the Patriots faced the Raiders in that snowy game. Remember the infamous 'tuck' rule? Apparently Brady fumbled the ball, but they called it an incomplete pass stating his arm was in forward motion when it clearly was not. The Patriots grinded to the Super Bowl and eventually beat the heavily favored St Louis Rams. Destiny? or was it fate?

Sure, the New Orleans Saints has a phenomenal year. Their offense is very explosive...Brees can make any receiver look like Jerry Rice...Reggie Bush can be a highlight reel at times...their defense has the potential to be great but not always consistent. Obviously, they made the plays when they counted throughout the playoffs. I still think they are lucky to have been in the Super Bowl and even luckier to win it. The Vikings gave the Saints that win in my opinion. The Vikings beat themselves with all those turnovers and with the help of the referees not calling the numerous 'would be' roughing the passer penalties against Brett Favre. The Colts had the game in their grasps but couldn't stick to a game plan that worked. I think the Colts were outcoached, and they didn't have that hunger...that desire to win like the Saints did. They appeared too comfortable and played like this was a 'gimme' win. Talk about a plan backfiring. I think two plays were momentum changers: 1-Towards the end of the first half, the Colts should have run out the clock after stopping the Saints at the goal line. Instead they go 3 and out, and the Saints come away with a field goal. 2-Of course, it's the surprise, 'ambush' onside kick that the Saints recovered.

The New Orleans Saints are to the people of New Orleans what the New England Patriots were to the American people during 2001. Is that too farfetched of a comparison? Maybe...just think about it.

I might not be a fan of either team, but can honestly say now that both teams are deserving. I just say congratulations to the New Orleans Saints and their fans, and I look forward to the next season...

Go BRONCOS!

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