Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints who upset the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 yesterday in the Super Bowl, witnessed by more than 106 million people, making it the most watched TV event in history. I think the only people who weren’t surprised by the Saints’ victory were New Orleans fans.
There are several lessons we can learn after watching the Saints victory against the Colts
Never underestimate the underdog. Outside the city of New Orleans, few people gave the Saints much of a chance to win the Super Bowl. The Colts had more playoff experience, more talent and a higher profile quarterback in Peyton Manning. The Saints were five-point underdogs, but won the game 31-17 after allowing the Colts to score the first 10 points of the game. Then the Saints offense took over, controlling the ball and the game clock from the second quarter on. Proof once again that championships are not won on paper; they’re won on the field.
Be willing to take chances. Sean Payton’s call for an onside kick to start the second half was a gutsy one. It could easily have backfired had the Colts recovered it cleanly in Saints territory. But the ball bounced off a Colts’ player and was recovered by the Saints, who went on to score a touchdown to take the lead. The play caught the Colts off guard, and they never quite recovered the rest of the game.
Expect the unexpected. How many times have we seen Peyton Manning get picked off with the game on the line? Manning is one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the league. You simply do not expect him to make many mistakes in a big game like the Super Bowl. But after cornerback Tracy Porter intercepted Peyton’s pass and ran 74 yards for a clinching touchdown with less than four minutes left to play, that sealed the Colts’ fate.
Savor your victories and share them with loved ones. During the on-field celebration, a teary-eyed Drew Brees took in the moment with his infant son in his arms. It was perhaps the most touching scene of the day.
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