The matchup this Sunday in Super Bowl XLIV is in a way very similar to last year’s matchup: a highly favored AFC team with a storied history against a qualified but largely unknown NFC team. However, unlike last year’s Cardinals, who barely made the playoffs before their improbable run, this year’s New Orleans Saints are a legitimate powerhouse.
While many may have already forgotten, the Saints started this season 13-0, including thorough beatdowns of the Jets, Eagles, and my beloved Patriots, all of which were playoff teams this season. They may be one of the most underrated 13-3 Super Bowl teams I have ever seen.
Although the Saints offense is made up mostly of no-names (try naming any Saints player other than Drew Brees or Reggie Bush), they lead the NFL in both points per game (31.9) and yards per game (403.8).
And let’s be honest, nobody outside of Indiana (with the possible exception of Archie Manning) wants the Colts to win. This is the classic underdog story: a 43-year old franchise devoid of superstars making its first-ever Super Bowl appearance against the premier team in the AFC. And with the city still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the Saints have given hope to the people of New Orleans, resulting in one of the most passionate fan bases in all of sports. This Sunday, they will be rewarded.
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