Archive for the ‘NFL’ Category
Saints party in New Orleans
February 10th, 2010
Posted in Krnsports, NFL
New Orleans, LA (Spor
ts Network) – The Saints paraded through their home city Tuesday in a raucous celebration befitting the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship.
Just two days after New Orleans took a 31-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV, the Saints returned home for a parade that was part victory celebration, part Mardi Gras procession.
Numerous marching bands helped guide the way as players and coaches rode on the ornate, elaborate floats used during Mardi Gras. The procession wound itsway through the city amid beads and confetti, and in front of throngs of cheering fans as day turned to night.
One of the first floats, featuring a large replica of the Lombardi Trophy, carried team owner Tom Benson. As it made its way to the end of the route, down Convention Center Boulevard, the float passed a gallery containing New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin, who toasted Benson and the Saints. Also in the gallery were Louisiana senator Mary Landrieu and governor Bobby Jindal.
Further back in the procession was a float carrying head coach Sean Payton, who carried the actual Lombardi Trophy and held it triumphantly in the air for fans to see.
The Saints’ victory comes after several years in their history of seeing fans hold paper bags over their heads due to losing seasons, and more than four years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city, causing speculation that the team might relocate.
But the Saints stayed, and Tuesday they returned as champions to The Crescent City — their city — to celebrate, New Orleans-style.
Are the Colts only a regular season team?
February 7th, 2010
Posted in Krnsports, NFL
After a devastating Super Bowl loss, an uncomfortable truth is starting to rise about the Indianapolis Colts: Can they only get it done in the regular season?
After a 14-2 record, and 7 straight years with a record of 12 or more wins, it would seem post-season success is imminent.
But one Super Bowl in all those years, is not much to show. A divisional round loss in 2008, a wild card loss in 2009, and now a Super Bowl loss in 2010. Is Manning not able to get it done? Or is the Colts franchise just not a post season team?
Saints hold off Colts, win the Super Bowl
February 7th, 2010
Posted in Krnsports, NFL
Peyton Manning threw a costly interception in the fourth quarter and the Saints took full advantage, beating the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 to win Super Bowl XLIV.
The Colts pulled out to an early 10 point lead in the first quarter, but Drew Brees led two drives that resulted in field goals for the champs, the score was 10-6 at the half.
The Saints were bold, and kicked an onside kick to start the second half, they recovered and finished with a touchdown run by all star running back Pierre Thomas.
Peyton Manning was quick to respond, leading a drive that had Dallas Clark catching two passes, and finished with a touchdown run by Joseph Addai, who arguably played his best game of the year. The Colts lead 17-16.
But Drew Brees was quick to react, and lead the Saints down the field, and he threw a touchdown pass to Jeremy Shockey, the Saints converted, and took the lead 24-17.
Manning had his chance to tie, but threw an interception to Travis Porter, and the Saints had a 31-17 lead. One they wouldn’t be giving back.
This is the first New Orleans Super Bowl in history, Drew Brees was named the games MVP.
NOTE: PHOTO FROM http://tsn.ca
Super Bowl XLIV Prediction
February 6th, 2010
Posted in Krnsports, NFL
Once again, an entire season comes down to one game. Its a yearly event, but this year’s is one you won’t want to miss.
The Colts came out as 5 point favorites, but are expected to win by much more than that, with all start quarterback Peyton Manning at the helm, and an arsenal of recievers that could combat any team, versus a Saints defense that lead the league in takeaways.
The Saints are entering their first Super Bowl, and have the support of a nation behind them, after suffering through hurricane Katrina.
Drew Brees seems like he can battle through any adversity he wants, but faces his largest this season, being underdogs to the leagues best Colts.
Both teams have their advantages, the Colts have a high flying passing game, and a run defense that has stepped up to the plate, holding the Jets to their worst game on the ground all year long.
Miami was where the Colts last held the Vincent Lombardi Trophy, and as I make my pick, I think they will raise it again.
Colts win, Saints are unable to cover.
Colts: 34, Saints: 17
After 12 seasons, Cardianals QB Kurt Warner retires
January 29th, 2010
Posted in Krnsports, NFL
After 12 seasons in the NFL, potential Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner says goodbye to pro football.
The 38 year old has been to 3 Super Bowl’s, winning and losing one with the St. Louis Rams, and losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers last year.
“I’m excited about what’s next,” Warner said. “Before I was always excited about next season.”
He has the top three passing performances in Super Bowl history. His 1,156 yards passing in the 2008 playoffs broke the NFL record of 1,063 he set with St. Louis in 1999.
Warner led the lowly St. Louis Rams to two great seasons, leading them to a 13-3 record in 2000, and defeating the Tennessee Titans to win Super Bowl MVP, a year later he would lose a squeaker to the New England Patriots.
Warner’s rise from obscurity seems the stuff of sports fiction.
In a comparison with the 14 quarterbacks to make the Hall of Fame in the last 25 years, Warner has a better career completion percentage, yards per pass attempt and yards per game. Only Dan Marino had more career 300-yard passing games.
Saints defeat Vikings in overtime to advance to Super Bowl XLIV
January 24th, 2010
Posted in Krnsports, NFL
New Orleans, LA — It took overtime, but the New Orleans Saints have had to wait a lot longer than that.
The NFL’s lovable losers shrugged off 43 years of frustration and futility Sunday, earning their first trip to the Super Bowl with a 31-28 overtime victory over Minnesota before a delirious packed house at the Superdome.
With a record crowd chanting “Who Dat! Who Dat!” the Saints secured their date with destiny against the Indianapolis Colts in South Florida with a 40-yard field goal by Garrett Hartley.
The raucous crowd stayed after the game as confetti cannons fired gold glitter into the sky, and the Saints celebrated their victory on a quickly erected midfield stage.
The victory is especially meaningful to a city, state and region ravaged by Hurricane Katrina just a few years ago. The franchise has provided a glimmer of hope for untold thousands in the Gulf Coast region.
To get that far, the Saints had to turn back the Vikings and 40-year-old Brett Favre, looking to become the only hired-gun quarterback to lead his team to a championship in his first season. It could have been the final game for Favre, who was beaten and battered throughout by a relentless pass rush.
The Vikings kept the offensive pressure on, however, as the teams traded punch-counterpunch touchdowns for four quarters.
New Orleans won the coin toss to begin overtime, and Minnesota never touched the ball.
Quarterback Drew Brees completed 17 of 31 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns.
Running back Pierre Thomas, who came through on a critical fourth-and-one in overtime, scored touchdowns on a 38-yard catch and carry in the first quarter, and a nine-yard run in the third.
Favre completed 28 of 46 passes for 310 yards and a touchdown, but had two passes intercepted. The Vikings lost three of six fumbles.
The Saints have shed the dubious distinction of being among the five NFL teams who have never made it to a Super Bowl. That group now consists of Cleveland, Houston, Detroit and Jacksonville.
The Superdome is the site of Favre’s greatest triumph. Thirteen years ago, he led the Green Bay Packers to a 35-21 victory over New England in Super Bowl XXXI.
Sunday’s was the third NFC title game to go into overtime, coming two years after the New York Giants beat Favre’s Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
The Vikings, who are 0-4 in Super Bowls, were hoping to get another chance with Favre, their longtime Green Bay nemesis, at the controls. In the end, though, they turned out to be a tougher team at home than on the road.
Minnesota was 9-0 at the Metrodome, but only 4-5 away from home. In fact, the last game the Vikings won on the road came Nov. 1 when Favre returned to Lambeau Field and beat the Packers.
Colts gallop to Super Bowl XlIV
January 24th, 2010
Posted in Krnsports, NFL
The Colts never panicked being 9 down, they held the New York Jets offence to 0 points in the second half, and Peyton Manning threw three touchdowns as the Indianapolis Colts defeated the New York Jets 30-17 to win the AFC Championship.
This marks the second straight victory in this game for Manning, who defeated the Patriots back in 2007, coming back from a 18 point deflict.
Both teams traded 3 and outs to start the game, Colts kicker Matt Stover put the Colts up 3-0.
The lead would be short lived when David Sanchez threw a perfect pass to a wide open Braylon Edwards, the Jets took the lead 7-3, and Stover would kick another field goal.
Before the end of the half, Austin Collie would give the Colts a touchdown, closing the gap.
The Jets would add another field goal, and Dustin Keller would get a touchdown, the Jets lead 17-13. at the half.
Manning would open with a drive that ended with a touchdown pass to Pierre Garcon, and the Colts would take a lead that they wouldn’t give back.
Dallas Clark would also add a touchdown, and Matt Stover would kick another field goal.
The Colts will play either the Saints or the Vikings on February 7th.
Jets impressive in win over Chargers; Will play Colts in AFC Championship
January 17th, 2010
Posted in Krnsports, NFL
SAN DIEGO — New York is halfway toward that Super Bowl parade promised by coach Rex Ryan after rookies Mark Sanchez and Shonn Greene led the Jets to a stunning 17-14 upset of the San Diego Chargers in the divisional playoffs.
Sanchez threw a go-ahead, 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dustin Keller three plays into the fourth quarter, then Greene gave the Jets some breathing room with a 53-yard scoring run on their next possession.
The upstart Jets (11-7), who have won seven of their last eight games, advanced to the AFC championship game at top-seeded Indianapolis next Sunday.
The Chargers (13-4) not only saw their 11-game winning streak end, but suffered yet another playoff pratfall after earning the AFC’s No. 2 seed.
He just wont quit!
January 17th, 2010
Posted in Krnsports, NFL
MINNEAPOLIS — Brett Favre threw four touchdown passes, and the Vikings’ defense put the clamps on the Dallas Cowboys in a 34-3 victory Sunday that sent Minnesota to the NFC title game.
The victory propels the Vikings into the NFC title game to play the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans beat the Arizona Cardinals 45-14 Saturday in the NFC Divisional playoff game in New Orleans.
Minnesota’s Sidney Rice had six catches for 141 yards and three touchdowns and the Vikings sacked Tony Romo six times to earn a trip to New Orleans. The Vikings (13-4) will try for their first Super Bowl berth since 1977.
Romo’s troubles in big games resurfaced at the wrong time for the Cowboys (12-6). He completed 22 of 35 passes for 198 yards, but lost two of his three fumbles and threw an interception in the third quarter that put the game out of reach.
Ray Edwards had three sacks to help put the Vikings (13-4) in their first NFC title game since 2001.
Colts advance to AFC championship
January 16th, 2010
Posted in Krnsports, NFL
Peyton Manning was once again at his best, and 4 turnovers would sink the Ravens, as the Colts beat Joe Flacco and the Ravens 20-3 in the AFC divisional championship.
Both offences would sputter out of the gate, the Colts on what looked like a good drive would kick a field goal, the Ravens would tie the game on their opening drive.
But Manning would do what he does fast, do a lot with little time. On a good drive, he would finish off with a touchdown pass to Austin Collie. The Ravens would punt, and with 1:28 to go, it was Manning as usual. A good drive would result in a Reggie Wayne touchdown, the Colts lead 17-3 at the half.
The opening half would be a very unproductive half for Baltimore, who turned the ball over 3 times. The first, was a key interception by safety Ed Reed, but Pierre Garcon would rush back and punch the ball out of Reed’s arm, the play resulted in a first down for the Colts.
Ray Rice would get a pass off his hands, which resulted in an interception. Rice was held to just 87 yards on the ground.
Ed Reed looked like he had another interception, but the pass interference was called on the Ravens, the Colts would get a field goal out of it and take a 20-3 lead.
The rest was history, Gerrard Powers would get an interception, and Antoine Bethea would get one, but he looked to get injured on the play.
The Colts will now play the San Diego Chargers or the New York Jets, for a spot in the Super Bowl.