Tracy Porter returns an interception for a score to ice the game for the Saints (Picture by Chris O'Meara/AP).

returns an interception for a score to ice the game for the Saints (Picture by Chris O'Meara/AP).

Even though Mardi Gras is nine days away, the party in New Orleans starts now.

tied an NFL record with 32 completions to lead the to a 31-17 victory over the , giving the franchise its first Super Bowl championship.

Brees’ record tying completions went along with 39 attempts, 288 yards, and two touchdowns. His performance earned him MVP honors for the game.

The Saints started out sluggish, going three-and-out on the first two possessions of the game. Despite failing to convert on fourth down near their goal line, Saints kicker nailed a 44-yard field goal at the end of the first half, giving the Colts a 10-6 edge.

The momentum seemed to change when dialed up an onside kick to start the second half. The Saints came up with the ball on their own 42 yard line, and broke through a barrage of tacklers to notch a 16-yard touchdown reception and gave the Saints a 13-10 lead.

responded with a 76-yard drive and hit for 45 yards down field.  capped off the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run, giving the Colts a 17-13 lead.

Hartley nailed his third field goal of the night on a 47-yarder to keep the Saints by one in third quarter.

The game’s other kicker, of the Colts, missed a 51-yard field goal,  setting up the Saints at their own 31 yard line. The drive ended with a 2-yard slant pass to to give the Saints the lead with 5:42 remaining.

The Saints went for the two-point conversion and initially ’s reception was ruled incomplete. However, Payton challenged the play and it was overturned because Moore broke the plane before losing the ball.

Oddly enough, it was Manning who helped ice the Saints first Super Bowl victory. While attempting to drive the Colts down field for a tying score, Louisiana native Tracy Porter picked off Manning and returned the interception 74 yards for a touchdown.

Extra Notes:

  • Hartley went 3-for-3 on field goals, all above 44 yards. That is a Super Bowl record
  • The Colts loss dropped Peyton Manning’s career playoff record to 9-9.
  • According to ESPN, 74,059 fans were on hand in for the game.
  • Colts defensive end played in the game despite an ankle injury. He sacked Brees on a third down play.
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