by Josh Komon

Super Bowl XLIV was all about the match-ups. Don’t let the final score fool you, this was a very close game. Still, when the similar players from the opposing teams are matched up, the Saints won just about every time.

 

There was plenty of talk over the previous two weeks about “The Reggie Bowl.” This was of course the match-up between the Colts’ Reggie Wayne, and the Saints’ Reggie Bush. Neither played a particularly large role in the game, however, Bush had more total yards, (not counting the 4 from his punt return) and therefore, is the winner of the first annual Reggie Bowl.

 

There was no talk about the Pierre Bowl, between the Colts’ Pierre (Pauly-Boy) Garcon and the Saints’ Pierre Thomas. This proved to be a much more interesting match-up, as each had a receiving touchdown. But, Pierre Thomas had a slight edge in total yards from scrimmage, and wins this match-up as well.

 

It is hard to fault the oldest player in Super Bowl history for missing a 51-yard field goal. Had he made it, it likely would not have changed the outcome of the game. But Garrett Hartley hit three long field goals at times when they really mattered. He is the clear winner.

 

The battle of tight ends is difficult to call. There is no doubt Dallas Clark had a huge game. Jeremy Shockey, much less so, but he also had a touchdown catch. If a winner must be chosen, Clark wins.

 

The most important match-up is of course the quarterback battle. It was expected that this game would be big on offense, and these two top-rated quarterbacks would play no small part. As it turned out, the offenses were not QUITE as high-flying as people expected, but fans were treated to quite a show. Peyton Manning was one bad pass away from having an outstanding performance. Even if they still lost, over 300 yards and no interceptions is amazing. And yet, as amazing as that performance was, and could have been, Drew Brees tied a Super Bowl record for completions. Interestingly, Manning would have also tied it with just one more catch by one of his receivers. Brees also came close to 300 yards. He had two touchdowns. He completed 82% of his passes. Most importantly, he showed plenty of poise and heart.

 

Football is the ultimate team sport. Both of these teams are greater than the sum of their parts. In this one showdown, the Saints had the better parts, and the greater team.