The Saints got off to a slow start as a franchise, taking 20 years to get to the playoffs and another 13 to win a postseason game. They got off to another slow start in Super Bowl XLIV, falling behind the Indianapolis Colts 10-0 in the first quarter.

But behind Garrett Hartley's three big kicks, Drew Brees' two touchdown passes and Tracy Porter's one career-defining defensive play, New Orleans recovered and captured its first Super Bowl title, winning 31-17 in Miami.


After Joseph Addai's four-yard touchdown run gave the Colts a 17-13 lead in the middle of the third quarter, the Saints stormed back to score the final 18 points. Hartley booted his third 40-plus-yard field goal of the contest, and then with 5:42 remaining in the game, Brees hooked up with Jeremy Shockey on a 2-yard score before notching a two-point conversion. Two and a half minutes later, Porter read a Peyton Manning pass perfectly, picking it off and racing for a 74-yard touchdown that essentially sealed the victory.

The Saints' defense stopped the Colts near the goal line in the final minute to apply the finishing touches.

Brees, who finished 32 of 39 for 288 yards and no interceptions, was named the game's MVP. The Saints needed his best effort, as their rushing attack accounted for just 51 yards. New Orleans also benefited from a gutsy coaching decision, as Sean Payton elected to start the second half with an onside kick. The Saints recovered and capitalized on Brees' touchdown pass to Pierre Thomas.

With that, the Saints were on their way to history.

-- ANDREW SIMON