Posted on 01/25/2010 6:18:08 AM PST by Ebenezer
There were 42 years worth of demons, 42 years of mostly struggles, 42 years of waiting until next year. Not anymore. This, the 43rd year of the New Orleans Saints, will be different.
In one swing of Garrett Hartley's right leg Sunday night, the Saints kicked away their demons, booted out their past struggles and ended the wait.
The Saints are going to Super Bowl XLIV. Hartley's 40-yard winning field goal in overtime of the Saints' thrilling 31-28 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC championship game guaranteed them a spot.
"I just knew when it came off my foot it was going to split the bars, " said Hartley, the Saints' second-year kicker. "I just turned around and put my hands up in the air and hugged (holder Mark) Brunell. This team is headed to Miami now."
(Excerpt) Read more at nola.com ...
I am not ashamed to admit: I cried.
After years of ridicule from my friends, my boys are going to the big dance.
I told my wife that I wasn’t nervous about the SuperBowl.
Even tho’ I desperately want my Saints to win, last night’s game was bigger. It erased the stigma of “loser” from my beloved franchise. If they lose the Bowl, they will lose it to the best QB in the game of football.
Seeing Deuce present the trophy to Tom Benson will be one of my best Saints memories.
I also hope we can now start to move past Katrina.
I know it was devastating, but let go of the victimhood. The people of New Orleans are now champions.
GEAUX SAINTS.
Yes, want to WIN the big one, but will be an uphill battle.
Just winning the Conference Championship and beating a guy who grew up a Saints fan was priceless.
WE ARE CHAMPS.
GEAUX SAINTS.
Have a lot of Saints footballs, beads and such to throw of my float in Mardi Gras. CAN’T WAIT.
Archie we will be gunning for your son. Hope he has to scramble for his life as you did for us all those years.
Cheers.
Enjoy the asterisk.
PackersVikingsCowboysRedskinsRamsEagles49ersBearsGiantsFalconsBuccaneersPanthersSeahawksCardinalsSaints
Lions
Saints 31*
Vikings 28
* Despite the Saints playing as awful as they did, they could rely on one of the best players they had winning it for them, Brett Favre. The man can throw a mean interception when needed.
GEAUX SAINTS.
I never thought I’d live to see the day but my parents were even happier, they almost cried too.
I just wish I could be back in Louisiana in two weeks!
“The officials decided the game - not the players.
The officiating was horrendous in OT.”
I agree! And when I heard the announcers mention hurricane katrina I thought it all makes sense now.
“The officials didn’t make them commit 5 turnovers.”
True dat! But they did call a questionable pass interference at a critical time in OT.
(assuming you're talking about teams that haven't been to the Superbowl)
You're right. The Vikings have no one to blame but themselves. Anyway, The Saints played a great season and I'll be rooting for them to win the big one.
Thanks to TornadoAlley3, you guys can watch just the highlights of the Saints victory in yesterdays NFC Conference Championship.
The highlights include some great throws from the Brett to some guys in Black and Gold.
Enjoy and thank you TornadoAlley3.
If you are a one of the few depressed fans, I encourage you not to watch this film. Could cause a suicide type reaction.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d815f23c1/Saints-31-Vikings-28
I was referring to NFC teams, but even so, the other three teams are all expansion teams. Although you could make the case that really Cleveland isn’t an expansion team, but even the old Browns (Ravens) have made it to the Super Bowl.
A fun video of fans in the French Quarter after the win.
Great will have to take a look.
Loved the other one.
You had the best up to the moment photos on any thread I have ever looked at.
Great job.
Thought you would like to continue the Saints Celebration.
I would swear I saw a drunk Eli singing “When the Saints Go Marching In” in the beginning of the film.
I know he was in Indy watching his brother play but it is possible he hopped a plan home to NOLA and took a cab to Bourbon Street. LOL.
Poor Lions.
I’m currently out of Country but I have gotten emails and they are making their way in now. LOL.
I’ll be in NOLA for Mardi Gras. Win or lose, I hope the atmosphere is just as exciting as it is now.
Think I mentioned this before, I have plenty of Saints throws this year and since we roll on Valentine’s day, have some heart beads for the women.
As you know Brees is the King of Bacchus this year.
Hail Mardi Gras, Hail Saints.
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