Canal Street Chronicles

Super Bowl XLIV: Wrapping it All Up

2010-02-09T12:00:21Z

Check out the stripes on the suit!

Sean Payton's genius and wisdom extend much further than the football field. I know this for a fact.

As I was standing in the middle of the Saints locker room after the game Sunday night, just soaking it all in and still in utter disbelief at my surroundings, I noticed Payton quickly walk over to a player, give him a big hug and say, "Nobody can ever take this away from you."

He could have just as easily been talking to me and he couldn't have been more right.

I will spare you all the long, emotional colloquy I really feel and that comes with a win like this. I've written enough of that crap this past year to last another championship season; maybe two. But when I started this silly little blog, I never once thought it would put me in the middle of ground zero for Saints fans - in the locker room and just inches away from Drew Brees and his death grip on the Lombardi Trophy (I swear he didn't want to let it go. Can you blame him?). I have you guys to thank for that because I would have quit this gig a long time ago without you. Like the random party-goers some of you may have chest-bumped or hugged on Bourbon Street Sunday night, we're all just faces in the crowd that have never met but have one important thing in common: We are Saints fans to the core.

I don't know what the future holds for the Saints franchise. None of us do. Obviously, we all hope this is just the beginning of much continued success. But if it takes another forty-three years for the Saints to ever get this far again, at least I will be able to tell my children and grandchildren that I was there for the greatest moment in New Orleans sports history. Really there. My special access during the Super Bowl was more than I could have ever imagined. I felt special - like Wayne and Garth at an Alice Cooper concert - a little naughty - going places I had no business being - and slightly revolutionary - I've got to have been the first "blogger" allowed to get that close to the Saints. I would like to thank SB Nation for that.

Most importantly, I want to thank the Saints for all of the memories they've given me over the years, this season in particular. Each memory seemed sweeter than the next this season but none of them are as special as the one they gave me on Sunday night. I will never forget Payton's words or anything else I saw, heard, smelled, touched or tasted in Miami.

And no one will ever be able to take them away from me.

As is post-game tradition here on CSC, these are your final bullet points of this magical 2009 season:

I mentioned that actor Wendell Pierce was on my flight to Miami. If the name isn't familiar, I guarantee his face is. He's probably best known for his work on HBO's "The Wire" and will star in the soon to be released "Treme" filmed here in New Orleans, obviously. He was very nice, very normal and chatting it up with Saints fans on the plane. His prediction was that Reggie Bush and Devery Henderson would have big games. Pretty close.
There were a bunch of bible thumpers outside of the stadium preaching "the good word" with their big poster signs, pamphlet hand-outs and megaphones. You've seen guys like these on Bourbon street.
It cost $75 to park at the stadium. What a fleece job. We wound up parking on the front lawn of some dude's house and giving him $30, Jazzfest style.
Doesn't anyone find it ironic that the secondary, particularly Tracy Porter, has been the saving grace of this team and the playoffs when it was previously the bane of most Saints fans existence for the last two or three years? We've all got to acknowledge the incredible turnaround of the Saints pass defense in the last year.
While we're on the subject of Tracy Porter, he's got to be considered the real MVP of the game. Hell, of the playoffs. We're probably not celebrating today if not for his two clutch interceptions in as many playoff games.
This has been discussed as nauseum but I'll mention it one more time: This was probably as close as it gets to being a home game for any team in a Super Bowl. Saints fans clearly outnumbered Colts fans by at least two to one, if not more. For the most part Colts fans sat behind the Colts bench and Saints fans behind the Saints bench. The rest of the stadium was a sprinkling of each, with Saints fans being more predominant of course. It should also be mentioned that Colts fans and the culture of being one is bland, something stujo4 mentioned in his FanPost. No unique songs, no crazy costumes and no original fan chants. After Saints scores, they played the second line song and "Stand Up and Get Crunk" over the loudspeaker. I asked BigBlueShoe if the Colts had anything like that and he quickly told me no. So be proud, Who Dat Nation. You are unique; you are wonderful.
Thomas Morstead must take his job very seriously. He was kicking as many balls as possible before the game, at one point even punting over the stage set up for the pre-game show as if nobody was there. Whatever he's doing, it's working.
The second they played "Stand up and Get Crunk" over the stadium speakers, all of the special teams players on the field awaiting the ensuing Colts kickoff automatically got amped up. The power of music is an amazing thing. I almost felt it was an unfair advantage.
Before the game and before halftime they played a video on the big screen asking the crowd to hold up their cell phones and do silly, choreographed arm movements during the chorus of The Who's performance of "Who Are You."
I'm not sure whether it really did play out quickly or if it just felt that way but the game just seemed to fly by. The first quarter felt like it took all of five minutes to play and the rest didn't seem to take much longer.
Garrett Hartley = money. Pop all the pills you want, my friend. He got a lot of media attention after the game and looked incredibly happy.
One player I thought played well but never really got talked about was Malcolm Jenkins. For a rookie in a Super Bowl, I thought he played pretty well. He made a great play in second half sniffing out a Peyton Manning screen pass and immediately tackling the receiver for no gain, if not a loss.
It was both difficult and weird to act more like a "journalist" and less like a fan but I think I did a pretty good job. The only time I got swept up in the moment was when Tracy Porter intercepted the ball. Before I knew it I found my self standing with my arms up in the air. After quickly realizing what I was actually doing, I sat back down. Like many of you, I couldn't help but get emotional. If cheering isn't allowed in the press box, I'm sure crying certainly isn't. I had to fight back the tears.
Celebrities shown on the big screen during game: Scottie Pippen, Jamie Foxx, Eli Manning.
Balls, cojones, moxie. Call it whatever you want but Sean Payton has got it. He's been the X-factor for the Saints this entire season and I've always felt comfortable, confident and content knowing he's been driving this train, especially during the playoffs. Tracy Porter and Drew Brees may have been the MVP's for the offense and defense but it all starts with Payton. If they could give the MVP award to a non-player, Payton would have won in a landslide. The Saints have always had the edge with him on the sidelines. The onside kick to start the second half was the turning point of this football game. Period.
The odds makers in Las Vegas lost a lot of money on this game. Good! I understand it's hard to see clearly when your head is so far up Peyton Manning's ass, but next time they ought to check with people who actually know a little about football, like Saints fans, before setting the line. The New Orleans Saints and the teams determination were clearly underestimated. That's just the tip of the "You deserve everything you get for doubting the Saints" iceberg that I plan on spewing at all of the main stream media morons and near-sighted naysayers over the next few months.
This years Super Bowl was the most watched television program ever. Ever! So I will mention this again: Couldn't those greedy bastards in the NFL have just opened the damned Superdome for Saints fans to watch the game? Would it have really made that much of a difference? Your ratings are fine and you'll still get your corporate sponsorships, I promise. Corporate jerks!
Have you noticed the "Congratulations" skin that SB Nation put on the side of our website? Pretty damn cool if you ask me. If not, you might want to try switching to the narrow view. I had no idea they were doing this but I'm hoping they never take it down.
Deuce McAllister and Mike McKenzie were both in the locker room area after the game.
The players were passing around and holding up a skimpy pair of black underwear with the words "Who Dat" in shiny gold lettering on the butt.
I asked both Malcolm Jenkins and Usama Young after the game if they would finally tell me what Drew and the team chant before the game. No dice. Neither of them were going to be "that guy" as they referred me to Drew himself.
Jeremy Shockey appeared to be disappointed after the game. He was nowhere near as jovial as I had expected, especially following such a monumental game.
Thomas Morstead just sat quietly in his locker with his gold pants still on and his arms folded, looking around at all the action. I think he was just soaking it in.
Charles Grant looked like a pimp in his white 3-piece suit.
The only player I saw Peter King talking to after the game was Mark Brunell of all people.
A lot of the players, particularly Jeff Charleston, were yelling, "Shirt off!" I think that's one of their inside jokes.
Mike Bell was walking around in a robe and shooting video of all the action in the locker room. While Pierre Thomas was being interviewed (very soft spoken), Bell kept interrupting with jokes.
On my way to the Miami airport yesterday, my cab driver told me that he's seen a lot of Super Bowls played in his town but no fans were as nice as Saints fans.
Vendors were selling official Super Bowl and Championship gear right out of the boxes in the Miami airport as you walked in. Capitalism at it's finest.
I'm not sure I've ever mentioned this but Tom Benson and I have the same tailor. When I saw the tailor last week, I was sworn to secrecy and told that he was having a special pinstripe suit made for Mr. Benson just for the Super Bowl as a gift. Instead of plain stripes, though, the lines of the suit would be wording in very fine print that read, "Super Bowl XLIV Champions" or something to that effect. So as not to jinx the team, however, he wore a regular suit and his wife Gayle was to be responsible for switching Mr. Benson's jacket just before heading down to the field if the Saints should win. If you look at the photo included in this post, you might be able to see Benson wearing this very expensive suit. You can't make out the wording but it's obvious that it isn't a plain pinstripe. Where else could you find out info like this other than Canal Street Chronicles?
Text message from my wife on Monday: "It's a beautiful day here in New Orleans! It's like the weather knows we won the Super Bowl!"

Photos from the Saints Return to New Orleans

2010-02-09T00:12:46Z

Click the picture for more photos from the teams arrival today.

Sean Payton Introduces the NFL's New "Moneyball"

2010-02-08T23:46:59Z

Sean Payton Introduces the NFL's New "Moneyball"

Sporting News

Super Bowl XLIV: Who Dat Say!?

2010-02-08T22:00:22Z

Twitter

BillyMiller83 Thank you Jesus! I love you New Orleans! We did it! All of us, we did it! Wish you could have seen this dad

Harp41 Beasts!

ChaseDaniel World Champions! There is no better feeling!

reggie_bush Here it is baby! Who Dat! New Orleans I got you! San Diego I got you!!!!!

ltorrence24 World Champions! Who Dat!!! We did it!!!

ChaseDaniel With my boy @d_alexander81 its nuts at the Intercontinental hotel! Kenny Chesney and Jimmy Buffet are about to perform!

ChaseDaniel RT: @ChaseDaniel celebrating the superbowl victory, first Mizzou q to every win a Ring

BillyMiller83 We land from 12:30-1:30! Time to come home to NOLA!

ltorrence24 I think I have a Superbowl Hangover...

usama_young28 @ltorrence24 I'm witchu man...I kno I'm late yall, but thanks for all the support everybody.Headed to Nola to party wit the who dat nation

BillyMiller83 They shut down the HWY from so many fans at the airport. Congrats New Orleans you deserve it!

Linkage

New Orleans Saints will provide sun on cold, cloudy parade route - Times-Pic

Sen. A.G. Crowe proposes Who Dat Nation license plate - Times-Pic

New Orleans Saints parade tickets available for Lafayette Square stands - Times-Pic

New Orleans Saints celebrate Super Bowl XLIV victory into dawn - Times-Pic

Super Bowl XLIV 'Amen!' newspapers still available - Times-Pic

New Orleans Saints video: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell introduces Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees - Times-Pic

Super Bowl XLIV: New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Fujita's diary of the time in South Florida - Times-Pic

New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton embraces Vince Lombardi trophy -Times-Pic

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees follows up Super Bowl victory with whirlwind day -Times-Pic

New Orleans Saints Super Bowl victory as seen on front pages from newspapers across the country -Times-Pic

To the NFL: New Orleans Saints victory means we're no longer league doormat - Times-Pic

Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees cements his place in New Orleans lore - Times-Pic

Winning formula - The Advocate

Keys: Cool Vilma helps Saints realize dream -The Advocate

Photos: Super Bowl XLIV - The Advocate

Porter doesn't let up - The Advocate

MVP Brees 'magnificent' - The Advocate

BELIEVE DAT! - The Advocate

Handwerger: King Brees holds up team, city - WWLTV

Henderson: Fans have helped lift Saints - WWLTV

Column: Saints are America's Team - WWLTV

Drew Brees, Saints super after defeating Peyton Manning, Colts in Super Bowl XLIV - Sports Illustrated

Greatest of all time? Manning's case takes serious hit - CBS Sports

Payton's coaching clinic makes him true Super Bowl MVP - CBS Sports

Pick, loss hurt Manning's legacy - ESPN

The Saints' Super Bowl win shows the NFL has too good a thing going to risk a lockout in 2011 - ESPN

John Clayton breaks down Super Bowl XLIV - ESPN

Well-calculated gambles by Payton - NFC South Blog - ESPN

Football gods gets their revenge on the Colts - The Indianapolis Star

Saints roll, beat Colts 31-17 in Super Bowl XLI - The Indianapolis Star

CRUNK: Saints are World Champs - WWLTV

Tracy Porter says Saints still feared Colts' Peyton Manning even after game-icing TD - USA TODAY

Super Bowl champion Saints to soon turn attention to keeping key assets - NewOrleans.com

New Orleans Saints feed off Payton's attitude to become NFL champions - NewOrleans.com

Even down under, Saints fans basking in the championship glow - NewOrleans.com

Patience, preparation pays off for Super Bowl Champion Saints cornerback Tracy Porter - NewOrleans.com

Videos

Saints coach Sean Payton at the Monday Super Bowl press conference

Indianapolis Colts Super Bowl XLIV: the day after

Saints fans in Gentilly, Faubourg Marigny, celebrate Saints Super Bowl victory

Audio

Here are your WWL audio clips. In order they are the Lombardi Trophy ceremony, Sean Payton, Lance Moore, Reggie Bush, Chris Reis, David Thomas, Bobby Hebert, Hokie Gajan and two episodes of The Point After show. You can also check out their

Super Bowl XLIV: The View from Section 253 in Pictures

2010-02-08T12:00:27Z

Here are your pictures from all of yesterday's action. It's late and I'm exhausted, mentally and physically. I will try and get a write up to you guys soon but until then, these wonderful pictures ought to hold you over. I've got to admit I have more pictures that I took in the locker room but I don't think I was allowed to take those so out of respect, they will stay with me.

Relive the magic.

Warming up.

Complimentary towel.

The outdoor press box.

Florida A&M marching band.

Display case on the club level.

Saints team introductions.

Colts team introductions.

Carrie Underwood singing the National Anthem.

The opening kickoff.

They give all media members a stat sheet after every quarter. Pretty cool.

Showing fans how to do the choreographed cell phone dance for the half time show.

The free hot dog guy.

Setting up for The Who.

The Who.

Laser light show during The Who's performance.

Fireworks during The Who show.

Shockey making his touchdown grab.

The Saints celebrating on the sidelines.

Post-game celebration.

The view on the big screen.

Your MVP.

Jonathan Goodwin.

Pack it up, boys. Time to go home.

Do I need to tell you who this is?

Behind the scenes.

Laying on the field after the game.

Fancy Lombardi Trophy hologram.

Season...over.

The view from the mid-field podium.

Everyone's positions were marked.

Has it sunk in yet?

View of the empty stadium.

Group shot of the staff.

NFL Network post-game show.

Saints endzone.

Good night everyone. See you next year.

The final stanza

2010-02-08T04:01:14Z

[Courtesy of the Mountain Goddess, who has wept, laughed, screamed, and pogo'ed all 'round the living room]

All men flock to our banner now, the golden fleur de lis
And our battle cry "Who Dat!" will sound from sea to shining sea,
For New Orleans' favorite sons have won their place in history!
Our Saints go marching on!

Glory! Glory! What a helluva way to play!
Glory! Glory! What a helluva way to play!
Glory! Glory! Boys, you made us proud today!
No fan could ask for more!

(Until next yeeaaaaarrrrrr......!)

Finished Strong!

2010-02-08T02:50:04Z

More photos » Paul Sancya - AP

Browse more photos »

Congratulations to the 2009 New Orleans Saints and their fans! Super Bowl champions!

We...are...New Orleans. As I sit here and watch the Saints celebrate on the field, I realize there is nothing anyone can say to truly describe this moment.

Thank you, New Orleans Saints. For everything. The last forty-three years have made this moment that much sweeter. We love you!

Super Bowl XLIV: Second Half Open Thread

2010-02-08T01:00:17Z

via blogs.citypages.com

Thirty more minutes of play left in the 2009 season (assuming no overtime).

Super Bowl XLIV: Open Game Thread

2010-02-07T23:00:21Z

New Orleans Saints (NFC)	Super Bowl XLIV	Indianapolis Colts (AFC)
	vs.

Date:	February 7th, 2010	Location:	Miami, FL
Time:	6:00 p.m. EST	Stadium	Sun Life Stadium
TV:	CBS	Favorite:	Colts by 6
Radio:	WWL 870AM/105.3FM	Over/Under:	56.5
Internet:	NFL.com's Game Center	Weather:	60 degrees Farenheit, Clear Skies...Weather Underground
SBN Coverage:	Stampede Blue SB Nation's Colts Coverage Super Bowl XLIV Coverage	Current Mood:	Prepared for history.

Reminder: Second half open thread will post at 7pm CST! Don't forget to make the jump!

Super Bowl XLIV: Pre-Game Open Thread

2010-02-07T22:00:24Z

New Orleans Saints (NFC)	Super Bowl XLIV	Indianapolis Colts (AFC)
	vs.

Date:	February 7th, 2010	Location:	Miami, FL
Time:	6:00 p.m. EST	Stadium	Sun Life Stadium
TV:	CBS	Favorite:	Colts by 6
Radio:	WWL 870AM/105.3FM	Over/Under:	56.5
Internet:	NFL.com's Game Center	Weather:	60 degrees Farenheit, Clear Skies...Weather Underground
SBN Coverage:	Stampede Blue SB Nation's Colts Coverage Super Bowl XLIV Coverage	Current Mood:	Prepared for history.

Early Pictures from Section 253 at Super Bowl XLIV

2010-02-07T21:35:27Z

The view as you approach the stadium from the highway.

Lots of airplanes flying overhead.

The private media entrance checkpoint.

The Saints bus arriving. I'm pretty sure that's Loomis riding shotgun.

The team getting off the bus.

Entrance to the club level where the press box is located.

The outdoor press box.

My seat.

And my view.

They feed us!

And give us radios!

Live Twitter Updates from Super Bowl XLIV

2010-02-07T18:36:55Z

We're heading over to the stadium shortly. Until the pre-game open thread goes up, I wanted you guys to be able to follow along with my Twitter updates. The arrows at the bottom right allow you to scroll through different tweets. If tweets don't appear automatically, you may need to click the arrows to jump start it. You will probably also need to refresh the page to display any new tweets I post while you're looking at the current ones.

Get the Twitter Badge widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox! Not seeing a widget? (More info)

Dave, Ralph and Kevin host pregame show at noon!

2010-02-07T17:34:18Z

Dave, Ralph and Kevin host pregame show at noon!

Before Dave goes into the stadium, before Ralph starts drinking, and before Kevin gets wrapped in a straight jacket...the trio gets together one more time before kickoff to talk about the big game. Click the link above to listen and call us at (347) 215-8037 to share your final pre-game thoughts.

Bam!!!

2010-02-07T17:30:29Z

Bam!!!

Welcome to Miami! Bienvenidos a Miami!

2010-02-07T12:00:17Z

Good morning, Who Dat Nation! Does it get any better than this?

By the time this post gets published, I will hopefully be on my way to the MIA. I have no idea what to expect once I arrive and I may never get a chance to sit down and post something but I think I have come up with a clever way to allow all of you to follow me throughout the day. Below is a widget that displays all of my tweets. I will keep updating Twitter with everything I experience, including pictures, which will then show up in the display box below. So keep checking back. There may be some good stuff here. Pictures will be attached to tweets via links. The arrows at the bottom right allow you to scroll through different tweets. You may need to refresh the page to display newer tweets.

Get the Twitter Badge widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox! Not seeing a widget? (More info)

Here is the schedule for the rest of the day:

Pre-game open thread - 4pm CST
First half open thread - 5pm CST
Second half open thread - 7pm CST

Saints vs. Colts: A SuperBowl Victory Hinges on Saints' Ability to Contain Dallas Clark

2010-02-06T19:00:23Z

More photos » Darron Cummings - AP

Browse more photos »

So much has been written about this weekend, what could there possibly be left say? I don't know about you guys, but the coverage has actually been somewhat exhausting for me. There's only so many angles you can cover. I think that every possible storyline, stat, name, and prediction has been thrown out this week. Bottom line, I'm just ready for the game to start. Once the opening kickoff happens, it's all about focusing on the Saints' improbable capping of this season with a SuperBowl victory. The most dangerous matchup, in my opinion, will be covering Dallas Clark. The Saints will need to focus on this if they want to hoist the Lombardi trophy.

Saints vs Colts coverage

Saints vs Colts preview

Let's get a few givens out of the way:

-- Drew Brees will make plays.

-- Peyton Manning will make plays.

-- Both teams will want to put pressure on the opposing quarterbacks, exposing themselves at times to big plays.

-- No way Dwight Freeney doesn't suit up for this game, but his performance will be affected by his injury significantly.

Everyone knows these by now things by now, so I'm glad we've covered it and gotten it out of the way.

Now I know Reggie Wayne is a perennial all pro and Manning's new favorite target. I know he's put up gaudy numbers in each of the last six seasons, and few and far between are the teams that have been able to limit his effectiveness. But I'm actually not that worried about Wayne, or Pierre Garcon, or Austin Collie. While these guys have been dangerous and they've made plays all season for the Colts - we've seen over and again that Jabari Greer, Tracy Porter and Darren Sharper - to name a few - have been able to limit some of the best and most dangerous of receivers out there. I'm not saying these receivers won't make any plays won't hurt the Saints, but I don't think they'll ultimately be the difference in the game. The Saints do have an answer for those dangerous receivers, and they have the ability to limit them.

My question is this: Do the Saints have any answer for Dallas Clark? With the game on the line, can they resort to anything that can stop him? I'm not convinced the answer is yes. The Saints can throw a mix of these players in coverage on Clark: Scott Shanle, Scott Fujita, Jonathan Vilma, Roman Harper, and Randall Gay. None of these options make me fill warm and fuzzy inside. In fact, most of these options make my stomach pretty uneasy. Clark has an incredible combination of speed, hands, size and strength that's a nightmare matchup for almost any defense. Most of you that have been loyal CSC supporters long enough will know that I wrote a similar post outlining the Saints' matchup problems against the Atlanta Falcons and Tony Gonzalez. The problem with Clark is he's faster than Gonzalez, and the quarterback throwing to him might be the best in NFL history. The Saints are exposed against teams with a very good tight end because their strong safety is such a liability in coverage, and when Peyton Manning is throwing to him the problem is pronounced.

Do you think the Saints successfully limit Dallas Clark enough to win the game? If so, how do you think they'll do it?

Playing for Paydays

2010-02-06T12:00:20Z

More photos » Mark Humphrey - AP

Browse more photos »

Just before this season started I wrote a post discussing the future of Drew Brees with the Saints. At the time, Eli Manning and Phillip Rivers were signing contracts in excess of $90 million and I wondered what kind of precedence that would set when it came time for Drew to renew, now currently the thirteenth highest paid quarterback in the league. Given Drew's talent, it was never a question of if he gets paid, only a matter of when and how much.

Apparently, we won't have to wait long to find out. Even though Brees is under contract through 2011, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Saints and Colts will both get deals done on 4-year contract extensions with their respective quarterbacks, Brees and Peyton Manning, this off-season. That answers the when part of our question, but what kind of record breaking deals can they expect?

Schefter believes, based on Eli Manning's deal in August worth $16.25 million a year, that the two Super Bowl XLIV quarterbacks will both earn somewhere in the neighborhood of $18 million a year, with Peyton being the higher paid of the two. That would make Manning's four year deal worth a total of $72 million.

All of this, of course, raises a new question: Does Peyton Manning automatically become the highest paid player in the NFL, regardless of the outcome of Super Bowl XLIV? If (and only if) the Saints are victorious this Sunday, isn't Brees more of the rising star with quite possibly more potential and, therefore, more value? Or does Peyton Manning's impressive past with no signs of slowing down earn him the highest bounty in the league?

Poll

Does Super Bowl XLIV determine who becomes the highest paid quarterback in the league?

This is video inside the Saints locker room at U. of Miami, shot by Jonathan Vilma. Check out...

2010-02-06T04:05:45Z

This is video inside the Saints locker room at U. of Miami, shot by Jonathan Vilma. Check out Shanle in the background at the very end. Ladies, you're gonna love this! Too funny!!

By the way, you can find more great stuff like this, including cool pictures, from Vilma's Playmaker Mobile website.

Super Bowl XLIV: Friday Injury Report

2010-02-05T23:29:22Z

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Status Report
	QUESTIONABLE	RB Lynell Hamilton (ankle)

	PROBABLE	T Jermon Bushrod (thumb), LB Jonathan Casillas (ankle), TE Darnell Dinkins (foot), G Jahri Evans (foot), LB Scott Fujita (knee), CB Randall Gay (illness, foot), CB Jabari Greer (groin), CB Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring), DE Bobby McCray (back, ankle), WR Robert Meachem (ankle), WR Lance Moore (ankle), CB Tracy Porter (knee), S Pierson Prioleau (quadricep), WR Courtney Roby (knee), S Darren Sharper (knee), TE Jeremy Shockey (knee), DE Will Smith (groin), T Zach Strief (shoulder), LB Jonathan Vilma (knee)
Practice Report
	DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
	Wednesday	RB Lynell Hamilton (ankle)
	Thursday	RB Lynell Hamilton (ankle)
	Friday	CB Randall Gay (illness, foot), RB Lynell Hamilton (ankle)

	LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
	Wednesday	CB Randall Gay (foot), CB Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring), DE Bobby McCray (back, ankle), S Pierson Prioleau (quadricep), WR Courtney Roby (knee), S Darren Sharper (knee), TE Jeremy Shockey (knee), DE Will Smith (groin), T Zach Strief (shoulder), LB Jonathan Vilma (knee)
	Thursday	CB Randall Gay (foot), CB Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring), DE Bobby McCray (back, ankle), S Pierson Prioleau (quadricep), WR Courtney Roby (knee), S Darren Sharper (knee), TE Jeremy Shockey (knee), DE Will Smith (groin), T Zach Strief (shoulder), LB Jonathan Vilma (knee)
	Friday	CB Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring), DE Bobby McCray (back, ankle), WR Courtney Roby (knee), S Darren Sharper (knee), TE Jeremy Shockey (knee), T Zach Strief (shoulder)

	FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
	Wednesday	T Jermon Bushrod (thumb), LB Jonathan Casillas (ankle), TE Darnell Dinkins (foot), G Jahri Evans (foot), LB Scott Fujita (knee), CB Jabari Greer (groin), WR Robert Meachem (ankle), WR Lance Moore (ankle), CB Tracy Porter (knee)
	Thursday	T Jermon Bushrod (thumb), LB Jonathan Casillas (ankle), TE Darnell Dinkins (foot), G Jahri Evans (foot), LB Scott Fujita (knee), CB Jabari Greer (groin), WR Robert Meachem (ankle), WR Lance Moore (ankle), CB Tracy Porter (knee)
	Friday	T Jermon Bushrod (thumb), LB Jonathan Casillas (ankle), TE Darnell Dinkins (foot), G Jahri Evans (foot), LB Scott Fujita (knee), CB Jabari Greer (groin), WR Robert Meachem (ankle), WR Lance Moore (ankle), CB Tracy Porter (knee), S Pierson Prioleau (quadricep), DE Will Smith (groin), LB Jonathan Vilma (knee)

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Status Report

QUESTIONABLE

DE Dwight Freeney (ankle), CB Jerraud Powers (foot)

PROBABLE

RB Joseph Addai (shoulder), CB Antoine Bethea (back), LB Gary Brackett (knee), RB Donald Brown (foot), CB Melvin Bullitt (knee), T Ryan Diem (knee), CB Aaron Francisco (hand), RB Mike Hart (ankle), DT Antonio Johnson (shoulder), T Charlie Johnson (foot), G Ryan Lilja (back), DE Robert Mathis (shoulder), G Jamey Richard (shoulder), K Matt Stover (left calf), TE Jacob Tamme (ankle), T Tony Ugoh (knee), K Adam Vinatieri (right hip), WR Reggie Wayne (knee)

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday

DE Dwight Freeney (ankle), CB Jerraud Powers (foot)

Thursday

DE Dwight Freeney (ankle), G Ryan Lilja (back), CB Jerraud Powers (foot)

Friday

DE Dwight Freeney (ankle)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Friday

CB Jerraud Powers (foot), WR Reggie Wayne (knee)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday

RB Joseph Addai (shoulder), CB Antoine Bethea (back), LB Gary Brackett (knee), RB Donald Brown (foot), CB Melvin Bullitt (knee), T Ryan Diem (knee), CB Aaron Francisco (hand), RB Mike Hart (ankle), DT Antonio Johnson (shoulder), T Charlie Johnson (foot), DE Robert Mathis (shoulder), G Jamey Richard (shoulder), K Matt Stover (left calf), TE Jacob Tamme (ankle), T Tony Ugoh (knee), K Adam Vinatieri (right hip), WR Reggie Wayne (knee)

Thursday

RB Joseph Addai (shoulder), CB Antoine Bethea (back), LB Gary Brackett (knee), RB Donald Brown (foot), CB Melvin Bullitt (knee), T Ryan Diem (knee), CB Aaron Francisco (hand), RB Mike Hart (ankle), DT Antonio Johnson (shoulder), T Charlie Johnson (foot), DE Robert Mathis (shoulder), G Jamey Richard (shoulder), K Matt Stover (left calf), TE Jacob Tamme (ankle), T Tony Ugoh (knee), K Adam Vinatieri (right hip), WR Reggie Wayne (knee)

Friday

Super Bowl XLIV: Game Predictions

2010-02-05T19:00:35Z

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The fact that the title of this post says "Super Bowl" and that our little prediction contest has made it all the way to the final day of the season is just totally weird and awesome all at once.

Anyway, before we get started we've got to give props to our NFC Championship game prediction winner, our very own saints-nation. Here were his three correct winners as voted by you, the fans:

1. Garrett Hartley hits a crucial field goal late
2. Brett Favre turns the ball over at least twice
3. Shockey and Meachem both play

I think I remember saints-nation telling me that he wanted a picture of cheerleaders put up instead of his boring avatar so his wish is my command.

And now, it's time to make your final three predictions of the season. After eighteen games you should know what to do. I welcome all of our lovely Colts visitors to join in our game as well.

Good luck!

Canal Street Chronicles

Super Bowl XLIV: Wrapping it All Up

Photos from the Saints Return to New Orleans

Sean Payton Introduces the NFL's New "Moneyball"

Sean Payton Introduces the NFL's New "Moneyball"

Super Bowl XLIV: Who Dat Say!?

Twitter

Linkage

Videos

Audio

Super Bowl XLIV: The View from Section 253 in Pictures

The final stanza

Finished Strong!

Super Bowl XLIV: Second Half Open Thread

Super Bowl XLIV: Open Game Thread

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**Reminder: Second half open thread will post at 7pm CST! Don't forget to make the jump!**

Super Bowl XLIV: Pre-Game Open Thread

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Early Pictures from Section 253 at Super Bowl XLIV

Live Twitter Updates from Super Bowl XLIV

Dave, Ralph and Kevin host pregame show at noon!

Dave, Ralph and Kevin host pregame show at noon!

Bam!!!

Welcome to Miami! Bienvenidos a Miami!

Saints vs. Colts: A SuperBowl Victory Hinges on Saints' Ability to Contain Dallas Clark

Playing for Paydays

Does Super Bowl XLIV determine who becomes the highest paid quarterback in the league?

This is video inside the Saints locker room at U. of Miami, shot by Jonathan Vilma. Check out...

Super Bowl XLIV: Friday Injury Report

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Super Bowl XLIV: Game Predictions

Reminder: Second half open thread will post at 7pm CST! Don't forget to make the jump!