Super Bowl XLIV was a hit across America, as the New Orleans Saints brought a championship to the city that needed it the most. And Drew Brees, quarterback for the Saints, is regarded as the hero that won the game for New Orleans. There is no debate that he was a critical factor in the entire championship run. But, in my opinion, the real heroes are the kickers on New Orleans.
Hartley was 100% on his field goals and extra points this postseason, quite an accomplishment for a kicker facing the league’s top special teams units. He also averaged nine points per game in the postseason, helping the Saints to clinch two of the three games in the playoffs.
One of the most important plays of the Super Bowl, however, came at the foot of Thomas Morstead, on the first play of the third quarter. Morstead, instead of kicking the ball deep into Colts’ territory, hit the ball at an angle for an onside kick. In the chaos that ensued, the Saints recovered the ball, and were able to swing the momentum back into their favor.
The kick itself, however, was incredible. Morstead faked out the entire country, and in doing so, helped to bring a championship back to his city. That single play changed the dynamics of the entire game, and made the Colts more cautious, allowing the Saints to be more aggressive and able to move the ball down the field.
Hartley and Morstead together changed the dynamics of the game more than any single player (even Drew Brees), and were the key to the win by the Saints. Unfortunately they haven’t received the recognition that they deserve from fans, despite the record that Hartley set. Hopefully players outside of the skill positions will be recognized more in the future for their vital contributions.
