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Blogroll
EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE OF 2010 NFL SCOUTING COMBINE
PRESENTED BY UNDER ARMOUR
ON NFL NETWORK & NFL.COM
College Superstar QBs Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy and DT Ndamukong Suh
Among More Than 300 NFL Prospects on Display in Indianapolis
New Video & Information Technology Enhance Viewer Experience on
NFL Network and NFL.com
NFL Draft Expert Mike Mayock Leads NFL Network’s Roster of Analysts &
Reporters For More Than 30 Hours of Live Programming
NFL.com Offers Live All-Access Video of Group Workouts
NFL Network and NFL.com’s exclusive week-long coverage of the league’s next generation of talent kicks off February 25 with more than 30 hours of live coverage of the 2010 NFL Scouting Combine, Presented by Under Armour. For seven days, NFL Network will broadcast live from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, providing an up-close look at the 329 players getting set to embark on their NFL careers. Coverage begins Thursday, February 25 at 2:30 PM ET with NFL Total Access at the 2010 NFL Scouting Combine press conference coverage live from Lucas Oil Stadium.
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PRESENTED BY UNDER ARMOUR
ON NFL NETWORK & NFL.COM
College Superstar QBs Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy and DT Ndamukong Suh
Among More Than 300 NFL Prospects on Display in Indianapolis
New Video & Information Technology Enhance Viewer Experience on
NFL Network and NFL.com
NFL Draft Expert Mike Mayock Leads NFL Network’s Roster of Analysts &
Reporters For More Than 30 Hours of Live Programming
NFL.com Offers Live All-Access Video of Group Workouts
NFL Network and NFL.com’s exclusive week-long coverage of the league’s next generation of talent kicks off February 25 with more than 30 hours of live coverage of the 2010 NFL Scouting Combine, Presented by Under Armour. For seven days, NFL Network will broadcast live from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, providing an up-close look at the 329 players getting set to embark on their NFL careers. Coverage begins Thursday, February 25 at 2:30 PM ET with NFL Total Access at the 2010 NFL Scouting Combine press conference coverage live from Lucas Oil Stadium.
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Super Bowl XLIV News Conference
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida – February 8, 2010
(Opening statement) “Before we get started, as a head coach, when you get the opportunity to play in this game, certainly from a scheduling statement, when you look at everything that goes on – the week prior, and bye week, and then the week of the Super Bowl – there is a lot that goes into it. I want to take this time to thank Commissioner Goodell and the league office for really providing an outstanding environment for both teams to prepare and play their best football. You really don’t realize how much goes into the planning of an event like this. From the day we arrived on Monday after the Pro Bowl to midnight last night, it was perfect. Not because we won, but logistically, the planning, scheduling, support we have had from the league was outstanding. As a head coach, sometimes you may be blind to the bigger picture and I appreciate the organization and the many responsibilities of people not only in this room, but the many responsibilities that the League provides for both teams to get ready to really put their best foot forward. We have a little pin for the last three weeks we have worn. A gentleman by the name of Tim Davey, who I met at the Pro Bowl in 2006, who really epitomized, I think, what the League is about in regards to his commitment to just working and grinding and making everything smooth, whether it was a Pro Bowl or whether it was a game in London. So those initials “TD” didn’t really necessarily stand for us wanting to score touchdowns.
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Ft. Lauderdale, Florida – February 8, 2010
(Opening statement) “Before we get started, as a head coach, when you get the opportunity to play in this game, certainly from a scheduling statement, when you look at everything that goes on – the week prior, and bye week, and then the week of the Super Bowl – there is a lot that goes into it. I want to take this time to thank Commissioner Goodell and the league office for really providing an outstanding environment for both teams to prepare and play their best football. You really don’t realize how much goes into the planning of an event like this. From the day we arrived on Monday after the Pro Bowl to midnight last night, it was perfect. Not because we won, but logistically, the planning, scheduling, support we have had from the league was outstanding. As a head coach, sometimes you may be blind to the bigger picture and I appreciate the organization and the many responsibilities of people not only in this room, but the many responsibilities that the League provides for both teams to get ready to really put their best foot forward. We have a little pin for the last three weeks we have worn. A gentleman by the name of Tim Davey, who I met at the Pro Bowl in 2006, who really epitomized, I think, what the League is about in regards to his commitment to just working and grinding and making everything smooth, whether it was a Pro Bowl or whether it was a game in London. So those initials “TD” didn’t really necessarily stand for us wanting to score touchdowns.
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Super Bowl XLIV News Conference
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida – February 8, 2010
Commissioner Roger Goodell opening statement: “OK, we obviously had another classic game last night between two terrific teams. Also, preliminary feedback comes from the ratings – it looks like it may be a record audience, too, to see the Super Bowl. It looks like 10 percent up from last year, so we expect it will be over 151 million people who watched last night’s Super Bowl, which was clearly more than a game. I keep thinking of the word ‘magical.’ When you think about the relationship between the Saints and the Gulf Coast and the city of New Orleans, it was more than just a football game and more than just a football team. The hopes, the dreams and the struggles of that community were all reflected in that football game. It was really a great night for the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region. I think they all sort of lifted one another, so congratulations to the Saints and their fans.
“I think it also demonstrates the value of sports. As they say, it was more than a football game, and it talks about the relationship, and these two gentlemen over here – Coach (Sean) Payton and Drew Brees, I think, reflect that community and have given back to that community far more than they would as quarterbacks or head coaches. They really have given their heart and soul to that community, and I think it showed in the way that that community has responded to them. So, congratulations to both of them.
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Ft. Lauderdale, Florida – February 8, 2010
Commissioner Roger Goodell opening statement: “OK, we obviously had another classic game last night between two terrific teams. Also, preliminary feedback comes from the ratings – it looks like it may be a record audience, too, to see the Super Bowl. It looks like 10 percent up from last year, so we expect it will be over 151 million people who watched last night’s Super Bowl, which was clearly more than a game. I keep thinking of the word ‘magical.’ When you think about the relationship between the Saints and the Gulf Coast and the city of New Orleans, it was more than just a football game and more than just a football team. The hopes, the dreams and the struggles of that community were all reflected in that football game. It was really a great night for the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region. I think they all sort of lifted one another, so congratulations to the Saints and their fans.
“I think it also demonstrates the value of sports. As they say, it was more than a football game, and it talks about the relationship, and these two gentlemen over here – Coach (Sean) Payton and Drew Brees, I think, reflect that community and have given back to that community far more than they would as quarterbacks or head coaches. They really have given their heart and soul to that community, and I think it showed in the way that that community has responded to them. So, congratulations to both of them.
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COLTS OT RYAN DIEM
(on the onside kick) “I think it was kind of a bold move but it worked out for them. There were a couple plays for them like that that just worked for them. They got the recovery on the outside and the two point conversion and they were able to make the play with the interception. I’ll be honest with you I did not see it coming. At that point in the game I did not expect them to do anything like that. The element of surprise got us. After we jumped out in the first quarter, we did not have many plays and did not complete the downs we needed.”
(on losing the Super Bowl) “It’s disappointing. We’ve been in those situations before and this year we have come back from being behind in the fourth quarter, and we’ve been very confident in those situations. It’s very disappointing that we did not get the job done.”
(on watching Peyton Manning) “I don’t know all of the stats or anything, but we did everything we could with what we had, and there were times when we did not complete third downs or there were times when we didn’t make the plays we needed to make.”
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(on the onside kick) “I think it was kind of a bold move but it worked out for them. There were a couple plays for them like that that just worked for them. They got the recovery on the outside and the two point conversion and they were able to make the play with the interception. I’ll be honest with you I did not see it coming. At that point in the game I did not expect them to do anything like that. The element of surprise got us. After we jumped out in the first quarter, we did not have many plays and did not complete the downs we needed.”
(on losing the Super Bowl) “It’s disappointing. We’ve been in those situations before and this year we have come back from being behind in the fourth quarter, and we’ve been very confident in those situations. It’s very disappointing that we did not get the job done.”
(on watching Peyton Manning) “I don’t know all of the stats or anything, but we did everything we could with what we had, and there were times when we did not complete third downs or there were times when we didn’t make the plays we needed to make.”
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COLTS DB KELVIN HAYDEN
(on the Saints methodical offense) “We didn’t get off the field on third down. We didn’t execute when we needed to.”
(on what the Saints were able to do successfully on offense) “They did a lot of taking advantage of the match-up. They have a versatile type of backfield. Out on our linebackers, they did a great job. Like I said, we didn’t execute on third down when we needed to get off the field and get the ball back to our offense. That was the key to the game.”
(on how he thinks the late interception thrown by Colts QB Peyton Manning will affect him this offseason) “It doesn’t matter. I guarantee he’ll get over it just like everybody else will get over this loss. The main thing is, as a defense, we didn’t stand up like we’re supposed to. We made a couple of team mistakes in critical situations and we didn’t take advantage of the opportunities at hand.”
(on how it feels to lose a Super Bowl due to a late interception after winning in a similar fashion three years ago) “It’s crazy. I thought about that as well, three years ago. Now he’s [Tracy Porter] doing the celebrating, I’m doing the weeping. It is what it is. Congratulations to those guys.”
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(on the Saints methodical offense) “We didn’t get off the field on third down. We didn’t execute when we needed to.”
(on what the Saints were able to do successfully on offense) “They did a lot of taking advantage of the match-up. They have a versatile type of backfield. Out on our linebackers, they did a great job. Like I said, we didn’t execute on third down when we needed to get off the field and get the ball back to our offense. That was the key to the game.”
(on how he thinks the late interception thrown by Colts QB Peyton Manning will affect him this offseason) “It doesn’t matter. I guarantee he’ll get over it just like everybody else will get over this loss. The main thing is, as a defense, we didn’t stand up like we’re supposed to. We made a couple of team mistakes in critical situations and we didn’t take advantage of the opportunities at hand.”
(on how it feels to lose a Super Bowl due to a late interception after winning in a similar fashion three years ago) “It’s crazy. I thought about that as well, three years ago. Now he’s [Tracy Porter] doing the celebrating, I’m doing the weeping. It is what it is. Congratulations to those guys.”
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COLTS WR REGGIE WAYNE
(on Porter’s interception) “It didn’t surprise me at all. That’s kind of how they were playing a little bit throughout the game. They kind of were squatting a little bit and he made a good play and scored a touchdown off of it.”
(on the Saints defense in the second half) “It was pretty consistent throughout the game. They had a good scheme. They did a good job and they came out with the W.”
(on the play the Colts ran on interception) “We’d run it quite a few times. We ran it earlier in the game and Peyton went backside with it, so I think (Porter) kind of had a feeling it was coming because it was the same formation. He did a good job of recognizing it and, like I said, he made a good play.”
(on the Saints defense) “You’ve got two weeks to prepare for a team, so they’ve seen everything we’ve done. Like I said, they have a good scheme. They did a good job of using it tonight and they’re celebrating.”
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(on Porter’s interception) “It didn’t surprise me at all. That’s kind of how they were playing a little bit throughout the game. They kind of were squatting a little bit and he made a good play and scored a touchdown off of it.”
(on the Saints defense in the second half) “It was pretty consistent throughout the game. They had a good scheme. They did a good job and they came out with the W.”
(on the play the Colts ran on interception) “We’d run it quite a few times. We ran it earlier in the game and Peyton went backside with it, so I think (Porter) kind of had a feeling it was coming because it was the same formation. He did a good job of recognizing it and, like I said, he made a good play.”
(on the Saints defense) “You’ve got two weeks to prepare for a team, so they’ve seen everything we’ve done. Like I said, they have a good scheme. They did a good job of using it tonight and they’re celebrating.”
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COLTS S MELVIN BULLITT
(on what happened in the second half) “They had a good game plan. We couldn’t get off of the field on third down. Things weren’t going our way, and we just weren’t in sync. Offensively, I don’t know what happened with them, but it seemed like they couldn’t stop us on offense. So when we got out there on defense, we just let them get too many field goals. Two little third downs, if we would’ve stopped them a little bit further back, maybe things could’ve been different.”
(on if it was tough to get any pass rush going at all) “At times, it seemed like it was, but for a while, our defensive line was doing really well. (Drew Brees) couldn’t see over the line. And he did make some good passes, but there were some passes that were kind of shaky that he made and he was doing a good job on the pressure at first. But they adjusted, they made good adjustments, they did what they had to do to win the game.”
(on the onside kick to start the second half) “The onside kick was huge. As a special teams captain on the team, I feel like we kind of didn’t do what we were supposed to do. We always talk about the little things, and that was a little thing that was huge. If we would’ve got the ball right there, maybe on the 40-yard line going in, the game could’ve went a totally different way. We would’ve been up by, what, 14 points, almost 17 points, so that was a huge turning point in the game. They scored on that drive immediately, and we just didn’t capitalize on defense. We just couldn’t stop them in that second half.”
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(on what happened in the second half) “They had a good game plan. We couldn’t get off of the field on third down. Things weren’t going our way, and we just weren’t in sync. Offensively, I don’t know what happened with them, but it seemed like they couldn’t stop us on offense. So when we got out there on defense, we just let them get too many field goals. Two little third downs, if we would’ve stopped them a little bit further back, maybe things could’ve been different.”
(on if it was tough to get any pass rush going at all) “At times, it seemed like it was, but for a while, our defensive line was doing really well. (Drew Brees) couldn’t see over the line. And he did make some good passes, but there were some passes that were kind of shaky that he made and he was doing a good job on the pressure at first. But they adjusted, they made good adjustments, they did what they had to do to win the game.”
(on the onside kick to start the second half) “The onside kick was huge. As a special teams captain on the team, I feel like we kind of didn’t do what we were supposed to do. We always talk about the little things, and that was a little thing that was huge. If we would’ve got the ball right there, maybe on the 40-yard line going in, the game could’ve went a totally different way. We would’ve been up by, what, 14 points, almost 17 points, so that was a huge turning point in the game. They scored on that drive immediately, and we just didn’t capitalize on defense. We just couldn’t stop them in that second half.”
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COLTS TE DALLAS CLARK
(on how big the onside kick was) “It was a good momentum swing coming out of the half. We kind of had a feeling something was kind of going to…they were going to try to do something. They just really weren’t getting anything going offensively and things like that, so they had to get a spark somehow and we just didn’t execute and came up short. It was a big play either way. If we would have gotten it, it would have been nice field position. They executed it and went down and scored, but it was good execution.”
(on whether it’s shocking that they only managed 17 points after moving the ball so well) “Yes, it’s disturbing. We just couldn’t finish some of the drives. We had our opportunities down there, but when you get that close, you’ve got to take advantage of those situations and we didn’t. The Saints did a great job and they played good red zone defense, we just weren’t able to make plays.”
(on whether the Saints threw some different coverages at them after the team scored) “Yes, they adjusted after that series. We were able to get them caught in a certain defense and didn’t really give them a chance to sub. We were able to take advantage of some of the things that they were doing and they adjusted for the next series and were able to change things up a little bit. We were able to move the ball, we just weren’t able to move the put points on the board.”
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(on how big the onside kick was) “It was a good momentum swing coming out of the half. We kind of had a feeling something was kind of going to…they were going to try to do something. They just really weren’t getting anything going offensively and things like that, so they had to get a spark somehow and we just didn’t execute and came up short. It was a big play either way. If we would have gotten it, it would have been nice field position. They executed it and went down and scored, but it was good execution.”
(on whether it’s shocking that they only managed 17 points after moving the ball so well) “Yes, it’s disturbing. We just couldn’t finish some of the drives. We had our opportunities down there, but when you get that close, you’ve got to take advantage of those situations and we didn’t. The Saints did a great job and they played good red zone defense, we just weren’t able to make plays.”
(on whether the Saints threw some different coverages at them after the team scored) “Yes, they adjusted after that series. We were able to get them caught in a certain defense and didn’t really give them a chance to sub. We were able to take advantage of some of the things that they were doing and they adjusted for the next series and were able to change things up a little bit. We were able to move the ball, we just weren’t able to move the put points on the board.”
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HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL
(on how the interception will have a bearing on Peyton Manning’s legacy) “I don’t think it will have any bearing on his legacy. He’s a great player and it never comes down to just one single play in the game. There were a lot of different things that happened in that game that could have put us in a different position. He’s still a great player, an outstanding performer, a great competitor and that doesn’t diminish it at all.”
(on how disappointing it was not to reach the level of New England or Pittsburgh with recent multiple Super Bowl wins) “I think that anytime you fall short of your goal -- and your goal is to win it all -- you’re a bit disappointed. It doesn’t put us in a position of multiple championships in this period of time, but that’s what 2010 is for. We have to look forward to that now.”
(on Joseph Addai’s performance) “Joseph ran the ball well. I’m not certain what his numbers were, but I know we ran it for about 6.5 (yards per rush) at the half and he had some pretty good runs in the second half as well. We just didn’t have enough possessions to make a difference in those situations. But I thought he played hard and he was effective.”
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(on how the interception will have a bearing on Peyton Manning’s legacy) “I don’t think it will have any bearing on his legacy. He’s a great player and it never comes down to just one single play in the game. There were a lot of different things that happened in that game that could have put us in a different position. He’s still a great player, an outstanding performer, a great competitor and that doesn’t diminish it at all.”
(on how disappointing it was not to reach the level of New England or Pittsburgh with recent multiple Super Bowl wins) “I think that anytime you fall short of your goal -- and your goal is to win it all -- you’re a bit disappointed. It doesn’t put us in a position of multiple championships in this period of time, but that’s what 2010 is for. We have to look forward to that now.”
(on Joseph Addai’s performance) “Joseph ran the ball well. I’m not certain what his numbers were, but I know we ran it for about 6.5 (yards per rush) at the half and he had some pretty good runs in the second half as well. We just didn’t have enough possessions to make a difference in those situations. But I thought he played hard and he was effective.”
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COLTS QB PEYTON MANNING
(on the game) “We probably never got into a great rhythm. We were certainly worse in lapses in our final possession. Like you said, we got the ball on the first drive and had a good drive, then the second drive went down there and scored and then it was strange there after that not having, I think maybe six plays in the second quarter then of course once the Saints won the toss, it was big to hold them there at the end of the first half on that goal line stand. Disappointing possession on that next series not being able to maintain the ball, run the clock out, gave them three more points, and then we let them have the onsides kick on that first series of the second half. That kind of negated the coin toss. That was disappointing so certainly made it tough.”
(on the interception by Saints CB Tracy Porter) “Made a great play. He made a great play. That’s all I can say about it. Porter made a heck of a play.”
(on the route that Colts WR Reggie Wayne ran on the interception by Porter) “It’s kind of a play we’ve run a lot and Porter just made a great play.”
(on if the interception was the play that broke the back) “Well yeah certainly is disappointing. We were down seven there and on the drive before, that was disappointing as well. We had a good drive going, got down there, had good field position. What happened on first down ... Had a second down when we threw a screen that really had a chance to be a big play, we lost yards on that. Had the third down that was incomplete and then giving them good field position with the missed field goal, and then the Saints of course capitalized. I give the Saints a lot of credit. They played well in all phases. Made some critical plays on special teams, defense made stops when they had to, and Drew (Brees) did a good job getting his team in the end zone. They deserve the win today.”
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(on the game) “We probably never got into a great rhythm. We were certainly worse in lapses in our final possession. Like you said, we got the ball on the first drive and had a good drive, then the second drive went down there and scored and then it was strange there after that not having, I think maybe six plays in the second quarter then of course once the Saints won the toss, it was big to hold them there at the end of the first half on that goal line stand. Disappointing possession on that next series not being able to maintain the ball, run the clock out, gave them three more points, and then we let them have the onsides kick on that first series of the second half. That kind of negated the coin toss. That was disappointing so certainly made it tough.”
(on the interception by Saints CB Tracy Porter) “Made a great play. He made a great play. That’s all I can say about it. Porter made a heck of a play.”
(on the route that Colts WR Reggie Wayne ran on the interception by Porter) “It’s kind of a play we’ve run a lot and Porter just made a great play.”
(on if the interception was the play that broke the back) “Well yeah certainly is disappointing. We were down seven there and on the drive before, that was disappointing as well. We had a good drive going, got down there, had good field position. What happened on first down ... Had a second down when we threw a screen that really had a chance to be a big play, we lost yards on that. Had the third down that was incomplete and then giving them good field position with the missed field goal, and then the Saints of course capitalized. I give the Saints a lot of credit. They played well in all phases. Made some critical plays on special teams, defense made stops when they had to, and Drew (Brees) did a good job getting his team in the end zone. They deserve the win today.”
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NEW ORLEANS LB JONATHAN VILMA
(on the play of the defense against the Colts offense) “We did a great job. This is what we worked for all year. We came out here and showed we belonged. It was a great job by our entire defense. I can’t thank our coaches enough. They did a great job getting us ready.”
(on what winning the Super Bowl means to the Saints and the city of New Orleans) “This is a blessing to the city of New Orleans. I am so happy we were able to bring it to them.”
(on winning the Super Bowl in Miami) “It is a dream come true. I cannot express what it means to win this game, it is absolutely a dream come true.”
(on Tony Dungy’s prediction) “I didn’t watch SportsCenter, NFL Network, or any of that. I don’t know about that. A blowout? That didn’t happen.”
(on his emotions after the interception) “We wanted to be excited at that point, but we remember watching that New England game. We watched that on film. They were up by two scores with minimal time on the clock and Indy was able to pull it out and win the game. We were happy at first, excited that we got up by two scores, but we realized that we still had to keep the pressure on, especially with Peyton Manning.”
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(on the play of the defense against the Colts offense) “We did a great job. This is what we worked for all year. We came out here and showed we belonged. It was a great job by our entire defense. I can’t thank our coaches enough. They did a great job getting us ready.”
(on what winning the Super Bowl means to the Saints and the city of New Orleans) “This is a blessing to the city of New Orleans. I am so happy we were able to bring it to them.”
(on winning the Super Bowl in Miami) “It is a dream come true. I cannot express what it means to win this game, it is absolutely a dream come true.”
(on Tony Dungy’s prediction) “I didn’t watch SportsCenter, NFL Network, or any of that. I don’t know about that. A blowout? That didn’t happen.”
(on his emotions after the interception) “We wanted to be excited at that point, but we remember watching that New England game. We watched that on film. They were up by two scores with minimal time on the clock and Indy was able to pull it out and win the game. We were happy at first, excited that we got up by two scores, but we realized that we still had to keep the pressure on, especially with Peyton Manning.”
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SAINTS RB PIERRE THOMAS
(on winning and what it means to the city of New Orleans) “It’s a wonderful experience. All my life I was told I couldn’t accomplish anything. ‘You’re not going to make it.’ I mean, we just showed everybody. You know New Orleans. They’ve been through a lot of tough times, they had Hurricane Katrina. I mean, a lot of people gave up on New Orleans and they had us behind them all the way. This is for New Orleans. Everything we did, we had New Orleans behind us. I mean, we dedicate this all to the fans. New Orleans probably has the greatest fans in the world. We had to give them something special and that’s what we did.”
(On staying calm and poised when down 10-nothing early) “You just have to take it one step at a time. We’ve been in this position before this season, we did not struggle. We kept our composure and we did what we had to do- go out here and take it to these guys.”
(on winning and what it means to the city of New Orleans) “It’s a wonderful experience. All my life I was told I couldn’t accomplish anything. ‘You’re not going to make it.’ I mean, we just showed everybody. You know New Orleans. They’ve been through a lot of tough times, they had Hurricane Katrina. I mean, a lot of people gave up on New Orleans and they had us behind them all the way. This is for New Orleans. Everything we did, we had New Orleans behind us. I mean, we dedicate this all to the fans. New Orleans probably has the greatest fans in the world. We had to give them something special and that’s what we did.”
(On staying calm and poised when down 10-nothing early) “You just have to take it one step at a time. We’ve been in this position before this season, we did not struggle. We kept our composure and we did what we had to do- go out here and take it to these guys.”
SAINTS TE JEREMY SHOCKEY
(on Saints’ win and his TD catch) “It’s a great feeling right now. I don’t care about the catch, I just care about the team. Ever since you start playing football, you’re dreaming about playing in this game. I dreamed and prayed all day and night about being in the situation I’m in right now and that’s what happened.
(on his feelings right now) “I don’t know, man. I’m kind of at a loss for words. This is a great feeling. We did it for our fans, our city. It’s just a great experience.”
(on his journey from not playing in the Giants’ Super Bowl to today) “I don’t want to talk about that. I want to talk about these good times right now. It’s awesome.”
(on Saints’ win and his TD catch) “It’s a great feeling right now. I don’t care about the catch, I just care about the team. Ever since you start playing football, you’re dreaming about playing in this game. I dreamed and prayed all day and night about being in the situation I’m in right now and that’s what happened.
(on his feelings right now) “I don’t know, man. I’m kind of at a loss for words. This is a great feeling. We did it for our fans, our city. It’s just a great experience.”
(on his journey from not playing in the Giants’ Super Bowl to today) “I don’t want to talk about that. I want to talk about these good times right now. It’s awesome.”
SAINTS K GARRETT HARTLEY
(on winning his first Super Bowl) “It’s amazing. It’s really remarkable. Everything that we’ve done, we’ve been playing for this moment. We took advantage of it and we came out victorious.”
(on winning a Super Bowl so early in his career) “I can’t explain it. It’s awesome.”
(on keeping the Saints in the game early with his field goal kicks) “Whatever I could do to help my team win, that’s what needed to be done.”
(on winning his first Super Bowl) “It’s amazing. It’s really remarkable. Everything that we’ve done, we’ve been playing for this moment. We took advantage of it and we came out victorious.”
(on winning a Super Bowl so early in his career) “I can’t explain it. It’s awesome.”
(on keeping the Saints in the game early with his field goal kicks) “Whatever I could do to help my team win, that’s what needed to be done.”
SAINTS S ROMAN HARPER
(on what this Super Bowl win means to him) “It’s so good. I have no words to describe how happy I am and the feeling I have inside. We’re World Champs. I don’t know what else to say.”
(on what this Super Bowl win means for the people of New Orleans) “You saw Bourbon Street right after the game. You saw Bourbon Street. This is the best city in the world, especially after all this city has been through. We put this city on our back four years ago and now it’s worth it all.”
(on the defense stepping up and sealing the win) “We said it at the beginning, two weeks ago and at the beginning of the year. We were tired of being the stepchild. This year we were going to win in spite of the defense, not to spite the defense. We were going to put it on us and at the end of day, whether we win or lose, they are going to put all the blame on the defense. So we had to go win it because if we lose it, they were going to put it on us anyway. So, we went out there and took it tonight. There is no better feeling than being a World Champ.”
(on what this Super Bowl win means to him) “It’s so good. I have no words to describe how happy I am and the feeling I have inside. We’re World Champs. I don’t know what else to say.”
(on what this Super Bowl win means for the people of New Orleans) “You saw Bourbon Street right after the game. You saw Bourbon Street. This is the best city in the world, especially after all this city has been through. We put this city on our back four years ago and now it’s worth it all.”
(on the defense stepping up and sealing the win) “We said it at the beginning, two weeks ago and at the beginning of the year. We were tired of being the stepchild. This year we were going to win in spite of the defense, not to spite the defense. We were going to put it on us and at the end of day, whether we win or lose, they are going to put all the blame on the defense. So we had to go win it because if we lose it, they were going to put it on us anyway. So, we went out there and took it tonight. There is no better feeling than being a World Champ.”
SAINTS G JAHRI EVANS
(on the Saints’ mindset today) “Our mindset was to be the most physical team out there today. We didn’t run for that many yards, but we ran effectively. We got the yards when we needed to and that was able to keep us going so, (QB) Drew (Brees) could pick us up through the air.”
(on what winning the Super Bowl means to New Orleans) “It means a lot. It means a whole bunch. It’s great to be here – four years ago we came one game short of playing these guys. Just for the city of New Orleans after everything, it’s awesome.”
(on Drew Brees’ performance) “He’s a great leader. His performance was awesome. He’s been awesome all year, and today he showed it.”
(on the defense making a big play in CB Tracy Porter’s interception return for a touchdown) “Most definitely. You knew it was going to come. Our defense has been making big plays all year, and they came up with a huge play at the end of the game.”
(on the Saints’ mindset today) “Our mindset was to be the most physical team out there today. We didn’t run for that many yards, but we ran effectively. We got the yards when we needed to and that was able to keep us going so, (QB) Drew (Brees) could pick us up through the air.”
(on what winning the Super Bowl means to New Orleans) “It means a lot. It means a whole bunch. It’s great to be here – four years ago we came one game short of playing these guys. Just for the city of New Orleans after everything, it’s awesome.”
(on Drew Brees’ performance) “He’s a great leader. His performance was awesome. He’s been awesome all year, and today he showed it.”
(on the defense making a big play in CB Tracy Porter’s interception return for a touchdown) “Most definitely. You knew it was going to come. Our defense has been making big plays all year, and they came up with a huge play at the end of the game.”
SAINTS CB TRACY PORTER
(on his interception of Colts QB Peyton Manning for a touchdown) “It was great film study. We knew that on third-and-short they stack, and they like the outside release for the slant. It was great film study by me, a great jump and a great play.”
(on when he realized he had the touchdown) “When I saw my blockers in front of me and only Peyton (Manning) and the offensive linemen left. I cut back and ran it in.”
(on what the Super Bowl victory means for New Orleans and the Saints’ organization) “It means so much. Words can’t describe how much this means for New Orleans. I am a Louisiana native, and this is real big.”
(on his interception of Colts QB Peyton Manning for a touchdown) “It was great film study. We knew that on third-and-short they stack, and they like the outside release for the slant. It was great film study by me, a great jump and a great play.”
(on when he realized he had the touchdown) “When I saw my blockers in front of me and only Peyton (Manning) and the offensive linemen left. I cut back and ran it in.”
(on what the Super Bowl victory means for New Orleans and the Saints’ organization) “It means so much. Words can’t describe how much this means for New Orleans. I am a Louisiana native, and this is real big.”
SAINTS WR MARQUES COLSTON
(On winning Super Bowl) “You can’t put it into words. This city and region have been through so much. They have been so supportive this whole time.”
(On being down in the beginning) “We knew coming in this was going to be a hard Super Bowl, but we believed in one another and we got it done today.”
(On the confetti flying) “This is what I have dreamed about since I was four years old. It’s incredible.”
(On winning Super Bowl) “You can’t put it into words. This city and region have been through so much. They have been so supportive this whole time.”
(On being down in the beginning) “We knew coming in this was going to be a hard Super Bowl, but we believed in one another and we got it done today.”
(On the confetti flying) “This is what I have dreamed about since I was four years old. It’s incredible.”
SAINTS HEAD COACH SEAN PAYTON
(on being down 10-0 in the first quarter and his gutsy calls to win the game) “Well, we talked about it at halftime, and it’s really a credit to every one of these players here. There’s not enough room on this stage for all of them, but they carried out this play and I’m just proud. I’m proud of this team.”
(on his gutsy calls) “Well, we were going to be aggressive. We felt like it was a little bit of a mess of short plays. We’ve seen the onside kick all week and guys executed it well. When you do something like that, you just put it on the players and they were able to execute. It turned out to be a big change of possession and ended with a score.”
(on Saints QB Drew Brees) “He was outstanding, consistent and he’s just a winner everywhere he’s been. He’s won it. He’s won it for us. I’m just proud of him and all these guys, just to be a part of it, be able coach these guys, and I’m honored.
(on his defense) “In the second half, they played lights out against a good offense and got the turnover. It was a great team win tonight.”
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(on being down 10-0 in the first quarter and his gutsy calls to win the game) “Well, we talked about it at halftime, and it’s really a credit to every one of these players here. There’s not enough room on this stage for all of them, but they carried out this play and I’m just proud. I’m proud of this team.”
(on his gutsy calls) “Well, we were going to be aggressive. We felt like it was a little bit of a mess of short plays. We’ve seen the onside kick all week and guys executed it well. When you do something like that, you just put it on the players and they were able to execute. It turned out to be a big change of possession and ended with a score.”
(on Saints QB Drew Brees) “He was outstanding, consistent and he’s just a winner everywhere he’s been. He’s won it. He’s won it for us. I’m just proud of him and all these guys, just to be a part of it, be able coach these guys, and I’m honored.
(on his defense) “In the second half, they played lights out against a good offense and got the turnover. It was a great team win tonight.”
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SAINTS QB DREW BREES
(on how it feels to be Super Bowl MVP) “Is it me? It’s such a tremendous honor, but to be a Super Bowl champion is enough for me.”
(on what this win means to the city of New Orleans) “It means everything. We’re here because of their strength and everything they fought through here the last few years. They’ve given us so much support, and so we owe it all to our fans.”
(on Coach Sean Payton’s belief that in big games you’ve got to make tough decisions: going for it on 4th-and-goal and starting the second half with a surprise onside kick) “That’s the type of team we are. We play with a very aggressive mentality; we play with a lot of confidence. We came to this game knowing we had to play loose and take a chance in order to win and we did.”
(on no turnovers for the Saints) “We knew that would be a key statistic coming in this game, win the turnovers, take care of the football, convert on third downs and score touchdowns.”
(on the defensive interception to clinch) “That was huge. That was a game changer obviously. We’ve done that all year long. That’s not a surprise to me at all.”
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(on how it feels to be Super Bowl MVP) “Is it me? It’s such a tremendous honor, but to be a Super Bowl champion is enough for me.”
(on what this win means to the city of New Orleans) “It means everything. We’re here because of their strength and everything they fought through here the last few years. They’ve given us so much support, and so we owe it all to our fans.”
(on Coach Sean Payton’s belief that in big games you’ve got to make tough decisions: going for it on 4th-and-goal and starting the second half with a surprise onside kick) “That’s the type of team we are. We play with a very aggressive mentality; we play with a lot of confidence. We came to this game knowing we had to play loose and take a chance in order to win and we did.”
(on no turnovers for the Saints) “We knew that would be a key statistic coming in this game, win the turnovers, take care of the football, convert on third downs and score touchdowns.”
(on the defensive interception to clinch) “That was huge. That was a game changer obviously. We’ve done that all year long. That’s not a surprise to me at all.”
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02/08/2010
SUPER BOWL XLIV TROPHY AND MVP PRESENTATION
(Jim Nantz) “Alright. Thank you Len Dawson. And Commissioner, it’s time for the presentation of the Lombardi Trophy.”
(Commissioner Goodell) “Tonight, the two best teams in the NFL played another classic game. Congratulations to both teams. But tonight, the Super Bowl belongs to the city of New Orleans, their great fans, and Tom (Benson) to you, Sean (Payton) and your incredible team, the hope, courage and inspiration you provided your community is inspiring. So thank you so much. Congratulations. You’re Super Bowl champs.”
SAINTS OWNER TOM BENSON
(on putting the Super Bowl win in words) “I’ll tell you, not only this city, but the whole state. And Louisiana by the way of New Orleans is back and this shows the world… we’re back! We’re back! We’re back!”
(on handing off the trophy to head coach Sean Payton) “I think I could kiss him.”
SAINTS HEAD COACH SEAN PAYTON
(on coming back from a 10-0 deficit in the first quarter and the gutsy play calling) “Well, we talked about it at halftime, and it’s really a credit to every one of these players here. There’s not enough room on this stage for all of them, but they carried out the plan and I’m just proud. I’m proud of this team, the coaching staff and everybody back in New Orleans gets a piece of this trophy. Here we go.”
(on handing the trophy to QB Drew Brees) “I want to hand this trophy to the MVP of the Super Bowl and the MVP of our league: Drew Brees.”
SUPER BOWL XLIV MVP QB DREW BREES
(on pulling off the comeback) “We just believed in ourselves. We knew that we had an entire city, and maybe an entire country, behind us and what can I say? I’ve tried to imagine what this moment would be like for a long time and it’s even better than expected. God is great, and we’ve got the best ownership family in the league, best head coach, best general manager and the best team. We proved that tonight.”
(on the Super Bowl experience feeling like a fantasy) “Just feeling like it was meant to be. It’s all destiny and what can I say? The birth of my son this year as well and the first year of his life, we’ve got a Super Bowl championship. He’s been my inspiration as well. It just doesn’t get any better than that.”
(on a long celebration coming up in New Orleans) “Thank you. Mardi Gras may never end. The celebration is not going to end.”
SUPER BOWL XLIV TROPHY AND MVP PRESENTATION
(Jim Nantz) “Alright. Thank you Len Dawson. And Commissioner, it’s time for the presentation of the Lombardi Trophy.”
(Commissioner Goodell) “Tonight, the two best teams in the NFL played another classic game. Congratulations to both teams. But tonight, the Super Bowl belongs to the city of New Orleans, their great fans, and Tom (Benson) to you, Sean (Payton) and your incredible team, the hope, courage and inspiration you provided your community is inspiring. So thank you so much. Congratulations. You’re Super Bowl champs.”
SAINTS OWNER TOM BENSON
(on putting the Super Bowl win in words) “I’ll tell you, not only this city, but the whole state. And Louisiana by the way of New Orleans is back and this shows the world… we’re back! We’re back! We’re back!”
(on handing off the trophy to head coach Sean Payton) “I think I could kiss him.”
SAINTS HEAD COACH SEAN PAYTON
(on coming back from a 10-0 deficit in the first quarter and the gutsy play calling) “Well, we talked about it at halftime, and it’s really a credit to every one of these players here. There’s not enough room on this stage for all of them, but they carried out the plan and I’m just proud. I’m proud of this team, the coaching staff and everybody back in New Orleans gets a piece of this trophy. Here we go.”
(on handing the trophy to QB Drew Brees) “I want to hand this trophy to the MVP of the Super Bowl and the MVP of our league: Drew Brees.”
SUPER BOWL XLIV MVP QB DREW BREES
(on pulling off the comeback) “We just believed in ourselves. We knew that we had an entire city, and maybe an entire country, behind us and what can I say? I’ve tried to imagine what this moment would be like for a long time and it’s even better than expected. God is great, and we’ve got the best ownership family in the league, best head coach, best general manager and the best team. We proved that tonight.”
(on the Super Bowl experience feeling like a fantasy) “Just feeling like it was meant to be. It’s all destiny and what can I say? The birth of my son this year as well and the first year of his life, we’ve got a Super Bowl championship. He’s been my inspiration as well. It just doesn’t get any better than that.”
(on a long celebration coming up in New Orleans) “Thank you. Mardi Gras may never end. The celebration is not going to end.”
02/08/2010
Super Bowl XLIV Game Notes
With their win, the New Orleans Saints become the 18th different franchise to win a Super Bowl game. They join the Ravens, Jets and Buccaneers as winners in their only Super Bowl appearance. The first NFL championship for the Saints comes in their 43rd season.
* * *
The Saints are the first #1 Seed to win the Super Bowl since the 2003 New England Patriots won Super Bowl XXXVIII. The last NFC #1 Seed to win the Super Bowl was the 1999 St. Louis Rams who won Super Bowl XXXIV. The Saints are also the first team that led the NFL in regular season scoring to win the Super Bowl since that Rams team.
* * *
In their path to victory in Super Bowl XLIV, the Saints became the first team ever to defeat three quarterbacks who previously won Super Bowls in Kurt Warner, Brett Favre and Peyton Manning. In the three games immediately prior to meeting the Saints in these playoffs, the three QBs combined for 12 TD passes without an interception. Against the Saints, they only combined for two TD passes and four interceptions.
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Super Bowl XLIV Game Notes
With their win, the New Orleans Saints become the 18th different franchise to win a Super Bowl game. They join the Ravens, Jets and Buccaneers as winners in their only Super Bowl appearance. The first NFL championship for the Saints comes in their 43rd season.
* * *
The Saints are the first #1 Seed to win the Super Bowl since the 2003 New England Patriots won Super Bowl XXXVIII. The last NFC #1 Seed to win the Super Bowl was the 1999 St. Louis Rams who won Super Bowl XXXIV. The Saints are also the first team that led the NFL in regular season scoring to win the Super Bowl since that Rams team.
* * *
In their path to victory in Super Bowl XLIV, the Saints became the first team ever to defeat three quarterbacks who previously won Super Bowls in Kurt Warner, Brett Favre and Peyton Manning. In the three games immediately prior to meeting the Saints in these playoffs, the three QBs combined for 12 TD passes without an interception. Against the Saints, they only combined for two TD passes and four interceptions.
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02/07/2010
SUPER BOWL RECORDS
Compiled By Elias Sports Bureau
SUPER BOWL RECORDS SET IN SUPER BOWL XLIV
Highest Completion Percentage, Career (minimum: 30 completions)
– 82.1, Drew Brees, N.O.
Most Completions, Game, Both Teams
– 63, New Orleans (32) vs. Indianapolis (31)
Highest Completion Percentage, Game, Both Teams
– 75.0, New Orleans (82.1) vs. Indianapolis (68.9)
Most Field Goals, 40-or-more Yards, Game
– 3, Garrett Hartley, N.O.
Oldest Player
– 42, Matt Stover, Ind.
SUPER BOWL RECORDS TIED IN SUPER BOWL XLIV
Largest Deficit Overcome, Winning Team
– 10 points, New Orleans
Most Completions, Game
– 32, Drew Brees, N.O.
Most Two-Point Conversions, Game
- 1, Lance Moore, N.O.
Most Yards, Touchdown Drive
– 96, Indianapolis
Most First Downs Passing, Game, Both Teams
– 32, Indianapolis (16) vs. New Orleans (16)
Fewest Rushing Attempts, Game, Both Teams
– 37, New Orleans (18) vs. Indianapolis (19)
Most Completions, Game, Team
– 32, New Orleans
Fewest Times Sacked, Game, Team
– 0, Indianapolis
Fewest Times Sacked, Game, Both Teams
– 1, Indianapolis (0) vs. New Orleans (1)
Fewest Fumbles, Game, Both Teams
– 0, Indianapolis vs. New Orleans
Fewest Turnovers, Game, Team
– 0, New Orleans
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Compiled By Elias Sports Bureau
New Orleans became the first team in NFL history to win three games in which it had trailed by seven-or-more points in one postseason.
Drew Brees finished the game with 10 consecutive completions. That tied the second-longest streak of consecutive completions in one game in Super Bowl history; Joe Montana set the Super Bowl record of 13 consecutive completions in Super Bowl XXIV.
Peyton Manning’s total of 333 passing yards in Super Bowl XLIV increased his career postseason total to 5,164 yards and he became the third player to reach 5,000 postseason passing yards. The others: Brett Favre (5,855) and Joe Montana (5,772).
Manning now has eight postseason games passing for 300-or-more yards; he extended his own record with 333 passing yards in Super Bowl XLIV.
Dallas Clark increased his career postseason totals to 64 receptions and 847 receiving yards, breaking the previous records for tight ends: 62 receptions by Jay Novacek and Shannon Sharpe, and 834 receiving yards by Keith Jackson.
SUPER BOWL RECORDS
Compiled By Elias Sports Bureau
SUPER BOWL RECORDS SET IN SUPER BOWL XLIV
Highest Completion Percentage, Career (minimum: 30 completions)
– 82.1, Drew Brees, N.O.
Most Completions, Game, Both Teams
– 63, New Orleans (32) vs. Indianapolis (31)
Highest Completion Percentage, Game, Both Teams
– 75.0, New Orleans (82.1) vs. Indianapolis (68.9)
Most Field Goals, 40-or-more Yards, Game
– 3, Garrett Hartley, N.O.
Oldest Player
– 42, Matt Stover, Ind.
SUPER BOWL RECORDS TIED IN SUPER BOWL XLIV
Largest Deficit Overcome, Winning Team
– 10 points, New Orleans
Most Completions, Game
– 32, Drew Brees, N.O.
Most Two-Point Conversions, Game
- 1, Lance Moore, N.O.
Most Yards, Touchdown Drive
– 96, Indianapolis
Most First Downs Passing, Game, Both Teams
– 32, Indianapolis (16) vs. New Orleans (16)
Fewest Rushing Attempts, Game, Both Teams
– 37, New Orleans (18) vs. Indianapolis (19)
Most Completions, Game, Team
– 32, New Orleans
Fewest Times Sacked, Game, Team
– 0, Indianapolis
Fewest Times Sacked, Game, Both Teams
– 1, Indianapolis (0) vs. New Orleans (1)
Fewest Fumbles, Game, Both Teams
– 0, Indianapolis vs. New Orleans
Fewest Turnovers, Game, Team
– 0, New Orleans
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Compiled By Elias Sports Bureau
New Orleans became the first team in NFL history to win three games in which it had trailed by seven-or-more points in one postseason.
Drew Brees finished the game with 10 consecutive completions. That tied the second-longest streak of consecutive completions in one game in Super Bowl history; Joe Montana set the Super Bowl record of 13 consecutive completions in Super Bowl XXIV.
Peyton Manning’s total of 333 passing yards in Super Bowl XLIV increased his career postseason total to 5,164 yards and he became the third player to reach 5,000 postseason passing yards. The others: Brett Favre (5,855) and Joe Montana (5,772).
Manning now has eight postseason games passing for 300-or-more yards; he extended his own record with 333 passing yards in Super Bowl XLIV.
Dallas Clark increased his career postseason totals to 64 receptions and 847 receiving yards, breaking the previous records for tight ends: 62 receptions by Jay Novacek and Shannon Sharpe, and 834 receiving yards by Keith Jackson.
Super Bowl XLIV – Friday, February 5, 2010
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS HEAD COACH SEAN PAYTON
(Opening statement) “It’s been a good week of practice. We have two more; one today and a walk-through tomorrow at the stadium.”
(On the importance of Drew Brees’ comfort during the game and how they will achieve that) “Well I think the flow of a game is important for a quarterback. You try to look at the defense that you’re getting and try to get some rhythm for him. He’s a guy that can get real hot early and I look at it as a coach, our coaches look at it, as certainly an objective of ours. Sometimes it’s through intermediate throws, sometimes a screen, sometimes a throw down the field. Just having the right balance and mix is important, but I do think that (comfort) is important in any big game.”
(On how the team has handled the Super Bowl week) “We’re on our normal schedule. There are a few little nuances just in regards to the bus logistics. This event here is a little different. We’re in meetings right now. But this is something that we’ve done before in regards to travel and relocate. Our London game last year; Houston in the pre-season this year; with (Hurricane) Gustav last year we relocated to Indianapolis. You know, you set up shop in the hotel much like you would at training camp. You get your meetings established, you get your itinerary established and you try to stay in routine. Those are things that are important.”
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NEW ORLEANS SAINTS HEAD COACH SEAN PAYTON
(Opening statement) “It’s been a good week of practice. We have two more; one today and a walk-through tomorrow at the stadium.”
(On the importance of Drew Brees’ comfort during the game and how they will achieve that) “Well I think the flow of a game is important for a quarterback. You try to look at the defense that you’re getting and try to get some rhythm for him. He’s a guy that can get real hot early and I look at it as a coach, our coaches look at it, as certainly an objective of ours. Sometimes it’s through intermediate throws, sometimes a screen, sometimes a throw down the field. Just having the right balance and mix is important, but I do think that (comfort) is important in any big game.”
(On how the team has handled the Super Bowl week) “We’re on our normal schedule. There are a few little nuances just in regards to the bus logistics. This event here is a little different. We’re in meetings right now. But this is something that we’ve done before in regards to travel and relocate. Our London game last year; Houston in the pre-season this year; with (Hurricane) Gustav last year we relocated to Indianapolis. You know, you set up shop in the hotel much like you would at training camp. You get your meetings established, you get your itinerary established and you try to stay in routine. Those are things that are important.”
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Super Bowl XLIV – Friday, February 5, 2010
QUOTES FROM INDIANAPOLIS COLTS PRESS CONFERENCE
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL
(opening statement) “Good morning. I’d like to say greetings on behalf of the Indianapolis Colts. It’s a real pleasure for me to have an opportunity to stand before you and represent our team and our organization. Before I get started I’d like to first of all thank the local Super Bowl committee and organization for the great hospitality that you’ve shown us. We’ve had an absolutely tremendous time and I know that it takes a lot of planning and dedication that goes into this whole process. Uniquely, I’m familiar with a couple guys that have kind of moved down to the area and used to help with the organizational process through the NFL. Jim Steeg, an old Wake Forest guy that I got to know. Michael Kelly, Reid Sigmon. So I know exactly what Frank Supovitz had to go through in order to get everything done and I certainly want to say thanks him. I want to thank the NFL for the guidance and direction they’ve given us all week. It’s been very smooth. We have not had any glitches whatsoever and we’re certainly appreciative of how they put things together and made it possible for us to come and function extremely well. I’d like to thank also the local and federal law enforcement just in terms of the things they’ve been able to do for us in providing security. Not only security but also our transportation to and from our practice facilities and other events. They have been absolutely outstanding. I want to thank Marriot Harbor Beach for their hospitality. It’s great when you have a chance to go back to avenue that you’re familiar with and they’ve done, once again, a great job of hosting us. We certainly appreciate that and they’ve done everything in a first class manner. Thank the Miami Dolphins for giving us a chance to practice in their fine facility. It’s a great venue.
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QUOTES FROM INDIANAPOLIS COLTS PRESS CONFERENCE
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL
(opening statement) “Good morning. I’d like to say greetings on behalf of the Indianapolis Colts. It’s a real pleasure for me to have an opportunity to stand before you and represent our team and our organization. Before I get started I’d like to first of all thank the local Super Bowl committee and organization for the great hospitality that you’ve shown us. We’ve had an absolutely tremendous time and I know that it takes a lot of planning and dedication that goes into this whole process. Uniquely, I’m familiar with a couple guys that have kind of moved down to the area and used to help with the organizational process through the NFL. Jim Steeg, an old Wake Forest guy that I got to know. Michael Kelly, Reid Sigmon. So I know exactly what Frank Supovitz had to go through in order to get everything done and I certainly want to say thanks him. I want to thank the NFL for the guidance and direction they’ve given us all week. It’s been very smooth. We have not had any glitches whatsoever and we’re certainly appreciative of how they put things together and made it possible for us to come and function extremely well. I’d like to thank also the local and federal law enforcement just in terms of the things they’ve been able to do for us in providing security. Not only security but also our transportation to and from our practice facilities and other events. They have been absolutely outstanding. I want to thank Marriot Harbor Beach for their hospitality. It’s great when you have a chance to go back to avenue that you’re familiar with and they’ve done, once again, a great job of hosting us. We certainly appreciate that and they’ve done everything in a first class manner. Thank the Miami Dolphins for giving us a chance to practice in their fine facility. It’s a great venue.
Nota completa...
Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010
By Charles Robinson
DAVIE, Fla. – Not a great deal changed in the health department for the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, as the team held its final practice of the week before Super Bowl XLIV. Defensive end Dwight Freeney sat out once again, making his absence a clean sweep for the week as he spent Saturday’s entire session on a golf cart. Cornerback Jerraud Powers once again did light work, and wideout Reggie Wayne returned to his duties with the first team offense, showing no effects of a minor fat pad injury to his right knee on Thursday.
The light 35-minute walkthrough was held in gentle breezes and the mid 70’s, and the Colts moved swiftly through their final tune-up. Freeney spent the session circling different personnel groupings in a cart, wearing his standard practice dress, including cleats. After practice, he exited his cart and walked gingerly into the locker room, however his right ankle was not wrapped and he didn’t receive treatment of any form during the short session. Colts coach Jim Caldwell said that Freeney had improved since Thursday, but wouldn’t comment on his availability for Sunday’s game.
“He’s better than yesterday,” Caldwell said. “He and Powers both are better than yesterday. It’s still day to day.”
Powers was limited to light work.
Wayne left Friday’s practice 20 minutes early after injuring the fat pad in his right knee, but he was available for the full session Saturday. The fat pad is the soft tissue below the kneecap. Wayne has been playing much of the season with some irritation in the pad. But he moved without restriction Saturday, and at the conclusion of practice ran about 40 yards to the locker room without favoring the knee in any way.
With the slate of practices wrapped, Caldwell said he was pleased with the week and that all of the work “went according to plan.” Caldwell also said the team’s overall health had improved during the course of the week, and was pleased with the slightly varying conditions, which included some gusting wind and rain at various times.
“The weather has been great,” Caldwell said. “Obviously yesterday we got a little taste of rain, which was good, just in case we have some. A shower could pop up at any time. The wind has been fairly consistent. We got a chance to throw with the wind, against the wind. That’s all been good.”
“We’ve done extremely well and been attentive. The [players] have been very, very focused and our practices have been sharp as well. Overall we’ve been moving in the right direction.”
By Charles Robinson
DAVIE, Fla. – Not a great deal changed in the health department for the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, as the team held its final practice of the week before Super Bowl XLIV. Defensive end Dwight Freeney sat out once again, making his absence a clean sweep for the week as he spent Saturday’s entire session on a golf cart. Cornerback Jerraud Powers once again did light work, and wideout Reggie Wayne returned to his duties with the first team offense, showing no effects of a minor fat pad injury to his right knee on Thursday.
The light 35-minute walkthrough was held in gentle breezes and the mid 70’s, and the Colts moved swiftly through their final tune-up. Freeney spent the session circling different personnel groupings in a cart, wearing his standard practice dress, including cleats. After practice, he exited his cart and walked gingerly into the locker room, however his right ankle was not wrapped and he didn’t receive treatment of any form during the short session. Colts coach Jim Caldwell said that Freeney had improved since Thursday, but wouldn’t comment on his availability for Sunday’s game.
“He’s better than yesterday,” Caldwell said. “He and Powers both are better than yesterday. It’s still day to day.”
Powers was limited to light work.
Wayne left Friday’s practice 20 minutes early after injuring the fat pad in his right knee, but he was available for the full session Saturday. The fat pad is the soft tissue below the kneecap. Wayne has been playing much of the season with some irritation in the pad. But he moved without restriction Saturday, and at the conclusion of practice ran about 40 yards to the locker room without favoring the knee in any way.
With the slate of practices wrapped, Caldwell said he was pleased with the week and that all of the work “went according to plan.” Caldwell also said the team’s overall health had improved during the course of the week, and was pleased with the slightly varying conditions, which included some gusting wind and rain at various times.
“The weather has been great,” Caldwell said. “Obviously yesterday we got a little taste of rain, which was good, just in case we have some. A shower could pop up at any time. The wind has been fairly consistent. We got a chance to throw with the wind, against the wind. That’s all been good.”
“We’ve done extremely well and been attentive. The [players] have been very, very focused and our practices have been sharp as well. Overall we’ve been moving in the right direction.”
Saturday, February 6, 2010
By Ashley Fox
Under a sunny sky and with the wind whipping across the field, the New Orleans Saints held their final walk-through of the season at 12:30 p.m. today at Sun Life Stadium in preparation for Super Bowl XLIV. All 53 players on the active roster were present.
Wearing shells and shorts, the players opened the 45-minute walk-through by running and stretching. The first-team offense ran through a handful of plays, followed by the first-team defense and special teams. Drew Brees wore a red No. 9 jersey, and he laughed with Reggie Bush after one particular play.
“I’m excited, just excited,” coach Sean Payton said afterward. “You get to this point and your concerns are always the scheduling and the logistics and the travel, and all of that was pretty smooth. So it’s good. At this point, everyone’s ready. It’s been two weeks already, so we’re ready to go.”
Reserve cornerback Randall Gay, who was absent from Friday’s practice with an illness, was on the sideline during the walk-through. Payton said that Gay had had a cold, with congestion, but said he would be ready to go tomorrow night. Reserve running back Lionel Hamilton, who missed practice the entire week, also watched from the sideline. When asked Hamilton’s status for tomorrow, Payton said “we’ll see how he does on Sunday.”
Payton said it will be business as usual leading up to the game, with meetings scheduled for tonight and tomorrow morning. Payton set curfew at 11 p.m. Although he has had guest speakers address the team at times during the season, Payton was noncommittal about whether he would do so again tomorrow, when the team has its final formal team meeting leading up to the game.
As is customary on Saturdays during the season, Payton invited all sons of players to attend the walk-through. About two dozen did – more than usual – and while the players practiced, the boys posed for a group photo and played touch football on the sideline. After almost everyone had left the field, Payton’s 9-year-old son Connor attempted five field goals with a black-and-gold football and with his father acting as his holder. Connor hit the cross bar once and the upright another time before making his last attempt from the nine-yard line.
“There’s a lot of challenges with coaching, in regards to family time,” Payton said. “Every once in a while, you get one of these opportunities, and it helps make up for it.”
By Ashley Fox
Under a sunny sky and with the wind whipping across the field, the New Orleans Saints held their final walk-through of the season at 12:30 p.m. today at Sun Life Stadium in preparation for Super Bowl XLIV. All 53 players on the active roster were present.
Wearing shells and shorts, the players opened the 45-minute walk-through by running and stretching. The first-team offense ran through a handful of plays, followed by the first-team defense and special teams. Drew Brees wore a red No. 9 jersey, and he laughed with Reggie Bush after one particular play.
“I’m excited, just excited,” coach Sean Payton said afterward. “You get to this point and your concerns are always the scheduling and the logistics and the travel, and all of that was pretty smooth. So it’s good. At this point, everyone’s ready. It’s been two weeks already, so we’re ready to go.”
Reserve cornerback Randall Gay, who was absent from Friday’s practice with an illness, was on the sideline during the walk-through. Payton said that Gay had had a cold, with congestion, but said he would be ready to go tomorrow night. Reserve running back Lionel Hamilton, who missed practice the entire week, also watched from the sideline. When asked Hamilton’s status for tomorrow, Payton said “we’ll see how he does on Sunday.”
Payton said it will be business as usual leading up to the game, with meetings scheduled for tonight and tomorrow morning. Payton set curfew at 11 p.m. Although he has had guest speakers address the team at times during the season, Payton was noncommittal about whether he would do so again tomorrow, when the team has its final formal team meeting leading up to the game.
As is customary on Saturdays during the season, Payton invited all sons of players to attend the walk-through. About two dozen did – more than usual – and while the players practiced, the boys posed for a group photo and played touch football on the sideline. After almost everyone had left the field, Payton’s 9-year-old son Connor attempted five field goals with a black-and-gold football and with his father acting as his holder. Connor hit the cross bar once and the upright another time before making his last attempt from the nine-yard line.
“There’s a lot of challenges with coaching, in regards to family time,” Payton said. “Every once in a while, you get one of these opportunities, and it helps make up for it.”
Wednesday, February 03 2010
In just over a month, the NFL is planning to remove its salary cap and toss it away like an old frisbee. In just over a year, once the current collective bargaining agreement expires and after more than 20 years of labor peace, this $8 billion a year industry may lock out its players. This article was written by Gary Myers and appeared in The New York Daily News.
It's Super Bowl week - and the posturing is sure to accelerate in south Florida in the coming days. The sand is just about out of the hourglass - the new league year starts on March 5 and the landscape is about to shift with the first uncapped year since the system was instituted in 1994.
The threat of a lockout by the owners in 2011 hangs over negotiations with the NFL Players Association that have gone nowhere, at least not so far, for a league that hasn't lost any games to labor unrest since the 24-day strike in 1987.
Nota completa...
In just over a month, the NFL is planning to remove its salary cap and toss it away like an old frisbee. In just over a year, once the current collective bargaining agreement expires and after more than 20 years of labor peace, this $8 billion a year industry may lock out its players. This article was written by Gary Myers and appeared in The New York Daily News.
It's Super Bowl week - and the posturing is sure to accelerate in south Florida in the coming days. The sand is just about out of the hourglass - the new league year starts on March 5 and the landscape is about to shift with the first uncapped year since the system was instituted in 1994.
The threat of a lockout by the owners in 2011 hangs over negotiations with the NFL Players Association that have gone nowhere, at least not so far, for a league that hasn't lost any games to labor unrest since the 24-day strike in 1987.
Nota completa...
Super Bowl XLIV – Tuesday, February 2, 2010
QUOTES FROM NEW ORLEANS SAINTS PRESS CONFERENCE
S ROMAN HARPER
(on the city of New Orleans) “It’s been good just coming from where we have been when I first got drafted there and I drove in from Alabama, it feels great. It seems like the place was very, very destroyed. Signs and stuff were down. Now seeing New Orleans, where it is now, we’ve come a long way in four years. We have really rebuilt a lot, but a lot is not back from what I was told. It has come a long way. The city is behind us so it has been great.”
(on fan support in New Orleans) “The city has always been behind us and we have always brought a little bit of juice and brought a little feedback to the community and do as much as we can. It’s always good, now when the city of New Orleans is getting more respect and a little bit more eyes on it and (people) see how it really, really had to rebuild and how it’s coming along. Now that everybody else is starting to pay little attention, the more success we have it seems the more eyes have come on the city. It’s good for that but everybody else is giving it a little bit of respect.”
Nota completa...
QUOTES FROM NEW ORLEANS SAINTS PRESS CONFERENCE
S ROMAN HARPER
(on the city of New Orleans) “It’s been good just coming from where we have been when I first got drafted there and I drove in from Alabama, it feels great. It seems like the place was very, very destroyed. Signs and stuff were down. Now seeing New Orleans, where it is now, we’ve come a long way in four years. We have really rebuilt a lot, but a lot is not back from what I was told. It has come a long way. The city is behind us so it has been great.”
(on fan support in New Orleans) “The city has always been behind us and we have always brought a little bit of juice and brought a little feedback to the community and do as much as we can. It’s always good, now when the city of New Orleans is getting more respect and a little bit more eyes on it and (people) see how it really, really had to rebuild and how it’s coming along. Now that everybody else is starting to pay little attention, the more success we have it seems the more eyes have come on the city. It’s good for that but everybody else is giving it a little bit of respect.”
Nota completa...
Super Bowl XLI – Tuesday, February 2, 2010
QUOTES FROM NEW ORLEANS SAINTS PRESS CONFERENCE
WR MARQUES COLSTON
(on Drew Brees’ work ethic) “Drew is definitely the hardest working player that I have ever been around. His play on the field is definitely a result of that.”
(on his biggest inspiration) “Definitely my late father. It has always been both of our dreams for me to be doing what I’m doing; just to be in this and know that he is definitely still a part of it for me.”
(on his hometown of Harrisburg, PA) “I just really want to say thank you for all of the support. Hopefully I will be bringing that trophy and ring back to you guys.”
(on growing since high school) “In high school, I think that is where you learn the fundamentals. For me, it was just trying to learn how to work, just getting a better work ethic. Obviously, I have grown as a player since then and continue to keep growing.”
Nota completa...
QUOTES FROM NEW ORLEANS SAINTS PRESS CONFERENCE
WR MARQUES COLSTON
(on Drew Brees’ work ethic) “Drew is definitely the hardest working player that I have ever been around. His play on the field is definitely a result of that.”
(on his biggest inspiration) “Definitely my late father. It has always been both of our dreams for me to be doing what I’m doing; just to be in this and know that he is definitely still a part of it for me.”
(on his hometown of Harrisburg, PA) “I just really want to say thank you for all of the support. Hopefully I will be bringing that trophy and ring back to you guys.”
(on growing since high school) “In high school, I think that is where you learn the fundamentals. For me, it was just trying to learn how to work, just getting a better work ethic. Obviously, I have grown as a player since then and continue to keep growing.”
Nota completa...
Super Bowl XLIV – Tuesday, February 2, 2010
QUOTES FROM NEW ORLEANS SAINTS PRESS CONFERENCE
QB DREW BREES
(on playing for the city of New Orleans) “It’s a great source of strength for us and our team, just knowing that we are playing for much more than another ‘W’ or a Super Bowl for our organization. It’s a Super Bowl for our city and our fans and everything they’ve been through the last few years. There is no organization or city that deserves a champion more than New Orleans.”
(on how important it is to establish the run) “It is very important to be balanced, to be able to run and pass and have each of those set the other up, because you can’t be one-dimensional against a team like the Colts. They’ve shown with their pass rush and their ability to bring a safety down in the box to stop the run, if you are one-dimensional, they can eat you up. You have to be able to mix both the run and the pass and be effective at it.”
(on if he is concerned whether Dwight Freeney is playing or not) “We’re planning on that he is playing. We feel like they are going to have all of the bullets in their gun and their full arsenal, just like ours. Anytime you play a team like this in an atmosphere like this, you expect everyone to play.”
Nota completa...
QUOTES FROM NEW ORLEANS SAINTS PRESS CONFERENCE
QB DREW BREES
(on playing for the city of New Orleans) “It’s a great source of strength for us and our team, just knowing that we are playing for much more than another ‘W’ or a Super Bowl for our organization. It’s a Super Bowl for our city and our fans and everything they’ve been through the last few years. There is no organization or city that deserves a champion more than New Orleans.”
(on how important it is to establish the run) “It is very important to be balanced, to be able to run and pass and have each of those set the other up, because you can’t be one-dimensional against a team like the Colts. They’ve shown with their pass rush and their ability to bring a safety down in the box to stop the run, if you are one-dimensional, they can eat you up. You have to be able to mix both the run and the pass and be effective at it.”
(on if he is concerned whether Dwight Freeney is playing or not) “We’re planning on that he is playing. We feel like they are going to have all of the bullets in their gun and their full arsenal, just like ours. Anytime you play a team like this in an atmosphere like this, you expect everyone to play.”
Nota completa...
Super Bowl XLIV – Tuesday, February 2, 2010
QUOTES FROM INDIANAPOLIS COLTS PRESS CONFERENCE
QB PEYTON MANNING
(on if this is an opportunity to take his personal career to a whole new level in history) “I certainly am not looking at the game that way. I agree with Drew. I think this game is about two great teams, that have had two outstanding seasons, really from the get go. Just realizing this is the first time since ’93, I think, that the two number one ranked teams are meeting in the final game. So that says a lot about both teams. We have had a target on our backs the entire season. Both teams have persevered through some tough circumstances and found themselves in the championship game. So I think it is going to be a wonderful football game. It is two excellent teams, competitive on both sides of the ball and there is a lot of great players in this game and I am just proud to be a part of it.”
Nota completa...
QUOTES FROM INDIANAPOLIS COLTS PRESS CONFERENCE
QB PEYTON MANNING
(on if this is an opportunity to take his personal career to a whole new level in history) “I certainly am not looking at the game that way. I agree with Drew. I think this game is about two great teams, that have had two outstanding seasons, really from the get go. Just realizing this is the first time since ’93, I think, that the two number one ranked teams are meeting in the final game. So that says a lot about both teams. We have had a target on our backs the entire season. Both teams have persevered through some tough circumstances and found themselves in the championship game. So I think it is going to be a wonderful football game. It is two excellent teams, competitive on both sides of the ball and there is a lot of great players in this game and I am just proud to be a part of it.”
Nota completa...
Super Bowl XLIV – Tuesday, February 2, 2010
QUOTES FROM INDIANAPOLIS COLTS PRESS CONFERENCE
WR REGGIE WAYNE
(On whether Peyton Manning is the best quarterback in history) “I don’t know. That’s up to you all. The only thing I can do is help build that foundation. He’s definitely one of the best, in my mind. He puts in so much heart and hard work and preparation. He just wants to be a winner and whenever you have a quarterback that wants to win and do whatever it takes to win, you want him on your team. So I’ll let you all decide if he’s the best and what his legacy is but I guarantee you if we win Sunday it would make it a lot easier for the critics to say who is.”
(On how many Super Bowls he wants to win) “The more the merrier. One thing about winning one is that you have to figure out a way to win another. It’s kind of like tattoos, it gets a little contagious after a while. In this case, two is better than one, and after you get this one, three is better than two. It never stops. It works for infinity, so hopefully we can get this job done because we understand it’s not easy.”
(On whether he has talked to his former University of Miami teammates that are on the Saints) “I haven’t talked to them yet. I’m sure I’m going to get a lot from them soon, but those are my brothers at arms and I’m looking forward to playing against them this Sunday. May the best team win.”
Nota completa...
QUOTES FROM INDIANAPOLIS COLTS PRESS CONFERENCE
WR REGGIE WAYNE
(On whether Peyton Manning is the best quarterback in history) “I don’t know. That’s up to you all. The only thing I can do is help build that foundation. He’s definitely one of the best, in my mind. He puts in so much heart and hard work and preparation. He just wants to be a winner and whenever you have a quarterback that wants to win and do whatever it takes to win, you want him on your team. So I’ll let you all decide if he’s the best and what his legacy is but I guarantee you if we win Sunday it would make it a lot easier for the critics to say who is.”
(On how many Super Bowls he wants to win) “The more the merrier. One thing about winning one is that you have to figure out a way to win another. It’s kind of like tattoos, it gets a little contagious after a while. In this case, two is better than one, and after you get this one, three is better than two. It never stops. It works for infinity, so hopefully we can get this job done because we understand it’s not easy.”
(On whether he has talked to his former University of Miami teammates that are on the Saints) “I haven’t talked to them yet. I’m sure I’m going to get a lot from them soon, but those are my brothers at arms and I’m looking forward to playing against them this Sunday. May the best team win.”
Nota completa...
Super Bowl XLIV – Tuesday, February 2, 2010
QUOTES FROM INDIANAPOLIS COLTS PRESS CONFERENCE
TE DALLAS CLARK
(on the tight end position) “The thing about being a tight end, you can line up in a lot of different positions, you can do a lot of different things, especially in this offense. I can be in the backfield. I can be out wide and try to act like a receiver sometimes and be in with the big guys (offensive line) and try to block big defensive ends. I just love the versatility of the position and being able to do different things. Each week you do different things and that’s what I enjoy the most about the position.”
(on the evolution of the tight end position) “It’s changed a lot, even before I got here. The position has gone in a direction where it has given people like me – I’m not 270 (pounds) or a glorified tackle. It’s one of those things that gives a guy like me who probably can’t block every play. I’m not going to be blowing any defensive end off the line of scrimmage or driving anyone back. It just gives us a chance to give the offense a different option and defenses and different thing to try to defend.”
Nota completa...
QUOTES FROM INDIANAPOLIS COLTS PRESS CONFERENCE
TE DALLAS CLARK
(on the tight end position) “The thing about being a tight end, you can line up in a lot of different positions, you can do a lot of different things, especially in this offense. I can be in the backfield. I can be out wide and try to act like a receiver sometimes and be in with the big guys (offensive line) and try to block big defensive ends. I just love the versatility of the position and being able to do different things. Each week you do different things and that’s what I enjoy the most about the position.”
(on the evolution of the tight end position) “It’s changed a lot, even before I got here. The position has gone in a direction where it has given people like me – I’m not 270 (pounds) or a glorified tackle. It’s one of those things that gives a guy like me who probably can’t block every play. I’m not going to be blowing any defensive end off the line of scrimmage or driving anyone back. It just gives us a chance to give the offense a different option and defenses and different thing to try to defend.”
Nota completa...
Super Bowl XLIV – Monday, February 1, 2010
QUOTES FROM NEW ORLEANS SAINTS PRESS CONFERENCE
RB REGGIE BUSH
(on the biggest game he has played in up until this game) “I think all the games this season were pretty big, but I would have to say the last game is the biggest I have played in. The game was so up and down. It was a rollercoaster game. Playing against Brett Favre, Adrian Peterson and that defense made it pretty big. It was a tough game for us. I think everyone who watched that game saw a hard-fought game for 60 minutes.”
(on the changes to the schedule today and arriving at the Super Bowl) “The rain put a damper on some of our plans. It rains a lot in New Orleans, too, so it is something that we are used to. I don’t think the weather is going to be too big of a deal for us. But getting here today has been a lot of fun. It is nice to get this thing on the road. We got situated in our hotel rooms so that was nice.”
(on if DE Dwight Freeney did not play this week and the impact it would have) “We have heard stories about him playing and not playing. We are just going to prepare as if he is going to play. We don’t know for sure, but it is the Super Bowl and it is all on the line. You never know what goes on in a guy’s head. You never know what they are going to do. We are going to prepare as if he is playing. He is one of their best players on defense. It starts with him and (Robert) Mathis up front on their defense. We will prepare as if both of those guys are playing, and if we get to the game and they don’t, then so be it.”
Nota completa...
QUOTES FROM NEW ORLEANS SAINTS PRESS CONFERENCE
RB REGGIE BUSH
(on the biggest game he has played in up until this game) “I think all the games this season were pretty big, but I would have to say the last game is the biggest I have played in. The game was so up and down. It was a rollercoaster game. Playing against Brett Favre, Adrian Peterson and that defense made it pretty big. It was a tough game for us. I think everyone who watched that game saw a hard-fought game for 60 minutes.”
(on the changes to the schedule today and arriving at the Super Bowl) “The rain put a damper on some of our plans. It rains a lot in New Orleans, too, so it is something that we are used to. I don’t think the weather is going to be too big of a deal for us. But getting here today has been a lot of fun. It is nice to get this thing on the road. We got situated in our hotel rooms so that was nice.”
(on if DE Dwight Freeney did not play this week and the impact it would have) “We have heard stories about him playing and not playing. We are just going to prepare as if he is going to play. We don’t know for sure, but it is the Super Bowl and it is all on the line. You never know what goes on in a guy’s head. You never know what they are going to do. We are going to prepare as if he is playing. He is one of their best players on defense. It starts with him and (Robert) Mathis up front on their defense. We will prepare as if both of those guys are playing, and if we get to the game and they don’t, then so be it.”
Nota completa...
Super Bowl XLIV – Monday, February 1, 2010
QUOTES FROM NEW ORLEANS SAINTS PRESS CONFERENCE
QB DREW BREES
(on Saints Pro Bowlers greeting their team dressed as bellhops) “It was (Saints LB) Jon (Vilma)’s idea. Initially, it was just going to be Jon, but the fact that all the Pro Bowl guys were at the hotel anyways, and then we were planning on being out there to greet the team as they came in, he asked us if we’d join in. We were happy to do it.”
(on if the Pro Bowlers took ice bags to the Saints’ hotel rooms) “It didn’t go that far. It was really just the appearance of us kind of standing on the curb, waiting ready to serve.”
(on how the Super Bowl changes if Colts DE Dwight Freeney does not play due to injury) “They still will do a lot of the same things. Obviously, he is a tremendous player and one of the best, if not the best pass rusher in this league, as is the guy on the other side, (Colts DE Robert) Mathis. Really, I think their style is one that they have played for a long time. They’re getting a little bit more pressure now than they have in the past, but still it’s very much the same philosophy of ‘we’re going to get after you with our front four, we’re going to make you throw it underneath, we’re not going to give up big plays (and) we’re going to do a great job of rallying and tackling.’ Every guy on that defense is a good tackler. They know how to strip and get the ball out.”
Nota completa...
QUOTES FROM NEW ORLEANS SAINTS PRESS CONFERENCE
QB DREW BREES
(on Saints Pro Bowlers greeting their team dressed as bellhops) “It was (Saints LB) Jon (Vilma)’s idea. Initially, it was just going to be Jon, but the fact that all the Pro Bowl guys were at the hotel anyways, and then we were planning on being out there to greet the team as they came in, he asked us if we’d join in. We were happy to do it.”
(on if the Pro Bowlers took ice bags to the Saints’ hotel rooms) “It didn’t go that far. It was really just the appearance of us kind of standing on the curb, waiting ready to serve.”
(on how the Super Bowl changes if Colts DE Dwight Freeney does not play due to injury) “They still will do a lot of the same things. Obviously, he is a tremendous player and one of the best, if not the best pass rusher in this league, as is the guy on the other side, (Colts DE Robert) Mathis. Really, I think their style is one that they have played for a long time. They’re getting a little bit more pressure now than they have in the past, but still it’s very much the same philosophy of ‘we’re going to get after you with our front four, we’re going to make you throw it underneath, we’re not going to give up big plays (and) we’re going to do a great job of rallying and tackling.’ Every guy on that defense is a good tackler. They know how to strip and get the ball out.”
Nota completa...
Super Bowl XLIV – Monday, February 1, 2010
QUOTES FROM NEW ORLEANS SAINTS PRESS CONFERENCE
HEAD COACH SEAN PAYTON
(Opening statement) “We just had a real brief practice. We came up here to the indoor facility, and got some good work in. Tomorrow will be Media Day for our guys, and then we will get into our routine on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and a walkthrough on Saturday. I think the schedule and the practice times have been posted.”
(on how the Saints’ day went) “Today went pretty smooth. The flight coming here wasn’t pretty long. We were able to get everyone into the hotel and get over to the University of Miami’s locker room to get the lay of the land. Guys got changed there, and we bused up here to get our practice in. We wanted to get a workout in today. We felt that was important. Overall, it went pretty good.”
(on how the club’s travel logistics went) “Actually, it was pretty smooth. When you get the itinerary down and the players are adaptable, it just involved us busing up here to practice. We knew going in this week that this would be the rain plan. The weather forecast for the balance of the week, after tomorrow, is pretty good, so these fields will dry up well. It was good that we had the (Dolphins’ indoor) bubble to use today.”
Nota completa...
QUOTES FROM NEW ORLEANS SAINTS PRESS CONFERENCE
HEAD COACH SEAN PAYTON
(Opening statement) “We just had a real brief practice. We came up here to the indoor facility, and got some good work in. Tomorrow will be Media Day for our guys, and then we will get into our routine on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and a walkthrough on Saturday. I think the schedule and the practice times have been posted.”
(on how the Saints’ day went) “Today went pretty smooth. The flight coming here wasn’t pretty long. We were able to get everyone into the hotel and get over to the University of Miami’s locker room to get the lay of the land. Guys got changed there, and we bused up here to get our practice in. We wanted to get a workout in today. We felt that was important. Overall, it went pretty good.”
(on how the club’s travel logistics went) “Actually, it was pretty smooth. When you get the itinerary down and the players are adaptable, it just involved us busing up here to practice. We knew going in this week that this would be the rain plan. The weather forecast for the balance of the week, after tomorrow, is pretty good, so these fields will dry up well. It was good that we had the (Dolphins’ indoor) bubble to use today.”
Nota completa...
Super Bowl XLIV – Tuesday, February 1, 2010
QUOTES FROM INDIANAPOLIS COLTS PRESS CONFERENCE
RB JOSEPH ADDAI
(on the Saints’ comment about hitting Peyton Manning and getting into his head) “I haven’t heard it, so I really don’t know. With us, regardless of who’s playing, it’s really about what we can do. That’s what’s been the biggest key as far as us winning this year. It’s what we can do, how can we play different guys. It’s not about how we can adjust to them, it’s always about us. Always giving credit to the other team, because they do play hard. As far as the comment, I can’t really make any comment on that because I haven’t heard it.”
(on why Manning is so good at avoiding the rush) “Peyton has been doing it for a long time. It comes with experience, I think [he’s in] his twelfth season. I’ve been able to play with him for four years, and each year he’s been able to get that much smarter. It’s more of a feel thing in football. It’s not too much thinking, and that’s what Peyton’s been doing.”
(on the success of the running game against the Jets last week) “It’s always good when you get the running game going so you don’t always have to rely on the pass. Whenever [the] coaches call our number - when I say our, I mean the running back group, we do pretty well as far as answering it. You have a great player in Peyton Manning, so you want him to make a lot of decisions. He does a great job of making a lot of good decisions. It comes down to trying to get that ‘W,’ and that’s what we’ve been doing.”
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QUOTES FROM INDIANAPOLIS COLTS PRESS CONFERENCE
RB JOSEPH ADDAI
(on the Saints’ comment about hitting Peyton Manning and getting into his head) “I haven’t heard it, so I really don’t know. With us, regardless of who’s playing, it’s really about what we can do. That’s what’s been the biggest key as far as us winning this year. It’s what we can do, how can we play different guys. It’s not about how we can adjust to them, it’s always about us. Always giving credit to the other team, because they do play hard. As far as the comment, I can’t really make any comment on that because I haven’t heard it.”
(on why Manning is so good at avoiding the rush) “Peyton has been doing it for a long time. It comes with experience, I think [he’s in] his twelfth season. I’ve been able to play with him for four years, and each year he’s been able to get that much smarter. It’s more of a feel thing in football. It’s not too much thinking, and that’s what Peyton’s been doing.”
(on the success of the running game against the Jets last week) “It’s always good when you get the running game going so you don’t always have to rely on the pass. Whenever [the] coaches call our number - when I say our, I mean the running back group, we do pretty well as far as answering it. You have a great player in Peyton Manning, so you want him to make a lot of decisions. He does a great job of making a lot of good decisions. It comes down to trying to get that ‘W,’ and that’s what we’ve been doing.”
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Super Bowl XLIV – Monday, February 1, 2010
QUOTES FROM INDIANAPOLIS COLTS PRESS CONFERENCE
QB PEYTON MANNING
(on developing an offensive rhythm with new wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie) “Well those guys have done a great job improving throughout the season and they have had a lot of help. Our receivers Coach Clyde Christensen has done a great job developing those players. Reggie Wayne’s been an excellent veteran leader for them in the wide receivers room. Those guys, as individuals, have improved. Pierre, I think, utilized his year last year, kind of a redshirt year if you will, and got comfortable with the offense, so he was ready to go when called upon this year. And Austin, for a rookie, utilized his time in mini camps and in our summer school sessions and training camp and was ready to play. But you never know how a guy is going to respond when the lights come on. Both those guys just have a confident look in their eyes. The game has never appeared too big for them, never overwhelmed them. And certainly the timing that I have with those guys has improved through the season through repetition.”
(on the difficulty for those receivers in learning the offense) “Well I think repetitions and experience have become your best teacher. The fact that those guys were starters and playing a ton of snaps, really started with Week 2 after Anthony Gonzalez was injured. That has just paid great dividends for them.”
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QUOTES FROM INDIANAPOLIS COLTS PRESS CONFERENCE
QB PEYTON MANNING
(on developing an offensive rhythm with new wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie) “Well those guys have done a great job improving throughout the season and they have had a lot of help. Our receivers Coach Clyde Christensen has done a great job developing those players. Reggie Wayne’s been an excellent veteran leader for them in the wide receivers room. Those guys, as individuals, have improved. Pierre, I think, utilized his year last year, kind of a redshirt year if you will, and got comfortable with the offense, so he was ready to go when called upon this year. And Austin, for a rookie, utilized his time in mini camps and in our summer school sessions and training camp and was ready to play. But you never know how a guy is going to respond when the lights come on. Both those guys just have a confident look in their eyes. The game has never appeared too big for them, never overwhelmed them. And certainly the timing that I have with those guys has improved through the season through repetition.”
(on the difficulty for those receivers in learning the offense) “Well I think repetitions and experience have become your best teacher. The fact that those guys were starters and playing a ton of snaps, really started with Week 2 after Anthony Gonzalez was injured. That has just paid great dividends for them.”
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Super Bowl XLIV – Monday, February 1, 2010
QUOTES FROM INDIANAPOLIS COLTS PRESS CONFERENCE
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL
(On DE Dwight Freeney’s status) “He is healing. I think probably the best way to describe it is a third degree sprain. It is a lower ankle sprain. He is day to day.”
(On if Freeney has been in South Florida getting treatment) “He has, he came down I think on Friday.”
(On if Freeney is in a boot) “I am not sure about all the details. That’s about all I have to tell you at this time.”
(On how the game would be impacted in Freeney cannot play) “He’s a great player, obviously a very talented guy. Much like anything else that we’ve done, I mean there’ve been some guys from time to time that we’ve had to play without. If he can’t go, it’s kind of an old mantra that we’ve said time and time again; the next man is up.”
(On if he has confidence Freeney will heal quickly because of his previous injury recovery time) “Certainly he’s a quick healer.”
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QUOTES FROM INDIANAPOLIS COLTS PRESS CONFERENCE
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL
(On DE Dwight Freeney’s status) “He is healing. I think probably the best way to describe it is a third degree sprain. It is a lower ankle sprain. He is day to day.”
(On if Freeney has been in South Florida getting treatment) “He has, he came down I think on Friday.”
(On if Freeney is in a boot) “I am not sure about all the details. That’s about all I have to tell you at this time.”
(On how the game would be impacted in Freeney cannot play) “He’s a great player, obviously a very talented guy. Much like anything else that we’ve done, I mean there’ve been some guys from time to time that we’ve had to play without. If he can’t go, it’s kind of an old mantra that we’ve said time and time again; the next man is up.”
(On if he has confidence Freeney will heal quickly because of his previous injury recovery time) “Certainly he’s a quick healer.”
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NFL YOUTH FOOTBALL CLINICS
— Throughout Super Bowl week, more than 500 children from military families, schools and Special Olympics programs will learn flag football fundamentals, sportsmanship and teamwork from area youth coaches and NFL players including Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs; Josh Cribbs, Cleveland Browns; Tyrone Culver, Miami Dolphins; Joey Haynos, Miami Dolphins; Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants; Nate Jones, Miami Dolphins; Lousaka Polite, Miami Dolphins; Paul Soliai, Miami Dolphins and Donald Thomas, Miami Dolphins. Clinics will be held on Thursday, February 4 from 10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M. and Friday, February 5, from 10:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. Friday’s events will also feature an NFL Girls Flag Football Showcase for local female high school flag football players from 12:30-3:00 P.M. All NFL Youth Football activities will take place at the clinic fields within NFL Game Day Fan Plaza, adjacent to Sun Life Stadium.
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— Throughout Super Bowl week, more than 500 children from military families, schools and Special Olympics programs will learn flag football fundamentals, sportsmanship and teamwork from area youth coaches and NFL players including Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs; Josh Cribbs, Cleveland Browns; Tyrone Culver, Miami Dolphins; Joey Haynos, Miami Dolphins; Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants; Nate Jones, Miami Dolphins; Lousaka Polite, Miami Dolphins; Paul Soliai, Miami Dolphins and Donald Thomas, Miami Dolphins. Clinics will be held on Thursday, February 4 from 10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M. and Friday, February 5, from 10:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. Friday’s events will also feature an NFL Girls Flag Football Showcase for local female high school flag football players from 12:30-3:00 P.M. All NFL Youth Football activities will take place at the clinic fields within NFL Game Day Fan Plaza, adjacent to Sun Life Stadium.
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The NFL’s annual Pro Bowl is a celebration of the season’s best. The 2010 version is also a chance to honor some of the decade’s biggest stars.
The complete 2000s NFL All-Decade Team was revealed during a special Pro Bowl edition of ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown earlier today.
Twelve players named to the 2000s NFL All-Decade Team will compete in tonight’s Pro Bowl before a sellout crowd in excess of 70,000. Broadcast live on ESPN at 7:20 p.m. ET from Sun Life Stadium, the Pro Bowl will for the first time be held prior to the Super Bowl and serve as the signature kickoff event of Super Bowl week.
All-Stars from the Super Bowl competing teams will not participate in the Pro Bowl, but they will attend the game and be honored as part of the pregame festivities. Three of those players have also been selected to the All-Decade Team: quarterback PEYTON MANNING and defensive end DWIGHT FREENEY of the Colts and safety DARREN SHARPER of the Saints.
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The complete 2000s NFL All-Decade Team was revealed during a special Pro Bowl edition of ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown earlier today.
Twelve players named to the 2000s NFL All-Decade Team will compete in tonight’s Pro Bowl before a sellout crowd in excess of 70,000. Broadcast live on ESPN at 7:20 p.m. ET from Sun Life Stadium, the Pro Bowl will for the first time be held prior to the Super Bowl and serve as the signature kickoff event of Super Bowl week.
All-Stars from the Super Bowl competing teams will not participate in the Pro Bowl, but they will attend the game and be honored as part of the pregame festivities. Three of those players have also been selected to the All-Decade Team: quarterback PEYTON MANNING and defensive end DWIGHT FREENEY of the Colts and safety DARREN SHARPER of the Saints.
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Warner Opening Remarks:
“First of all, let me thank everyone for coming; thank everyone who’s watching out there in TV land. I’m not on the drama part of it as most of you know. So, as I’m sure many of you expect, I’m here to announce my retirement from the National Football League. Obviously, it has been 12 unbelievable years, 12 of the best years of my life. But I want everybody to know that I’m just as excited about the next 12. I’m excited about what lies in front of me. I’m excited about spending more time with my family and seeing what God is going to do next. I know you guys are going to have a lot of questions about why I made the decision and maybe reflecting on my career, but since this is the last time that I’m going to be up here in this kind of setting and kind of be able to write my own script, I just want to take an opportunity to say thanks to some of the people that were instrumental throughout my career because there is no way I could be up on this stage without so many other people in this process. As always, as it started back in 1999 when I was up on a podium holding up a trophy, the first thing I want to do is give thanks to God. My Lord Jesus brought me here. I know He brought me here for a purpose. It has been an amazing ride. I don’t think I could have dreamt that it would have played out like it has, but I have been humbled everyday that I’ve woken up the last 12 years and amazed that God would choose me to do what He’s given me the opportunity to do over 12 years. It’s not just the things that I’ve been able to do on the football field; not the successes, and the Super Bowls, and the wins and the losses, but it’s also been the opportunities that He’s given me off the football field. To have opportunities to impact people. To speak into people’s lives. To build relationships with people that would have never happened if it were not for this game and the opportunities that He gave me. Often times when I come up to do my interviews after games, you guys always see me bring my bible. If there’s one thing that I’ve learned from reading this thing is that it’s a bunch of stories about average, ordinary people where God came in and did something extraordinary with them. To me, that’s exactly what He did in my life. I was an average, ordinary guy, working in a grocery store trying to make ends meet playing Arena Football. Then, God entered the equation and he’s done something pretty extraordinary over the last 12 years. That’s where my thanks always begins. I know I’m here because God placed me here. I know that He has brought us here for a purpose. Although the 12 years and the part playing on the football field is over, I know that he has many things in store for us as we move forward. I thank Him for that.
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“First of all, let me thank everyone for coming; thank everyone who’s watching out there in TV land. I’m not on the drama part of it as most of you know. So, as I’m sure many of you expect, I’m here to announce my retirement from the National Football League. Obviously, it has been 12 unbelievable years, 12 of the best years of my life. But I want everybody to know that I’m just as excited about the next 12. I’m excited about what lies in front of me. I’m excited about spending more time with my family and seeing what God is going to do next. I know you guys are going to have a lot of questions about why I made the decision and maybe reflecting on my career, but since this is the last time that I’m going to be up here in this kind of setting and kind of be able to write my own script, I just want to take an opportunity to say thanks to some of the people that were instrumental throughout my career because there is no way I could be up on this stage without so many other people in this process. As always, as it started back in 1999 when I was up on a podium holding up a trophy, the first thing I want to do is give thanks to God. My Lord Jesus brought me here. I know He brought me here for a purpose. It has been an amazing ride. I don’t think I could have dreamt that it would have played out like it has, but I have been humbled everyday that I’ve woken up the last 12 years and amazed that God would choose me to do what He’s given me the opportunity to do over 12 years. It’s not just the things that I’ve been able to do on the football field; not the successes, and the Super Bowls, and the wins and the losses, but it’s also been the opportunities that He’s given me off the football field. To have opportunities to impact people. To speak into people’s lives. To build relationships with people that would have never happened if it were not for this game and the opportunities that He gave me. Often times when I come up to do my interviews after games, you guys always see me bring my bible. If there’s one thing that I’ve learned from reading this thing is that it’s a bunch of stories about average, ordinary people where God came in and did something extraordinary with them. To me, that’s exactly what He did in my life. I was an average, ordinary guy, working in a grocery store trying to make ends meet playing Arena Football. Then, God entered the equation and he’s done something pretty extraordinary over the last 12 years. That’s where my thanks always begins. I know I’m here because God placed me here. I know that He has brought us here for a purpose. Although the 12 years and the part playing on the football field is over, I know that he has many things in store for us as we move forward. I thank Him for that.
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