The bottom line is, we'll see what happens on Feb 7, right? The team that plays the best will win. Honestly, every die hard fan is proud of their team and thinks they should win- no one should be criticized or put down for team spirit
The problem I am seeing (not from this thread, just in general) is the unnecesary criticisms of the Saints, their aggressive play, and cheap shots regarding what our region went through on Aug 29, 2005. Unless you experienced it firsthand, there is no way you can fathom the despair, hopelessness, and eventually pride as our area pulled themselves up by their bootstraps and helped themselves rebound. The thing that really ticks me off is the claim that the Saints "play dirty" (esp from the national media). Personally, and I usually love Brett Favre, I think he acted like a drama queen in the NFC game. I in no way think the Saints are out to hurt Peyton- like someone else said, this region loves him and would root for him if we weren't playing him.
Pride in your team and pride in your city is a GOOD thing- it bonds your residents together and lets you put aside your problems for those few hours while you are rooting for your team. I for one will never forget watching the Saints win and the group hug my mom, dad, sister, brother, niece and daughter had in the middle of the living room, while jumping up and down and screaming!!! THose memories are priceless to me. I am so happy my son got to experience the game in person with my husband, FIL, and BIL. 3 generations going to every home game (season ticket holders) is a privilege I don't think my DS10 realizes, but I know he is building memories that will last a lifetime.
One other thing- not to pull at heartstrings here, but just an explanation for my fanatic pulling for the Saints- my son suffered a horrible seizure while in the bathtub a few years ago and truly, without the grace of God, would not be here today. The Saints' games bring such pleasure to him, and after coming out of his seizure we were frantic, trying to figure out if he was Ok...we questioned him on players & their numbers and positions. When he answered them correctly we knew he was going to be Ok!!! I hope they win, for him, for the fans who have stood by the Saints and are watching from above, and for our city- which needs the revenue our championship team is bringing in.
I think this game will be closer than people think- don't count the Saints out! Experience counts for a lot, but if you are looking strictly at numbers Peyton and Brees are VERY similar. May the best team ON FEBRUARY 7 win, but in my mind I think we have the best team no matter what the outcome is!
Finally, I hope after the game is over, both teams will revisit this thread and congratulate the other side. There can only be one winner, and no matter what- our teams are both amazing for having gotten this far! I think it is totally appropriate that these 2 teams are playing in the Superbowl- they dominated the whole season and should be the teams playing for the Superbowl championship. WHO DAT!!!