Super Bowl XLIV: Four Plays That Changed History

In every game, there are hidden moments that determine victory or defeat that aren't mentioned in the box score or during the immediate breakdown following the contest.

While New Orleans Saints defensive back Tracy Porter's 74-yard interception return for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter was ultimately the deciding play in Super Bowl XLIV, there were four plays that had a more significant impact.

Pierre Garcon's Second Quarter Drop

Every wide receiver drops a pass in a big game. It happens. However, Garcon failing to secure a perfect Peyton Manning third-down delivery near midfield with 8:23 in the second quarter halted the Colts' momentum.

The drop also led to a New Orleans score to cut a then 10-3 lead to 10-6 by halftime, when it appeared the nervous Saints were playing on their heels during the early stages of the game.

Following the incomplete pass the Colts only ran six plays the remainder of the first half as New Orleans offense controlled the clock and gained confidence.

Indianapolis Failing To Convert on Third-and-One Late in the First Half

After the Colts defense stoned the Saints on four downs just feet from the end zone, Indianapolis took over with three timeouts and a chance to, at the very least, make New Orleans use their complement of timeouts, leaving them little time to score.

Getting the ball back with 1:49 left in the second quarter, the Colts ran three plays, only running 46 seconds off the clock. The final play was a run by little used running back Mike Hart that netted no gain on third down. 

A 46-yard punt by Colts punter Pat McAfee to the New Orleans 44 was just the field position Drew Brees needed to march the Saints down the field in five plays. That set up a Garrett Hartley 44-yard field goal.

Malcolm Jenkins' Fourth Quarter Touchdown Saving Tackle

With the Colts in possession of the ball to start the final quarter, and on the cusp of adding to their 17-16 lead, Manning dialed up a second down wide receiver screen to Austin Collie at the Saints 30. With Garcon securing his defender down field, a big gain was in the making.

But Malcolm Jenkins evaded an offensive lineman to break up the play in the backfield resulting in a loss of three yards.

Manning's Fourth Quarter Incomplete Pass to Collie

Following the three-yard loss on an attempted wide receiver screen the previous play, creating a third-down-and-11 at the New Orleans 33, Manning tried to hit Collie on a seam route in the end zone. The pass was broken up by Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma who chased Collie 30 yards down field as part of his Cover-2 responsibility to break up the pass.

Colts kicker Matt Stover then missed a 51-yard field goal attempt which would have given his team a 20-16 lead. The Saints went on to score the final 15 points of the game to seal a Super Bowl win.