When the New Orleans Saints, who for decades had never known anything but losing, hired Sean Payton in 2006, it was an immediate boon not just to the football team, but the entire region as they were reeling in the wake of the devastation brought by Hurricane Katrina. Partnered with new quarterback Drew Brees, they had the greatest season in franchise history in their very first year together, and a few years later hell froze over and they found themselves in the Super Bowl.
But facing Peyton Manning and the perennial powerhouse Indianapolis Colts, the Saints struggled early, their offense couldn't get in a rhythm, and they found themselves searching for a spark at halftime. Payton had one thought as to how to provide one, but it was quite the gamble. Something that would swing the entire momentum of the game and could make him either a heroic champion, or wind up with egg on his face.
-Alex