The Saints were just a better team. Their statistics were better for the year when adjusted for strength of opponent (S-O).
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The Colts let 'em win because Peyton's dad is Archie Manning and he wanted his old team, the Saints, to win a Super Bowl.
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The word used by commentators was "destiny". The Saints fell short of meeting the Colts in 2006 (leaving that to the Bears). They knew that it would take two or three years to assemble the most potent offense in the NFL, which is exactly what happened. When you go 13-0, you should expect to be in the big game, and to win it. Unfortunately, Manning now has to deal with another "coulda shoulda" season.
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