Manning a Good Actor, Saints Better at Defense

Peyton Manning was the best actor. Aaron Brooks was the best quarterback.

Brooks shook off a slow start and four sacks to lead the New Orleans Saints to a 34-20 victory Sunday, completing 19 of 22 passes for 249 yards and two touchdowns. The Saints held the Indianapolis Colts to two field goals in the final three quarters.

One of those field goals came on the final play of the first half after Manning fooled even the officials by faking a spike and running into the end zone from the 33.

“I bet you’ve never seen one like that before,” Manning said.

Manning dreamed up the play on his own, combining his acting ability with his athletic ability.

“I faked the spike, unbuckled my chin strap, and just started running toward the ref complaining,” Manning said. “I just kind of hopped, skipped, and jumped around and then took off. It should have been a touchdown. He shouldn’t have blown the whistle.”

Manning admitted he heard the whistle, however, but the Colts wanted a touchdown, and the Saints claimed time expired.

Mike Vanderjagt kicked a 52-yard field goal to make it 17-17 at the half.

The Saints’ victory spoiled the homecoming of Manning, a New Orleans native, and Indianapolis Coach Jim Mora, who coached the Saints for 10 years.

New Orleans (5-4) allowed the Colts (4-5) 154 yards in the first quarter, then held them to 85 yards in the final three.

Manning threw for 149 yards in the first quarter, 113 in the final three. He finished the day 18 for 28 for 262 yards and a touchdown.

Manning was playing with a hairline fracture to his jaw suffered in last week’s game. He wore a mouthpiece for the first time.

“I called the plays in the huddle without it, then put it in up at the line,” Manning said. “It wasn’t bad.”

Brooks put the Saints ahead to stay in the third quarter, hitting Boo Williams for a 12-yard touchdown that made it 24-17.

In the fourth quarter, John Carney kicked a 48-yard field goal and Ricky Williams ran for a 14-yard score.

Williams finished with 120 yards in 28 carries.