Although he was born in the Big Easy, Peyton Manning has not exactly enjoyed his greatest success against the New Orleans Saints. Manning was still experiencing growing pains with the Indianapolis Colts when he faced weaker Saints' teams and as he improved, New Orleans became an elite NFL franchise.
Take a look back at Peyton Manning's games played against the Saints.
9/27/1998: Saints defeat Colts 19-13 (OT)
As hard as this is to believe, New Orleans once started the season 3-0 under Mike Ditka. Their third victory to open the 1998 season came against Peyton Manning. Despite passing for 309 yards, Manning also completed three passes to the defense. New Orleans won in OT on a 33-yard TD pass from Danny Wuerffel to Cam Cleeland.
11/18/2001: Saints defeat Colts 34-20
Before Kyle Turley tore the helmet off a New York Jets' defender, New Orleans appeared to be a lock to make the playoffs in 2001. The Saints got back in the win column by spoiling Peyton Manning's homecoming. Manning threw for 262 yards, but he was outdueled by New Orleans QB Aaron Brooks who was 19-22 with two TDs.
9/28/2003: Colts defeat Saints 55-21
By 2003, Peyton Manning had established himself as one of the best QBs in the NFL. That year, he finally defeated the team he grew up cheering for. On Sunday night in New Orleans, Manning was on fire as he threw for 327 yards and six TDs. The Saints dropped to 1-3 and the Colts stayed undefeated at 4-0.
9/6/2007: Colts defeat Saints 41-10
I have dubbed this nightmare the "Jason David game." Coming off their Super Bowl win, the Colts opened the 2007 season against the Saints. New Orleans signed former CB Jason David in the offseason and Peyton Manning wasted no time in exposing his former teammate. Manning threw for 288 yards and three TDs.
2/7/2010: Saints defeat Colts 31-17
In the most important game in franchise history, the New Orleans Saints defeated the greatest NFL player ever born in New Orleans. They reached Super Bowl 44 on the strength of a dynamic offense and a turnover-creating defense. Manning's interception to Tracy Porter sealed the win as New Orleans finally reached the Promised Land.
Time will tell how Peyton Manning does against the Black and Gold as a member of the Denver Broncos.
Patrick Michael lives in New Orleans and has always been a big fan of the New Orleans Saints. Patrick's favorite Saints season was 2009 when New Orleans won Super Bowl 44. Follow Patrick Michael on Twitter at patmichael84.
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