This year's Super Bowl should have been moved to the Superdome, if only to highlight the epic quarterback matchup between Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, two of New Orleans' favorite sons.

New Orleans is the City of the 'Aints, the infamous paper-bag fans, the years of coach Jim Mora and the kinship of the Manning family. Then came Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath that followed. The City of New Orleans deserves the celebrity and spectacle, never mind the revenue that a Super Bowl will bring.

Both Brees and the Manning family have been deeply involved in the storied history of this great American city, living a fairy-tale story this year.

The highlight of this game is the legacy of the Manning family, led by Archie, against the valor of Drew Brees. Archie Manning, a former quarterback of the Saints, brought excitement to the city, when there was none.

Archie was drafted in 1971 by New Orleans after a stellar career at Ole Miss, and became one of the favorite sons of the city. Archie raised Peyton and Eli in New Orleans before sending them off to college and NFL stardom.

Peyton and Eli have done what Archie was not able to do, win NFL Championships. In lieu of the success of the Saints franchise, the Manning family is one of the more storied New Orleans sports families.

In August of 2005, New Orleans was hit with one of the most devastating natural disasters when Hurricane Katrina nearly destroyed the city, left thousands displaced from their homes, and scores lost their lives. The Superdome was also nearly destroyed.

In 2006, Brees signed as a free agent with the Saints and thus started the march to the playoffs under the leadership of head coach Sean Payton. Since joining the Saints, Brees has brought credibility to the team, and became the missing piece in their desire to become an elite NFL franchise. Other pieces were added before and after Brees' arrival, but his leadership and ability has been the key to their success.

As much as his leadership on the field has been important to the Saints success, his off field involvement has endeared himself to the citizens of New Orleans, and Americans alike. This is a fan base that has always supported its team, even through the difficult years. Brees has helped bring a sense of purpose back to the city and has been called "an athlete as adored and appreciated as any in an American city today."

Peyton also has a history with the Saints' organization as well. While in high school, he would attend Saints training camp with his dad, who was a Saints sportscaster at the time. During one training camp interview, then coach Mora, Sr. told reporters that Peyton Manning had the best arm of anyone in training camp. Of course, at the time, one of the Saints quarterbacks was sitting out due to a contract dispute.

Nevertheless, Peyton was viewed by many as headed to NFL prominence.

This year's Super Bowl comes down to Manning and Brees, an endearing story and a wonderful backdrop to this game. Both quarterbacks possess a cerebral nature that sometimes leave opponents and teammates alike befuddled at their skill. Combined with their natural athleticism and desire to win, they provide the ability to have teammates take their game to new heights.

This is a game fans should simply sit back and enjoy watching the show both quarterbacks will put on. While neither is flawless, and both can be beaten, they are a pleasure to watch for the football purist.

Peyton understands his team's offense to such a great extent, that his game calling at the line of scrimmage is unsurpassed.

Brees has the ability to put the ball in exactly the perfect spot, so that only his receiver can catch it. His attention to detail has finally brought him to the pinnacle of the game. A Super Bowl victory for him would be the culmination of all his years of hard work and studying the game. One can say he deserves to win Super Bowl XLIV, not only for past struggles, but for the City of New Orleans.

The countdown has begun, the wings have been ordered and the tables have been set. Let the footballs fly and just have fun watching this game. It promises to be one of the best yet.