Dejected Manning apologises for pass

Published: 7:57AM Tuesday February 09, 2010

Source: Newstalk ZB/Reuters

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Dejected Manning apologises for pass (Source: Reuters)

A dejected Peyton Manning after the 2010 Super Bowl - Source: Reuters

View Photos Photogallery: Super Bowl XLIV (14 photos)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has apologised for the pass which cost his side Super Bowl XLIV.

A Manning pass in the final quarter was intercepted by New Orleans cornerback Tracy Porter who returned it 74 yards for a touchdown to open up a 31-17 lead the Saints never relinquished.

Manning was downcast in the post-game media conference.

He says he wants to say sorry to his fans for not getting it down.

Manning was gunning for his second Super Bowl title in four years to go with his four MVP titles.

"He made a great play, that's all I can say about it. Porter made a heck of a play," said a dejected Manning, who won the Super Bowl at Dolpins stadium against the Chicago Bears in 2007.

Wide receiver Reggie Wayne had moved into space and Manning, with his side 24-17 down in the fourth, opted for a cross field pass that Porter anticipated superbly before charging 74 yards for a touchdown.

"It's a kind of play we have run a lot and Porter just made a great play. Certainly it is disappointing. We had a good drive going, got down there, had a good field position," he said.

"We just didn't play well enough at certain times and in certain phases and the Saints certainly deserve the win."

Saints quarterback Drew Brees said limiting his counterpart's time on the field had been a big part of the team's success.

"That was crucial. The more opportunities you give the guy, the more he is going to find a way to take advantage of you," he said.