Many writers have lampooned the fawning media coverage surrounding the Saints. The success of the town's NFL team, they reason, couldn't possibly mean much in the face of so much devastation. But they are missing the point.

New Orleans is a one-sport, one-team town (the Hornets don't count) that loves their one team unconditionally like a childhood sweetheart. And unconditional love has been a necessary ingredient because for 41 years, the love has largely been unrequited. Just 16 months ago, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, owner Tom Benson quietly attempted to ditch the town at it's darkest hour. Now the franchise is savoring it's finest moment.

This win is a cause for a celebration in a town that lives, drinks, and breathes to celebrate life. This win, this season, would be the greatest in Saints history if Katrina had never happened. For a fanbase that has been conditioned to disappointment, Deuce, Drew, and Reggie would have been celebrated and talked about for generations in New Orleans. This isn't just about a city rebuilding, but also the resurrection of one of the sorriest franchises in American sports.

The fact that this season and first trip to the NFC Championship is coming just one year after the New Orleans was nearly wiped off the map is a small miracle. The Saints are the first team to make the Championship game one year after losing 13 games. Screenwriters wouldn't bother pitching stories like this.

As Sean Payton gave his postgame press conference Saturday, I could hear the crowd still chanting, cheering, and clapping as they were exiting the Superdome. A few of my friends were among the throng, and will be out in the streets of New Orleans tonight hugging strangers and maybe even a few Eagles fans.

They won't be thinking about Hurricane Katrina and what it all means in the grand scheme of things. They will be celebrating the greatest football team in Saints history. They will be doing what comes naturally and what New Orleans does best - throwing a party.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 11:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Surprising that Andy Reid decided to punt on fourth-and-15 with just under two minutes remaining. I know the odds aren't great, but he couldn't have been too confident in his defense after they gave 435 yards.

The Eagles, after all, were the authors of one of the most famous fourth-and-longs in NFL history. Wonder what Freddie Mitchell is thinking right about now. Or has the CFL started training camp?

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 11:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The first time these teams played, the Saints ended the game with a 16-play, 8:26 scoring drive, ending in a game-winning field goal. It was one of the most memorable drives I saw all season.

The Saints got the ball back with 8:20 left in this game, milking a three point lead. Can they do it again?

Update: One play after I wrote that, Reggie Bush lost a fumble. Darren Howard recovers. Ex-Saints all over the place. Is Pat Swilling around?

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 11:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sometimes Reggie Bush acts like a rookie. He was the primary receiver and was bumped off his route by Juqua Thomas, then gave up on the play.

Sean Payton got in Bush's face, just like he has with his players all season. I saw him chest bump one defender while yelling at him earlier in the season, which takes a lot of guts coming from a guy who looks like Malcolm in the middle.

Defenses just traded three-and-outs. Saints lead 27-24, with 8:20 to go. A lot of people voted Drew Brees for MVP. I had him third. Converting a touchdown here to win a game would be an MVP-like thing to do.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 10:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It kills me every season when they stop a playoff game at the end of the third quarter for the Punt, Pass, and Kick competition winners.

Why then? Why not at halftime? And who participates in these things? Does anyone reading know anyone that has ever competed?

If the Saints lose, I'm blaming the kids. Killing the mojo.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 10:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

1. Hearing a Go Team song in a Honda ad

2. Ben Seaver from Growing Pains starring in a McDonald's ad

3. Seeing the Fox camera linger on a woman wearing a F--- Da Eagles t-shirt.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 10:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Saints caught some big breaks on their touchdown drive. Reggie Bush fumbled, but the team recovered for a first down.

Later in the drive, the Saints were stuck in a 2nd-and-27, but a questionable illegal contact call on Dhani Jones gave them a first down. Deuce McAllister took over there, gaining 34 yards on his next two plays.

Of all the mysteries in New Orleans this season, here's one that is overlooked: How is Deuce McAllister better after undergoing ACL surgery.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 10:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I've watched nearly every Saints game this season and I'm still not sure how they stop teams. They do have a great defensive line - Will Smith earned his Pro Bowl nod, while Hollis Thomas and Charles Grant make a lot of plays.

But the New Orleans linebackers weren't wanted by mediocre teams and the secondary only has one healthy good player (Mike McKenzie). Sean Payton has finally found his match in Andy Reid, an offensive coach who can attack the weaknesses.

The Saints finally got a stop on defense, though, and now have a shot to take the lead back.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 10:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Shawn Andrews, the Eagles all Pro guard, is doubtful to return to the game with a neck injury.

Moose Johnston after hearing the news, "If the Eagles were having trouble running without Shawn Andrews, it's going to be even harder in the second half."

Next play: Brian Westbrook: 67-yard rushing TD. Doh.

Something tells me we're hitting the over in this game.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 10:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Little bit of everything in a high scoring second quarter that ended with 14-13 Eagles halftime lead.

Jeff Garcia is having no problems finding holes in the Saints pass defense. Saints punter Steve Weatherford avoiding a certain blocked punt with an incredible 15-yard first down run. Even Andy Reid had a smile on the sideline after that one, which hasn't happened since ... ever. Finally, Marques Colston nearly brought down a Hail Mary TD, but Brian Dawkins managed to knock it away at the last minute.

The Eagles have responded well to the emotion in New Orleans and have been more efficient with their opportunities. But they will either have to starting running the ball (14 yards in first half) or stop the run (Saints averaging 7 yards per rush) to win this game.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 09:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)