New Orleans Saints Football Team

Everyone knows Reggie Bush has speed, but did you know he now has a speedometer? During its broadcast of last Monday's game between New Orleans and Minnesota, ESPN used some nifty optical-tracking technology to show the Saints star reached a top speed of 22 mph on one of his two punt returns for touchdowns.

For the Philadelphia Eagles' defense, it will be a case of "Where's Reggie?" when they play the New Orleans Saints on Saturday. The 2005 USC Heisman Trophy winner has been used in all sorts of roles by the Saints this season. From week to week, New Orleans has used him at tailback, slot receiver, flanker and split end as well as a punt returner. Bush was used in various roles by USC, but most often it was as a running back with receiving abilities.

They're no longer the gutty little occupants of the NFL's feel-good file. They're not sweet, not cuddly and, especially when it comes to opposing defenses, burn at least as many hearts as they warm. They are the New Orleans Saints -- in your face and in your end zone -- and they're two victories away from the Super Bowl. Look past them, and you might as well strap on ankle weights and try to chase down Reggie Bush, because you'll be gasping in a vapor trail.

After all the long passes and big runs, all the mayhem at the Superdome on Saturday night, it made sense that the defining moment came down to Deuce McAllister. A handoff up the middle for five tough yards and a first down. That simple play allowed the New Orleans Saints to run out the clock on a raucous 27-24 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC divisional playoff game.

Shortly after taking the job as coach of the New Orleans Saints last winter, Sean Payton set about persuading Drew Brees to sign with the team. Payton showed the free-agent quarterback and his wife around the city -- then got lost driving them back to the Saints' suburban training facility. After a period of time steering aimlessly, he called for directions and was told to head the opposite direction. It might have been the only wrong turn he has taken since arriving here.

As the clock ticked down, the New Orleans Saints holding a slim lead, a howling filled the cavernous Superdome. The hometown fans were making it known that they wanted the ball in the hands of running back Deuce McAllister. They bayed his first name, long and low and melodic. The moment couldn't have been sweeter for a six-year veteran who, in this city known as "The Big Easy," has endured hard times. Disappointing seasons. A knee injury. The arrival of a younger, flashier teammate.

The Chicago Bears worked hard during the regular season to gain home-field advantage in the playoffs and they hope it pays off today when they play host to the New Orleans Saints in the NFC championship game at Soldier Field. "Our formula for winning football games includes the three phases: offense, defense and special teams," Coach Lovie Smith told reporters last week. "But here in Chicago we talk about the fourth phase also: our fans. I think it matters playing at home.

Quarterback Rex Grossman, who has dealt with more than his fair share of criticism this season, did not have a great game statistically against New Orleans in the NFC championship game on Sunday. He completed less than half of his passes and threw for only 144 yards, but Grossman proved to be a difference maker for the Chicago Bears, who pulled away behind his second-half play to defeat the Saints, 39-14, in front of a sellout crowd of 61,817 at snowy Soldier Field.

Big news from Chicago: Payton loses at Payton's Place. Bigger news from Indianapolis: PEYTON WINS! Sean Payton couldn't extend the New Orleans Saints' inspirational run past the franchise's first NFC championship game on Sunday, so the Chicago Bears are going to the Super Bowl for the first time since the days of Walter Payton running wild at Soldier Field.

A heavy rain pounded downtown New Orleans at noon Sunday, two hours before the kickoff of the NFC championship game in Chicago, pitting the Bears against the Saints. But it would take more than inclement weather to discourage the citizens of this city, a city that has weathered far worse. Besides, the event they were eagerly awaiting was more than merely a game to them. And their Saints are more than just a football team.