New Orleans – Deuce McAllister delivered on the promise his more-celebrated running mate made before this season, carrying the New Orleans Saints where they’ve never been before – one game from the Super Bowl.
McAllister and rookie sensation Reggie Bush led the Saints past the Philadelphia Eagles 27-24 on Saturday and into the NFC championship game, a reversal of fortune for the team and the city.
To constant chants of “DEUCE!” or “REG-GIE! REG-GIE!” the Saints rallied with an assortment of big plays that even featured backup tight end Billy Miller, a rarely used target. But it was the veteran McAllister with his two touchdowns and team playoff mark of 143 yards rushing, and the rookie Bush with his collection of magnificent moves, that made the difference at the raucous Superdome.
All season, the Saints have been at the heart of New Orleans’ revival from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Now, the franchise best known for four decades of failure, for the ‘Aints and fans wearing paper bags, will play at Chicago or host Seattle, depending on the outcome of the other NFC division round game today.
“It means everything,” Bush said. “All that stuff we went through as a team, these are the type of games we live for. And this game is even bigger for the city.”
With victory secured for the Saints (11-6) on McAllister’s powerful rushes for a clinching first down to run out the clock, team owner Tom Benson did his “Benson Boogie” on the field. The players hugged and saluted their long-suffering fans while a jazz band belted out tunes.
Who needs Mardi Gras when you have a Super Bowl contender?
Even after Drew Brees’ high pitchout got away from Bush with 3:18 remaining and Philadelphia recovering, the Saints would not be denied. Their defense held Brian Westbrook, who was brilliant for the Eagles (11-7), near midfield.
McAllister became the first Saints player to rush for more than 100 yards in the playoffs.
“Deuce was fantastic tonight and they weren’t going to stop him,” Saints coach Sean Payton said. “He ran his heart out.”
NFC divisional playoff: Seahawks at Bears
11 a.m. today, KDVR-31
LAST WEEK
Seahawks beat Dallas 21-20 in wild-card game; Bears had a bye as NFC’s top-seeded team.
LAST MEETING
Bears won 37-6 Oct. 1 at Soldier’s Field.
POINT SPREAD
Bears by 9 1/2.
HASH MARKS
Bears have won nine NFL championships, most of current playoff participants, but none since 1985. … Seahawks TE Jerramy Stevens has a TD reception in past three playoff games. … Bears RB Thomas Jones is the first Chicago rusher with back-to-back 1,200-yard seasons since Walter Payton. … Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander has scored 107 touchdowns in 106 regular-season games; he’s one of only four players to average more than a TD a game.
BEARS WIN IF…
They don’t give the game away with multiple turnovers. The Chicago defense has been one of the NFL’s best all season, and special teams are excellent. Seattle shouldn’t be able to score enough points to win – its only chance might be if the Bears make stupid mistakes deep in their own territory.
SEAHAWKS WIN IF …
Alexander manages to have a spectacular day, allowing QB Matt Hasselbeck to make connections with his wide receivers, especially Deion Branch. Also, the Seattle defense must force Bears QB Rex Grossman into numerous mistakes. That could very well turn the Chicago fans against the team and lead to uncertainty along the Bears’ sideline.
KEY MATCHUP
Mike Holmgren vs. Lovie Smith. If there’s any place at all where Seattle may have an edge in the game, it’s on the sidelines. Holmgren’s won a Super Bowl; Smith lost in his first and only playoff game a year ago. He’s also come under fire for sticking with Grossman over Brian Griese; if Holmgren can find a way to inspire his team and manufacture some points early, perhaps the Bears will stumble.
BEARS PLAYER ON THE SPOT
Grossman. In the teams’ regular-season meeting, Grossman evoked comparisons to Brett Favre; today, almost anyone in Chicago would trade the former Florida Gator for Chris Leak, Tim Tebow or anyone else in Gainesville. Grossman doesn’t have to be great this week – he just can’t stink up the joint.
SEAHAWKS PLAYER ON THE SPOT
OLB Julian Peterson. After struggling for years with the 49ers, Peterson has raved about being back in the postseason. This is his chance to really make a statement. If he can pressure Grossman, land a few good licks, perhaps force an interception or two, it would greatly enhance the Seahawks’ cause.
BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW
While with Carolina, Bears CB Ricky Manning Jr. had three interceptions in the 2003 NFC championship game. He’s one of just eight players in NFL history with three interceptions in a playoff game.
BEARS INJURY REPORT
Probable: WR Muhsin Muhammed (hand); RB Jason McKie (ankle); CB Charles Tillman (back).
SEAHAWKS INJURY
REPORT
Doubtful: CB Marcus Trufant (ankle); WR D.J. Hackett (ankle). Questionable: WR Darrell Jackson (toe). Probable: LB Marquise Cooper (head).
PREDICTION
Bears 31-17.
– Anthony Cotton
