Taking a Look at the NFC Championship Game: Bears vs Saints

The NFC championship game featured the Chicago Bears against the New Orleans Saints. The Bears only had three losses the entire season while the Saints had six losses. Still, coming into this game, the Saints had all of the hype and were the sentimental favorite to win this game. Everyone was pulling for the Saints because they represent the city of New Orleans that was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. The Saints captivated the attention of the nation and inspired hope among the people of New Orleans. A recent story in Sports Illustrated's magazine featured Saints quarterback Drew Brees and how people walked up to him to just to thank him for what his football team has done to rebuild the city of New Orleans. A pool of sports analysts for a New York newspaper was taken a few days ago and out of the ten people, eight picked the Saints to win the game, despite the game being in Chicago and the Bears having a better record. And as always, sports proves that none of it really matters in the end.

The Chicago Bears simply dominated this game the entire way as they easily won at home by a score of 39-14. The Chicago Bears defense showed why it is one of, if not the best defense in the league. The defense had four takeaways against an explosive Saints offense that featured the NFC leader in passer yards, Drew Brees as well as two great running backs in Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush. Chicago dominated the game the only way they knew how: through a powerful running attack and a great defense. Although Rex Grossman threw for only 144 yards, the two Bears running backs had great games. Running back Thomas Jones had two touchdowns and 123 yards rushing while Cedric Benson had one touchdown and 60 yards rushing. Rex Grossman himself had one touchdown.

Meanwhile, the Saints offense was atrocious as they continued to fumble the ball. Kickoff returner Michael Lewis fumbled the ball as well as quarterback Drew Brees and wide receiver Marques Colston. The turnovers proved to be costly and ultimately that was the reason why the Saints lost the game. Reggie Bush did add an 88 yard touchdown reception which will be on highlight films but it was too little for the Saints team to overcome the huge hole they put themselves in during the game. Chicago Bears field goal kicker Robbie Gould added three field goals in the game.

Now the Chicago Bears head to Miami where they will play the Colts or the New England Patriots to determine the winner of the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl Trophy. The Bears will likely be the underdog in this game which is fine for them because the Bears are out to show the country that they are legit.