This year’s NFC Championship game features two teams that shouldn’t be there – but for different reasons.
The Chicago Bears slipped, stumbled and backed into the no. 1 seed in the NFC. It helped that their division opponents were exhibits A, B and C of how awful the conference was this year. Green Bay, Minnesota and Detroit did not pose a challenge and accounted for five of Chicago’s 13 wins. It would have been six, but apparently quarterback Rex Grossman was already thinking about his New Year’s plans and didn’t really try in the season finale against the Packers. (He actually said this to members of the media…go figure).
Grossman’s play is key to Chicago winning. He has been taking hits in the media all season, with some Chicago columnists calling for him to be replaced by backup Brian Griese. Last week against the Seahawks, Grossman was the high passer with 282 yards. He will need more of that to be successful against the Saints.
The entire Bears team looked nervous against Seattle in the divisional round – and justifiably so. There is intense pressure not to underachieve, so winning a close game against a feisty Seattle team could be the thing they needed most. Expect a more confident and competent effort against New Orleans.
There is no denying the amazing story that is the 2006 New Orleans Saints. They played 16 road games last year, with no true home after Hurricane Katrina struck. First-year coach Sean Payton has taken a team of Cowboys rejects and added in two offensive powers and turned the Saints into the feel-good story of the year.
The battle of the passers, the Saints’ Drew Brees and Grossman, will determine Sunday’s winner. Reggie Bush will provide his needed offensive yards, but Brees’ ability to navigate the offense in the brisk air of Soldier Field will be the challenge.
Soldier Field is no Superdome, and the ability to respond to the changing conditions will play into the result. Chicago has an NFC best 6-2 record at home.
But the Chicago defense, and its ability to slow down Brees will determine if the Saints’ miracle season will continue.
