Saints destroy Cardinals 45-14 in NFL Divisional Playoffs
The Saints, scoring about every way they can, ran over the Arizona Cardinals 45-14 on Saturday before
69,623 raucous fans (only 526 Arizona fans were in the rollicking Superdome) and advanced to the
NFC Championship Game on Sunday at home
There were plenty of stars during the Saints' three-hour jubilation of touchdowns, but Reggie Bush
who ran for a 46-yard touchdown run, then added 83-yard punt return for an\other touchdown. Bush
was spectacular all afternoon with 5 rushed for 84 yards and 4 caches for 24 yards and 3 punt returns
for 109 yards, a combined 217 yards. The crowd chanted"Reggie! Reggie! Reggie!. It was his best
game as four seasons with the Saints. He has shown glimpses of greatness with the Saints, but not
enough for money the Saints are paying him.He will count $13 million against the salary cap next
season.
"So much for being rusty," said Saints coach Sean Payton is his postgame discussion, "I'm pleased
with the way they played. I thought in all three phases that we a good job. That's a good team we
played. I'm just really proud of our team. I'm excited for our city. We've got a home game again."
" Bush said he's healthier that he's been in two years/ If Bush remains healthy and his gamebreaking
exploits continue in the next game or two, the Saints to do the unimaginable and win a Super Bowl.
"My injury was pretty extensive," said Bush. I don't know if people understood how extensive. He has
microfracture knee surgery last January. "Usually. it takes about a year to heal and it has been a while
since I felt this rested and this good. Coach Payton knows I have been nursing this injury,and our plan
was to get me ready for postseason. From there on, he would allow me to make big plays."
|
Saints QB dazzles Cardinals
Quarterback Drew Brees was masterful as well with 23 completions on 32 attempt sand three
touchdowns. Brees found Marques Colston,, Devery Henderson and Jeremy Shockey on touchdown
passes.
Brees said the Saints want to win a champions for their fans. "It's really about that championship,"
said Brees. The bond between us and our fans is unlike any other in the NFL. We know how much we
give them despite hardships they may be going through in dealing with Katrina recovery.
"It's going to be huge day in the Dome next Sunday.It's bee a season of firsts, and this game will be
another, their first (NFC Championship Game at home). This city s\deserves it. We're trying to give
them a winner, give them a championship."
Bush had a fan named Kim Kardashain cheering from a suite on the third level. They are back
together.
"Last week I told Reggie to shut it down" said Saints All-FL safety Darren Sharper, who an
interceptions. "Sometimes Reggie overworks himself. Let your body get fresh and get that quickness
back. We haven't seen Reggie run like that in a while. That was vintage Reggie Bush,I expect him to
run like that the rest of the postseason.."
The Who Dat Nation was in shock early in the game when Cardinals running back Tim Hightower
broke free for a 70-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage of the game.
The Saints played turnover free and forced two turnovers which led to two touchdowns. Most
postseason advance when they win turnover battles.
|
|
