Saints getting some national love

ESPN's Merrill Hodge, you may remember him from either the Pittsburgh Steelers or when we had sports radio in this town, likes the Saints in Sunday's NFC title game with the Bears.

Hodge expressed this opinion on ESPN radio tonight.

Hodge sees the Saints having a major advantage with their ability to run the football. He notes the Bears struggled against the Seahawks when Seattle ran to the weak side. The Bears' adjustment meant sliding its front four away from the strong side. He also points out that the Saints enjoyed success running to the weak side against the Eagles on Saturday.

Hodge also sees the Saints' defense in a similar vein to the Minnesota Vikings. He points out that Bears QB Rex Grossman struggled against the Vikings, in part because of Minnesota's press coverage and a smaller window to throw.

That's all well and good. But the game is still played on the football field.

The Saints may well run up and down the field. Or they may not run the ball at all the way they didn't in some games this season.

But there's nothing wrong with a little talk leading up to the game.