Today would be historic. The New Orleans Saints had never played in the Championship game. Could they really go to the Superbowl? I was hopeful.
I watched the first hour. The Saints dropped and coughed up the ball… BUT they also held Chicago to mere 3pt FGs. They were only down by 9 when I had to take Paul to a poorly scheduled Cub Scout meeting.
Through the miracle of cell phone service I was able to keep half a brain cell focused on the game. But luckily I did not have to watch it. I do not know if my nerves could have handled it. By halftime New Orleans had finally scored a touchdown but so had Chicago. Then in the 3rd quarter NO did it again!
I had hope but could not see the game. I did not see it when they missed a fieldgoal or gave up a safety. I did not see that last fumble. Instead I was helping Paul make a case for his Cub Scout stuff. We also used eraser clay to make luau-themed decorations. I expect everyone at the Blue and Gold Banquet will be most impressed with Paul's volcano and my orange flamingo.
But eventually we were done and headed home. Once back in the apartment, I got to watch Chicago make all those go ahead scores in the 4th quarter. The Saints defense looked tired and our offense looked ineffective but at least the team was still trying. I was sad but proud. And then it was all over.
And the strangest thing happened. I had a feeling that it was over. The football season was over. My team almost made it. But they did not make it. What was the point of The Superbowl now? What was the point of the AFC championship? Was this what people felt in cities with "good" teams?
I had never had to worry about the outcome of the playoffs before. Weird. I mean I had attended The Saint's first ever playoff game in The Superdome (they got skunked by Minnesota). But after that crushing defeat (I was young and hopeful), year after year, I never really worried about The Saint's progression in the playoffs.
This year was different. I thought they could make it. Wow. It was probably an hour before I remembered to turn on the Indy/NE game. But football is still football. I am ready to watch The Superbowl. But I am even more ready for next year… Go Saints!
