The Saints are heading to the NFC Championship game after beating the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles 20-14 in a hard fought game. New Orleans climbed back from an early 14-to-0 deficit to take the lead in the third quarter and then they held on for a six point win in front of a jubilant Superdome crowd.

 

"There are going to be games where you are going to fall behind, we've played in a handful of those already, I think there's great faith in both sides of the ball and the kicking game to weather any storm like that and we were able to do so today," said Saints Coach Sean Payton. 

 

After giving up two first quarter touchdown drives, the Black and Gold defense took control of the game, only allowing 97 yards after the first quarter. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore had two interceptions, including one that sealed the victory late in the fourth quarter. 

 

"We didn't really make too many adjustments, we just started playing better, and we were executing everything they were calling, so we didn't really make too many adjustments, so we had to go in and play with some swag and be physical with their receivers" said Lattimore. 

 

Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 301 yards and two touchdowns after throwing for an interception on his first pass of the game. The first T-D pass came in the second quarter on fourth and goal to Keith Kirkwood, the second went to Michael Thomas to cap off a massive 18-play, 92-yard drive in the third quarter. Brees on the importance of going ahead at that time. 

 

"That was the turning point in the game, the crowd was with all us all today, they were awesome, Dome field advantage, but the defense played phenomenal as well and we made enough plays down the stretch to get the win," said Brees. 

 

The Saints will host the Rams for the NFC Championship on Sunday January 20th at 2:05 PM. New Orleans beat L.A. 45-35 on November 4th.