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The NFC road to the Super Bowl will go through New Orleans.

The Mercedes-Benz Superdome exploded into a roar when referee Craig Wrolstead signaled, after a review, that New Orleans Saints receiver Michael Thomas crossed the goal line for a touchdown that gave New Orleans a 31-28 lead with 1:25 remaining.

The Saints forced and recovered a Juju Smith-Schuster fumble on the Steelers ensuing drive, clinching their 13th win of the season and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.



The game-winning drive was set up by three key plays.

Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin tried a fake punt on fourth-and-6 from near midfield. The Saints were ready, tackling fullback Ryan Nix, who took a direct snap, shy of the line to gain. Trailing by four with 4:06 remaining, New Orleans took over at the Pittsburgh 46-yard line.

Midway through the drive, the Saints opted to go for it on fourth-and-2 at the two-minute warning rather than attempting a field goal that would have made it a one-point game. Drew Brees’ pass to Thomas fell incomplete, but referees called pass interference on Joe Haden, keeping the drive alive.

Finally, Brees connected with Ted Ginn Jr., active for the first time since Week 4, for a 25-yard gain on third-and-20 to set up the Thomas touchdown.

For a moment, it looked like Week 17 might have some intrigue after all.

Pittsburgh’s brilliant wide receiver Antonio Brown beat Marshon Lattimore’s press coverage with a lightning quick inside move, then raced right on past an attempt at a double team before hauling in a 20-yard touchdown with 1:05 remaining in the third quarter.

It was Brown’s second touchdown of the game and 15th of the season, and when he mimicked Teddy Bridgewater’s “Bike Life” dance in the end zone, he did so to celebrate the Steelers' first lead since midway through the first quarter.

For the fourth consecutive game, the Saints went into the fourth quarter trailing on the scoreboard. But, for the third straight week, New Orleans erased that deficit and won the game.

NOLA

vpheughan

LET THE "WHAT IFS,SHOULD HAVES AND ALL THAT IS WRONG WITH BEING 13-2" BEGIN!!!!

spkb25

Dude, You're so right. I remember a game years ago (maybe it was 07 or 08) against Minnesota in the Dome. Reggie had like three kick/punt returns for td's. I remember we lost that game. I think there was a controversial call or something, can't remember but the point is I remember thinking what if after that game. I learned to stop thinking that way because at the end of the day it didn't matter. The only thing that mattered was how many w's you had at the end of the year. or the missed carney EP in Jacksonville. There's always what if's...but they never matter. The fumbles were mistakes Pittsburgh made. The rankins play was him hustling and not giving up. He added a little extra. we won 13 games this year, and as a matter of fact we have won 13 of our last 14. Pretty damn impressive. I don't think a team in the NFC can beat us in the Dome. We won't have armistead but our line with bushrod will be just fine.

Your team stinks

vpheughan

TIME TO PLAY "GUESS THE "EGGPURT " WHO OOZED THIS GEM OUT ABOUT INGRIM?

He's been unhappy in a time share, he's been labeled a bust for the draft pick investment, and he's had his flareups with Coach Payton...

Don't see him returning if all things are equal with other suitors...


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homerj07

I think all the playoff games will be close and hard fought just like this one