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CHICAGO (Reuters) - The Chicago Bears advanced to the Super Bowl with a 39-14 win over the New Orleans Saints in the NFC championship game on Sunday.
Chicago returns to the Super Bowl for the first time since they won it in 1986 and will play either the New England Patriots or Indianapolis Colts, who meet in the AFC title game later in the day.
The Bears booked their ticket to Miami thanks to a ferocious defence and a first-half offensive burst that produced points on four consecutive possessions to grab a 16-0 lead.
The Saints mounted a valiant comeback bid but the Bears sealed the win with three late touchdowns.
Despite the loss, the Saints' season will be remembered as one of the greatest turnarounds in NFL history.
Without a home after Hurricane Katrina slammed into New Orleans, the Saints' fairytale march to the brink of their first Super Bowl came after a miserable 3-13 record the season before.
The Bears, meanwhile, head to Miami under Lovie Smith, who becomes the first black head coach to take a team to the Super Bowl.
- REUTERS
