Who Dat? Try Drew Brees, Sean Payton and a team that has reversed its embarrassing past, carrying an entire city to the top with it.

Put away those paper bags forever.

Brees and the Saints rallied to upset Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 Sunday night in one of pro footballs most thrilling title games.

“We just believed in ourselves and we knew that we had an entire city and maybe an entire country behind us, said Brees, the games MVP. “What can I say? I tried to imagine what this moment would be like for a long time, and its better than expected.

But not something many expected from these descendants of the hapless Aints, who were 5-point underdogs.

“Four years ago who ever thought this would be happening when 85 percent of the city was under water from (Hurricane) Katrina, Brees said. “Most people not knowing if New Orleans would ever come back or if the organization and the team would come back. … This is the culmination of that belief and that faith.

Brees tied a Super Bowl record with 32 completions, the last a 2-yard slant to Jeremy Shockey for the winning points with 5:42 remaining. He was 32 for 39 for 288 yards.

A surprise onside kick sparked the Saints second-half comeback. Their 25th-ranked defense made several key stops, and Tracy Porters 74-yard interception return on a pass from Manning clinched it.

Manning tried to give chase, but was blocked by a New Orleans defender and fell awkwardly as the cornerback raced by. The four-time NFL MVP forlornly walked to the sideline as the Big Easy celebrations began.

“Its time for the Saints to celebrate, he said. “Its their field and its their championship.

An NFL also-ran for much of their 43 years, the Saints football renaissance, led by Brees and Payton, climaxed with Shockeys touchdown and Lance Moores 2-point conversion catch, originally ruled incomplete but overturned on Paytons challenge.

Porters pick, just as dramatic as his interception of Brett Favres pass to force overtime in the NFC title game, was the games only turnover. Its one Manning will forever regret.

The Saints (16-3) won three postseason games this winter after winning only two in the previous 42 years. They beat Arizona, Minnesota and Indianapolis (16-3) – all division winners – for their first title, scoring 107 points and allowing only 59.

“We werent the Aints, Porter said. “We were a team of destiny, a team that can make big plays.

The championship came 4 1/2 years after Katrina ravaged New Orleans, making the Saints nomads for the 2005 season. There even was some doubt they would return, but the NFL refused to abandon the city. The Superdome was repaired and the Saints won the NFC South in 06, their first season with Brees and Payton.

That was the season Manning won his only Super Bowl. He got the Colts off a quick start and had them in front for much of this one, but New Orleans league-leading offense, which scored 510 points this season, outscored Indy 31-7 after falling behind 10-0. That matched the biggest comeback in a Super Bowl.

Payton held the Vince Lombardi Trophy high over his head and ran into the end zone toward several hundred fans chanting the Saints rally cry: “Who dat, who dat, who dat say gonna beat dem Saints?

Nobody can say it now.

“Everybody back in New Orleans gets a piece of this trophy, he said.

“I think I could kiss him, owner Tom Benson said.

Before many of the 74,059 fans got settled following the Whos halftime show, the Saints worked a little football voodoo. Thomas Morsteads onside kick was touched by the Colts Hank Baskett, then recovered by Chris Reis at the New Orleans 42.

“I just told our guys youve got to make me look good on this, Payton said. “That really becomes like a turnover.

Looking like the NFLs most potent offense, the Saints seized the opportunity to take their first lead. It came on Pierre Thomas brilliant 16-yard run with a screen pass, capped by a dive into the end zone.

Manning simply shrugged, found Dallas Clark for 45 yards on a 76-yard drive, and Joseph Addai used a spin move a figure skater would envy to score from the 4.

But that was it for Indy.

“I certainly know how it was three years ago when we won, Manning said. “I know the people of New Orleans and the Saints have that same feeling right now.

Hartley, the hero of the NFC title game with his 40-yard field goal in OT, made a 47-yarder later in the third period. After Matt Stover was wide left on a 51-yarder early in the final quarter, Brees led the biggest drive in Saints history.

“We really felt as underdogs we had the better team, Payton said. “To be in that position where maybe a lot of people were picking against us, we liked the spot we were in.

Manning looked sharp on the Colts first two series, taking them 53 yards to a 38-yard field goal by Stover, at 42 the oldest player in Super Bowl history.

Then Manning led a 96-yard, 11-play drive that appeared almost routine, even though it tied the longest march in a Super Bowl. Addai rushed for 53 yards on the series, and Manning found Pierre Garcon behind backup cornerback Osama Young for the 19-yard score on third down.

New Orleans couldnt match that, but did get a 46-yard field goal by Hartley to make it 10-3. Brees was sacked on third down by All-Pro defensive end Dwight Freeney, who sure looked frisky despite ligament damage in his right ankle that made his availability uncertain for two weeks.

Then Indys defense, ranked 18th during the season but staunch in the playoffs, really showed some power. After the Saints marched 71 yards, including 40 yards on two receptions by Marques Colston, New Orleans had third-and-goal at the 1. Mike Bell slipped trying to run right behind All-Pro guard Jahri Evans, and Thomas was stacked up at the line by Gary Brackett and Clint Sessions on fourth down.

But the Colts went against type and ran three times, leaving 35 seconds for the leagues most prolific offense to get in position for Hartleys 44-yard field goal and a more manageable 10-6 halftime deficit.

Shootout? More like a slowdown. Indy had two three-and-outs and New Orleans had one.

But the points came quickly after halftime – mostly for the Saints.

“Look around the stadium, linebacker Scott Fujita said. “It was like 6- or 7-to-1 (Saints fans). The black and gold just poured into Miami.

“The whole world was behind us. This was bigger than just a game for the Saints. We are the worlds team.

Powers started 13 times this season, including last weeks divisional-round game against Baltimore. But the rookie did not practice all week after appearing to injure his left foot against the Ravens.

If Powers does not play Sunday, rookie Jacob Lacey is expected to take his place.

Lacey made nine starts this season, including the final three regular-season games when Powers was out with a hamstring injury. Lacey is fifth on the Colts with 78 tackles and second with three interceptions — one of which he returned for a TD.

The only other Indy player expected to sit out is kicker Adam Vinatieri.

Now the Americans are sending not one, but two medal contenders to the Vancouver Olympics.

Meryl Davis and Charlie White won their second straight ice dance title at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Saturday, beating Olympic and world silver medalists Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto for the first time in their careers. Long overshadowed by Belbin and Agosto – at home and internationally – Davis and White left little doubt they are now equal to their friends and former training partners, as well as the other top teams in the world.

Its important in our home country to come out on top, White said. What we want to do at the Olympics is win.

Davis and White finished with a U.S.-record 222.29 points, a little less than four points in front of Belbin and Agosto. Emily Samuelson and Evan Bates were third, likely rounding out the squad for the U.S. Olympics.

The ladies free skate is later Saturday, with Sasha Cohen trying to clinch a spot on her third Olympic team eight months after announcing her return to competitive skating. The Americans can send two women to Vancouver, and less than a point separates leader Mirai Nagasu, Cohen and Rachael Flatt.

Davis and White had never beaten Belbin and Agosto, who have long dominated U.S. dance with five straight titles (2004-08) and the silver medal at last years worlds. They missed last years nationals because of Agostos back injury, clearing the way for Davis and White to win their first title.

But Davis and White have been quietly climbing the international ranks – their win at last months Grand Prix final was the first by an American team – and showed they have the skill, strength and acting chops to medal in Vancouver.

Maybe even win gold.

I think its really a testament to our training to come out and beat an amazing team, especially going into the Olympics, White said. It feels good, but it feels like the hard work isnt done.

Skating to Music of the Night from The Phantom of the Opera, Davis and White were simply magnificent. For all the fun thats been made of ice dance over the years, this was a program that would challenge any athlete, in any sport, and delight theater buffs at the same time.

It wasnt a question of whether we loved the music or we could perform well to the music, Davis said about discussions they had with coaches Igor Shpilband and Marina Zoueva about using Phantom. We knew it was very familiar to everyone and had been used before, and we werent sure if that was going to be a positive or a negative. But we felt it was positive because it would be familiar to the judges and the audience and we could build on the emotions.

Davis and White packed so much into 4 minutes that ice dance coaches may as well just give their students a DVD of the program and call it a day. You name a skill, step, turn, twizzle or lift in ice dancing, and they did it. Did it with speed and polish, too.

They were never mismatched or out of sync, even as they changed positions and holds. Dont think that sounds so tough? You try sprinting for four minutes in lockstep with the person next to you. While doing turns every few seconds. And portraying characters and emotion so well Andrew Lloyd Webber would be proud.

One lift in particular made the entire competition worthwhile: while gliding backward on one foot, White flipped Davis over his shoulder so that she was facing the opposite direction of him. He then crossed his other leg behind him as she opened her arms, that platform-like leg of his the only thing keeping her from plunging to the ice.

The audience was on its feet for the final few seconds of the program, and Shpilband and Zoueva bearhugged behind the boards. Davis and White didnt show much reaction – they were too overwhelmed.

As soon as we finished, all we could say to each other was, Wow, White said. It was an amazing program for us, and we really feel like we were able to put together all the technical elements and all the emotion that makes that program so special. It was a really special moment for us.

This is the first time since 2003 that Belbin and Agosto have been to nationals and failed to win. But they didnt seem to be all that bothered, knowing that peaking in February is far more important than another U.S. title.

Placement or not, we know we are the best weve ever been, Belbin said.

Belbin and Agostos Ave Maria is a departure from some of the lighter and happier numbers they did earlier in their career, but the somber and dramatic piece is appropriate for a team thats grown together and as individuals. It showed both the high quality of their skating and their ability to tell even the most challenging of stories.

We asked Natalia (Linichuk) to create a program for us that was more sensitive because it really is a sentimental year for us, Belbin said of the 1980 gold medalist, who coaches the duo with her husband, Gennadi Karponosov. We wanted something that we could put our emotions and feelings into what is most likely our final season.

Belbin and Agosto set the tone for the program in the very first seconds, doing perfectly synchronized twizzles – fast-moving turns – that they quickly contrasted with long, graceful edges. Their lifts showcased both their strength and athleticism; on their first, she cartwheeled up and over his shoulder into a carry lift.

They never lost energy for a second. But the most mesmerizing thing was their portrayal of the characters. Belbin and Agosto have been at the top of U.S. ice dancing – U.S. skating, really – for so many years that fans feel as if they know them. Watching this program, though, you forgot it was Belbin and Agosto and only saw a woman struggling with her inner demons and the guardian angel trying to save her.

Natalia is the kind of coach who always says, Babies, its close to well, but not enough. Agosto said. The last few weeks its been, Its extremely close, but now I need super-magical well. I think we really are coming closer to it.

The audience gave them a standing ovation, too, something so meaningful that Belbin got choked up just talking about it afterward.

We havent had one of those in a long time, Belbin said, as Agosto reached for her hand, and it felt really good to have one here.

The 31-year-old Reed missed four December games because of a variety of injuries, including problems with his neck, hip and groin.

Ive been thinking about it, and it kind of hit me on the sidelines, he said Saturday after a 20-3 playoff loss to the Colts. Its going to be a long offseason. It hurts. I am just thinking about it.

Im 50-50. I am going to re-evaluate things and see how it goes in the next couple of days.

The six-time Pro Bowler was the 2004 Defensive Player of the Year. He had one interception of Peyton Manning on Saturday night, but fumbled on his runback, handing the ball back to the Colts. He also had an interception and long return erased by a pass interference penalty on teammate Corey Ivy.

Reed has a franchise-record 46 interceptions and 13 career touchdowns. He is the only player in NFL history to score TDs by blocking a punt and returning a punt, an interception and a fumble.

But Reed has been hindered over the past two seasons by a damaged nerve in his neck, among the other injuries. He made only three interceptions this year, yet made the Pro Bowl.

It wasnt a weird nomination. I played the majority of the season, he said.

The Indianapolis Colts wide receiver spent the week worrying about family members in Haiti after a devastating earthquake Tuesday. He has heard from some relatives, but many are still missing.

A divisional playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens provided a needed diversion for Garcon. He caught five passes for 34 yards in the Colts 20-3 win Saturday night that moved them within one victory of the Super Bowl.

Winning the game always helps you forget about your problems a little bit, Garcon said. Sports does that a lot. Hopefully, us winning helps the people back (in Haiti) feel a little bit better. Its now back to reality, but sports helps you forget a little bit.

Indianapolis coach Jim Caldwell said Garcon was strong, both during the week and in the game.

Hes one of those guys that, he doesnt get rattled very often, Caldwell said. Hes really had, I think, great, extraordinary focus. Obviously, the circumstances that hes dealing with are very, very difficult. For him to be able to come out and focus in on the ballgame and perform extremely well says a lot about him.

Garcon acknowledged that getting focused was a challenge.

It was a little tough, he said. I wasnt as hyped as I would usually be. But once you start playing, start hitting, you kind of just go out and battle.

Garcon caught back-to-back passes for 8 and 7 yards on the Colts opening drive, which ended in Matt Stovers field goal.

His biggest play was a forced fumble. Baltimore safety Ed Reed intercepted a deep pass intended for him and put together a nifty 38-yard return, but Garcon caught up with him and punched the ball out. Indianapolis tight end Dallas Clark recovered, and Stover made a 33-yard field goal to make it 20-3.

We had him beat, Garcon said. He took my touchdown away, so I had to go get it back.

Colts quarterback Peyton Manning had hoped to get Garcon a touchdown.

We had a missed assignment in the route, and it kind of allowed Reed to free up over the top of Garcon, Manning said. We should have had somebody running the middle to kind of hold him, but he got the interception.

Manning said Garcon made a heads-up play.

Great play by Garcon, forcing the turnover, Manning said. Really, a huge play. The turnover could have been avoided, but once it happened, great job by Pierre.

Even as Garcon enjoyed the win, his mind was on his family. He carried a Haitian flag to the podium for the postgame news conference and talked about how people have responded to his fundraising efforts on Twitter and Facebook.

Weve gotten a lot of support, he said. Support from all over. People in Indianapolis, on the team, everybody has handed out a hand to help me help the country and help us get back on our feet.

It would be easy for the Cowboys to get blinded by the bright side after handing New Orleans its first loss Saturday night. Coach Wade Phillips was quick to recognize that Monday.

Youve still got to back it up and play the next one just as well, Phillips said. We played well in a lot of areas. We still have some work to do.

First on the list before Sunday nights visit to Washington was cutting kicker Nick Folk after he missed a late 24-yarder that forced the Dallas defense to secure the 24-17 win by making one more stop against one of the leagues most dangerous offenses.

It was the sixth straight game with at least one miss by Folk, which finally forced the team to hold auditions Monday for a replacement. Late in the day, Dallas signed former Redskins kicker Shaun Suisham and released Folk.

As well as linebacker DeMarcus Ware played just a week after a frightening neck injury, the Cowboys still have to evaluate his health daily and decide whether he can return to playing every down.

Ware practiced sparingly last week and was limited mostly to passing situations against the Saints. Phillips said he thinks the playing rotations will return to normal against the Redskins.

He went back in the game in regular situations, Phillips said. He felt good enough to do that and did that.

Before Folks miss put the outcome in question, receiver Roy Williams ruined a chance for Dallas to answer the first Saints touchdown when he dropped a third-down pass near midfield early in the fourth quarter. Less than four minutes later, New Orleans (13-1) scored to pull within 24-17.

Critical drops by Williams are magnified because he cost Dallas three draft picks and a $45 million contract extension a year ago. But Phillips flatly rejected a question Monday about whether Williams might be headed to the bench.

I think we still have hopes that the things we see in practice more and more are going to happen, Phillips said. Hes going to keep working at it, and were going to keep working at it.

The last time the Cowboys felt this good was the last time they won a big game. Their 20-16 victory at Philadelphia in early November gave them a four-game winning streak and sole possession of first place in the NFC East.

That roll even prompted questions about Dallas playing a trap game in Green Bay because the Packers were 4-4 and coming off a loss to lowly Tampa Bay. The Cowboys promptly played their worst offensive game of the season in a 17-7 loss.

This time, the last-place Redskins are on tap.

Were going to go over the film today, and were going to be hard on them for the mistakes they made, Phillips said. They realize theres things we could have done better and theres things that cause you to play your best to win. And thats every game, whoever youre playing.

If the Cowboys (9-5) win in Washington, they will finish the regular season at home against Philadelphia (10-4) with a chance to win the NFC East and host a playoff game at Cowboys Stadium a week later.

The stakes wont be as high as the finale last year, when Dallas was trounced by the Eagles in Philadelphia with the NFCs final playoff berth on the line. But for a team that risked losing control of its playoff fate if it had lost in New Orleans, it will be quite a turnaround.

I told them before the game itd be an upset if we got beat. And thats what we felt like, Phillips said. I think we can build on that. Thats the kind of game that define you as far as confidence.

The Giants were efficient and dominant in one of the most lopsided victories in the long, storied series against their NFC East rival. New York led 24-0 at halftime and scored on six of its first seven possessions.

Eli Manning completed 19 of 26 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns. Ahmad Bradshaw ran for two scores.

New York improved to 8-6, one game behind Dallas and Green Bay in the battle for wild-card spots with two weeks left in the season.

The Redskins fell to 4-10 and failed to make a good first impression in front of new general manager Bruce Allen, who was hired Thursday in a front-office shake-up.

Its not clear if hell become the fourth person to start at the position this season when the Falcons face Tampa Bay on Sunday, but hes clearly on deck.

Brian Williams opened the season as the starter. Tye Hill and Brent Grimes have started at the spot.

Hill was yanked after a slow start against Carolina on Nov. 15. Last Sunday, New Yorks Eli Manning threw for a career-high 384 yards. He appeared to target the left cornerback spot at times, including in overtime when he hit Mario Manningham for a 29-yarder with Grimes in coverage.

Hill, who started the two previous games, was active but did not play against the Giants.

The Falcons could start Grimes and give him the quick hook like they did Hill at Carolina, or they could start Owens.

Weve been having trouble back there, so we have to try something new, defensive end John Abraham said. Everybody knows that after the Giants game, we were kind of exposed a little bit.

Abraham doesnt know what the secondary issues are.

Maybe with people not knowing the coverages or not being grown-ups about what they are supposed to do, so weve got to make changes, Abraham said. If Im not playing well, they are going to take me out. Its a part of the game. We are just going to move on with Chris.

Owens has shined on special teams.

Hes working hard to learn the system and get an opportunity to get in there, Falcons coach Mike Smith said. If an opportunity arises where we can get him in, then well put him in.

Turner progressing

Running backs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood both practiced Thursday. Norwood participated fully, while Turner was limited.

Jerious is definitely ahead of Mike, Smith said. Mike is probably going to go down to the wire in terms of a game-time decision on if hes going to be able to play or not.

Turner suffered a sprained ankle against Carolina and didnt play Sunday against the Giants.

Im getting there, Turner said. Im progressing slowly.

Turner is hopeful that he can play against Tampa Bay.

Yeah, its a game-time decision, Turner said. Im still working out some kinks and things like that. Just normal stuff that youve got to do coming off an ankle sprain.

Sack patrol

Defensive end Kroy Biermann had three sacks in the first four games, but hes had one over the past six games.

His production has not been at that rate, of course we didnt anticipate that it would stay like that, Smith said. We have to continue to advance. We feel like hes going to continue to progress.

Elam gets confidence

Despite the Falcons trying out four kickers earlier this week, Smith gave Jason Elam a vote of confidence.

Hes had some ups and downs, Smith said. We all go through those. I have all the confidence in the world in Jason.

Elam, one of the NFLs all-time best kickers, has missed six field goals this season after making 29 of 31 last season.

As you munch on Thanksgiving leftovers and decide whether heading to the mall is worth the aggravation, heres the list of turkeys through 11 weeks.

Jay Cutler, Chicago quarterback

Coveted by many teams this offseason because of his age (26), salary cap number (about $1 million) and statistics (27 TDs last year), Cutler arrived in Chicago to much fanfare, but the Bears are headed toward a third straight year without making the postseason since they reached the Super Bowl.

Cutler has 15 touchdowns along with an NFL-high 18 interceptions for the 4-6 Bears. He ranks 24th in passer rating (74.5).

The Broncos collapse last year cost Mike Shanahan his job. Chicago coach Lovie Smith could be in trouble if the Bears slide down the NFC North standings continues.

Raheem Morris, Tampa Bay coach

He was the Buccaneers defensive coordinator for about 13 minutes before coach Jon Gruden and general manager Bruce Allen were shockingly sacked, replaced by Morris and GM Mark Dominik.

The results so far have been an utter disaster.

On the field, the Bucs are 1-9, cant move the ball (29th in yards, 27th in points), cant stop anybody (27 in yards, 31st in points) and have been through three starting quarterbacks.

Off the field is even more troubling. Morris turfed offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski 10 days before the season opener and this week, he stripped defensive coordinator Jim Bates of the playcalling. While some say Morris deserves credit for being bold, hes a dud because every move makes it seem as if hes in constant panic mode.

Roy Williams, Dallas receiver

Jerry Jones gave up first-, third- and sixth-round picks in last springs draft to acquire Williams from Detroit. He then signed him to a five-year, $45 million extension that included more than $20 million guaranteed.

Williams isnt playing like a No. 1 receiver, or a No. 2 receiver. He entered Thursdays game against Oakland tied for 103rd in receptions (24) and 54th in yards (429).

Against the Redskins last week, Williams was targeted four times but had no catches. He looked hesitant to go up in the air over the middle after being drilled by safety LaRon Landry.

Despite his contract, Williams has fallen behind Jason Witten and Miles Austin on Tony Romos radar.

Entire Cleveland Browns franchise

When he gave up on coach Romeo Crennel (right time) and GM Phil Savage (wrong time) last year, owner Randy Lerner sought somebody with NFL head coaching experience. Whether that experience was as a failure was immaterial.

Enter Eric Mangini. By midseason, Manginis reign of terror cost GM George Kokinis and other front office personnel their jobs. The coach has screwed up the quarterback situation and lessened his talent roster by infusing so many of his former New York Jets players (none had ever made a Pro Bowl).

Lerner is the hook for nearly $20 million to people who no longer work for him. The only way he isnt on the turkey list next year is if he can lure a Mike Holmgren to revamp the broken operation.

Ralph Wilson, Buffalo owner

He may be a Pro Football Hall of Famer, but Wilson deserves recognition for renewing his habit of firing coaches in the middle of a season.

When Dick Jauron was whacked last week, it was the fifth time in Bills history that Wilson had given up on the season by changing coaches. It also happened in 1968, 1976, 1985 and 1986.

And it has yet to make a huge difference. The season following a midseason coaching change, the Bills have gone 4-10, 3-11, 4-12 and 7-8, so Buffalo fans shouldnt expect a grand turnaround next year.

Wilson should also be panned for trying to persuade Mike Shanahan to come to Buffalo. Not happening, Ralph.

Washington Redskins front office

Anything said at this point seems like piling on, but lets proceed anyway.

Its going to make for a great story when players and coaches provide details about how the team is run and how coach Jim Zorn first had Sherm Lewis thrown at him and then, weeks later, how Zorn lost his playcalling responsibilities.

Owner Dan Snyder faces his most important offseason since buying the team. Does he stand pat with the front office structure and continue to alienate his fan base or does he say, What were doing isnt working, and go the general manager route?

At least in the short term, Cutler has been a bust in Chicago.

If the Vikings had traded for Cutler in the offseason, there would have been no need to go after Brett Favre, who has played good enough to be a leading contender for the NFLs Most Valuable Player award.

The Bears and Vikings play for the first time this season Sunday, and the Vikings are looking smart for passing on Cutler as their NFC North Division rivals pounced on the opportunity.

The Vikings reportedly were the first to express interest in Cutler when he was with the Denver Broncos. But the Vikings didnt pursue him further, according to Yahoo. com, after some elements of the coaching staff werent sold on Cutler. Later, Yahoo.com went on to report that opinion of Cutler was more widespread within the Vikings organization.

At the time, fans — and the media — ripped Vikings coach Brad Childress in the wake of the reports, given that the Vikings quarterback position was the most glaring weakness on the team.

Childress was careful Wednesday, neither confirming nor denying that the organization explored the possibility of adding the former Pro Bowl quarterback.

Im always aware of everybody thats either in the rumor mill or on paper as on the waiver wire, Childress said. You just have to keep your antenna up.

Cutler has been criticized in Chicago for everything ranging from his mechanics (throwing off his back foot and off balance too often) to his sometimes-aloof demeanor on and off the field. He leads the NFL with 18 interceptions.

Maybe Bears coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jerry Angelo envisioned for themselves the kind of magical season the Vikings are enjoying with Favre. But Smith said a process plays out over time when a new quarterback is acquired, and it happens differently for different players and teams.

I just think before we all doom what weve done here, we just need to let the season play out, for all parties, Smith said. The feeling you have right now, for a lot of teams the feeling will be totally different at the end of the year.

The Bears are 4-6, and Sundays game against the Vikings represents a tale of teams headed in opposite directions. Chicago has almost no hope of reaching the playoffs, and the Vikings are competing with New Orleans for the best record in the NFC.

To be sure, Cutler isnt the only reason the Bears are struggling. The Bears allowed 41 points to Arizona and 45 to Cincinnati in losses and have been uneven defensively in other games. Running back Matt Forte is averaging just 3.3 yards per carry.

Expectations were high for the Bears after the Cutler trade in April that sent quarterback Kyle Orton, two first-round picks (2009 and 2010) and a third-round pick in 2009 to Denver. Cutler was immediately regarded as the best quarterback Chicago had fielded since the Sid Luckman era in the 1940s.

Im not the one to give advice, said Favre, who has the same agent as Cutler. But I know this: Trying to do too much and take it all on your shoulders has worked for me (over the course of his career). So continue to do what youre doing. At times, the better decision would be take a sack, throw it away, whatever. After 19 years, theres been a lot of those what-ifs or should-have-done-this, but the fact is that Im still here at 19 years.

There is no doubt that Jay is a heck of a player. This is a stretch that has been obviously tough on him, but keep shootin it. Thats what people are afraid of.

Vikings defensive players are quick to say they respect Cutlers ability.

The Bears are always good. But when Cutler came over, I thought Kyle Orton did a good job of managing the game, Vikings cornerback Cedric Griffin said. Cutler is a great quarterback, and Im sure they thought theyd get more out of him.

Griffins thinking is that if he does his job, he could get an interception opportunity.

I may give up some plays, but I know at some point, hes going to try me deep, Griffin said. Hes a gunslinger and he has the mentality of, Just throw the ball and fit (it) in anywhere.

Griffin said he has faced quarterbacks like that before, including Detroits Matthew Stafford and Favre when he played for Green Bay.

You got them guys who got a big arm and know they can throw the ball, so theyre going to keep throwing the ball, Griffin said. Theyll make some plays. But, at the same time, if you keep doing your job, you can make the final play.

Vikings defensive end Jared Allen said Cutler makes tough throws look easy sometimes … and other times he tries to force a ball.

I think the consistency level is whats lacking right now, Allen said. But, lucky for me, Im not a coach or a quarterback critiquer.

Smith said Cutlers mechanics may not be perfect but thats not the issue.

We havent played as well, Smith said. We havent done some of the things we need to do in the passing game, but were working on it, and I think eventually it will get fixed.