I was all set to explore the reasons why—despite being beaten and overshadowed by disgruntled former employee Brett Favre and the rival Minnesota Vikings, despite horrid offensive line play, and despite an embarrassing loss just four games ago to the Tampa Bay Crappaneers—the Green Bay Packers remained a solid choice to represent the NFC in Super Bowl 44.

Then I watched the New Orleans Saints completely dismantle the New England Patriots Monday night.