Sainthood, and a Win, Suit Ditka Just Fine

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mike Ditka held another emotional postgame news conference Sunday. This time, though, he was smiling.

A week after a frustrated Ditka questioned whether he should continue coaching in the wake of a lackluster New Orleans effort against Atlanta, the Saints defeated the Carolina Panthers, 16-13.

Ditka was positively giddy throughout his postgame remarks, peppering his praises with “excited” and “enthusiasm” and “fun again.”

Ditka, in fact, was so worked up that he momentarily forgot the name of quarterback Billy Joe Hobert, who has been on the Saint roster all of 11 days.

“Bobby Joe did a great job--Billy Joe, I mean,” Ditka said, laughing as he corrected his mistake.

Hobert, the Saints’ fourth starting quarterback this season, was adequate in his debut, completing 14 of 30 passes for 190 yards with one interception.

Doug Brien kicked three field goals, including a 45-yarder with five seconds left, as New Orleans (5-8) ended its streak of 15 losses to NFC West opponents.

“These guys haven’t quit trying,” Ditka said. “ I think we are going in the right direction, contrary to what everybody else thinks.”

New Orleans, which went in averaging an NFL-worst 233 yards, had 326, with Ray Zellars running for 95 and a touchdown.

Meanwhile, Carolina (6-7)--which went to the NFC championship game last season--must win its last three games to have a shot at a wild-card berth.