I'm on the board -- and so are the Saints

Reggie Bush can breathe a sigh relief now.

With the Saints driving late in the game with a three point lead, the sensational rookie out of USC almost wore the goat horns Saturday night after he mishandled a pitch from Drew Brees, giving the Eagles a chance to tie or win the game.

However, the defense forced a three-and-out and Deuce McCallister was able to run out the clock after an ensuing punt to give the Saints a 27-24 victory, sending New Orleans to its first-ever NFC Championship game, just a year after going 3-13.

"It was a rookie mistake," said Bush, referring to his turnover. "But we got the win and now we get a chance to move on."

McCallister, who shared the rushing load all year with Bush, starred on this night, carrying the ball 21 times for 143 yards and one touchdown. He also caught a touchdown pass.

"Deuce was fantastic," said New Orleans head coach Sean Payton. "For us coming off two weeks off, that was one of the things we were looking for -- to get the running game game going."