Why neutral fans should root for the Eagles over the Saints

As an Eagles fan, I'm used to people rooting against my team. After all, it's fun and profitable, especially if you're getting points in an NFC championship game.

But this week's Katrina Hype prior to the Saints game strikes me as wrong-headed, for the following reasons.

1. Football is a distraction. Won't the reconstruction of the city go faster without everyone getting so wrapped up in a long playoff run?

2. The safety of the levies. In the event of a Saints win, won't the public drunkenness and inevitable urination test the city's defenses again? And really, what would you rather be flooded by?

3. Saints win = more Tom Benson dancing with an umbrella. Think of the children.

4. Possible Saints-Colts SB matchup. Hasn't Archie Manning suffered enough?

5. I hear Reggie Bush wants to go out on top, and might retire in the event of a Saints win. The NFL needs him to stay in the game, even more than Brett Favre. (Side note: It's been over 10 days since my last Brett Favre Retirement Story. The withdrawal symptoms are getting harder and harder to control.)

6. If the Seahawks and Saints win, the Saints would host the NFC Championship. As every game ever telecast from Seattle shows, the 'Hawks bring their own monsoons.

7. New Orleans is relying on Bush to come through when they need him most. That hasn't worked out so well in the past.

8. If the Saints win this week, Bobby Ebert (Update: Hebert) and Aaron Brooks will be forgotten, perhaps for good. (Wipes away tears.)

9. Biloxi got crushed by Katrina too, but you never hear anything about their NFL team. It's not fair.

10. If the path to Super Bowl victory now has to go through acts of God and government negligence, Philadelphia will bomb itself. Again. (Don't let Wilson Goode see this blog.)