Bears hand Saints another hard-luck loss in Chicago

CHICAGO - Robbie Gould and the Bears handed Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints another tough loss at Soldier Field.

Gould kicked the tying field goal at the end of regulation and booted a 35-yarder in overtime, lifting Chicago to a 27-24 victory last night over the Saints.

After leaving Chicago with season-ending losses the past 2 years, the Saints looked as if they were ready to end that trend. Instead, their slim playoff hopes took another blow.

Brees (24-for-43, 232 yards) hit Marques Colston for an 11-yard touchdown pass with 3 minutes left in regulation to give New Orleans its first lead at 24-21, but Gould's 28-yard field goal as time expired sent the game into overtime.

The Bears won the coin toss, and got another big break when the Saints' Roman Harper bumped Devin Hester on a deep pass down the middle to set up Chicago at the 15. Gould ended it with the 35-yarder.

The Bears (8-6) still need plenty of help to reach the postseason. They are a half-game behind NFC North leader Minnesota, but the Vikings hold the tiebreaker. Chicago also is a half-game out of a wild-card spot.

The Saints (7-7) still have a shot at the wild card but won't catch NFC South leader Carolina. *