NFC championship: 2 teams, different perspectives

ATLANTA | The Falcons are well aware of just how desperate this city is for its first Super Bowl championship.

Peyton Manning gives Broncos the kick they've needed

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. | Here's one that won't come as a surprise: Peyton Manning writes down his New Year's resolutions on index cards.

Manning shows no rust from long layoff

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. | Mike Tomlin needed only two words to describe the guy who ripped apart the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense in the Mile High City.

Lovie Smith, Bears coach

Bears head coach Lovie Smith leaves the field Thursday after a 31-3 loss to the Broncos.

Last preseason test for Valpo, Morton

Hammond Morton player Kendall Huff runs the ball against Valparaiso in a scrimmage game Friday at Morton High School.

Last preseason test for Valpo, Morton

Valparaiso player Tristan Kollar tips a Hammond Morton pass in the end zone in a scrimmage Friday at Morton.

Last preseason test for Valpo, Morton

Hammond Morton player Ben Daniels misses a catch with pressure from Valparaiso player Brody Crossin in a scrimmage game Friday at Morton.

Last preseason test for Valpo, Morton

Valparaiso player Stephen Simms runs the ball for a touchdown against Hammond Morton player Nate McClurg in a scrimmage Friday at Morton.

Last preseason test for Valpo, Morton

Hammond Morton player Ben Daniels makes a catch for a touchdown in a scrimmage Friday against Valparaiso at Morton.

Bears fans

Soaked Bears fans remain after a mass exodus late during their team's 31-3 preseason loss to the Broncos on Thursday at Soldier Field.

Bears-Denver preseason

CHICAGO | The Bears Patrick Trahan is called for a horse collar tackle against the Broncos Xavier Omon in the Bears 31-3 loss to the Broncos at Soldier Field on Thursday, August 9, 2012.

Bears-Denver preseason

CHICAGO | Bears fans leave early in the Bears 31-3 loss to the Broncos at Soldier Field on Thursday, August 9, 2012.

Bears-Denver preseason

CHICAGO | The Bears Robbie Gould makes a field goal against the Broncos in the Bears 31-3 loss to the Broncos at Soldier Field on Thursday, August 9, 2012.

Bears-Denver preseason

CHICAGO | Bears fans try to get the attention of players after the Bears 31-3 loss to the Broncos at Soldier Field on Thursday, August 9, 2012.

Bears-Denver preseason

CHICAGO | The Broncos Xavier Omom celebrates his touchdown in the Bears 31-3 loss to the Broncos at Soldier Field on Thursday, August 9, 2012.

Bears-Denver preseason

CHICAGO | The Bears Lorenzo Booker runs the ball against the Broncos in the Bears 31-3 loss to the Broncos at Soldier Field on Thursday, August 9, 2012.

Bears-Denver preseason

CHICAGO | The Bears quarterback Matt Blanchard look for a receiver in the Bears 31-3 loss to the Broncos at Soldier Field on Thursday, August 9, 2012.