Saint Win Is What All Da Screaming’s About

His face red with rage, Mike Ditka screamed at every official who would listen and a few who wouldn’t. This was Soldier Field--his field--and he wasn’t going to stand quietly and watch his team lose.

Within moments, anger turned to fist-pumping jubilation. Heath Shuler connected with a leaping Randal Hill on an 89-yard touchdown pass with 5:39 remaining Sunday night--a play that allowed “Da Coach” to get his revenge.

Ditka’s New Orleans Saints rallied for a 20-17 victory over the Chicago Bears, who fired him almost five years ago.

“I absolutely went nuts on the sidelines for us,” Ditka said. “I yelled at everybody. I should yell at myself.”

Was the yelling worth it?

“Yeah,” he said. “I’m going to do it until I die.”

Ditka became an icon in Chicago after coaching the Bears to victory in the 1986 Super Bowl, which he called “the greatest sporting event in the history of this city.”

He expected his return to be emotional, and it was. He admonished Shuler on several occasions, ran down the sideline to berate officials and even had a few choice words for some Chicago players.

“I was an absolute basket case out there,” Ditka said. “I’m sure every camera in the world was on me, but I don’t care anymore. I’m going to be me.”

The Saints improved to 2-4 while the Bears fell to 0-6. Erik Kramer replaced Rick Mirer in the second half and led the Bears to two fourth-quarter touchdowns and a 17-13 lead that lasted only 23 seconds.