The prodigal franchise has returned.

After a whole season playing “home” games at Baton Rouge, San Antonio, and even East Rutherford, the New Orleans Saints came back home last night to New Orleans’ Superdome, which suffered major damage due to Hurricane Katrina.  Due to many factors, including dealing with the destruction of a city, the constant traveling, and an empty place to call home, the Saints finished the 2005 season at 3-13.  After last night’s 23-3 win over the formerly undefeated Atlanta Falcons, the Saints have matched their total number of wins last season and are now atop the NFC South with a 3-0 record.

It could not have been played out any better than it was last night as the Saints defense shut down the always dangerous Michael Vick.  It was the defense that also got the Saints their first points on a blocked punt by Saints S Steve Gleason, which CB Curtis DeLoatch jumped on top of in the endzone for the touchdown.  The play set the table for the game as the Saints did not allow the Falcons into the endzone.

The crowd of 70,003, probably looking for the electrifying moves of RB Reggie Bush, the number two overall pick in the draft, or QB Drew Brees, the Saints’ prize offseason free agent acquisition, did not see the duo do anything spectacular in the statline, but they have been one of the bigger supporters of New Orleans’ recovery.  Bush has not only donated money, but also his time to bring about the turnaround of the city.  Brees has done the same, but most importantly bought a house in the city upon his signing to show his dedication to not only the Saints organization, but also to the city itself.

Football is back in New Orleans, especially with team succeeding as much as they are this early in the season.  Even if Saints owner, Tom Benson, does not dance with his parisol as he did last night, a tradition with each Saints victory, when the season is done… the city has still won.