CHICAGO -- Florian Kempf, a veteran of five NFL seasons, may have renewed his career by overcoming his skepticism about the players' strike.
Kempf, who only joined the Saints Wednesday, kicked four field goals Sunday, including a 21-yarder with 4:30 left to give New Orleans a 19-17 victory over the Chicago Bears.
'A couple of teams approached me in the beginning of the strike and I didn't believe the strike would last that long,' said Kempf, 31, who last played with the Houston Oilers in 1986. 'I felt even if I played well it would not put me in a good position.
'After two weeks went by, the Saints called and since I was familiar with Coach (Jim) Mora, I was delighted to join him for probably the last game of my career.'
Kempf's three second-half field goals, the only scoring of the second half, brought New Orleans back from a 17-10 halftime deficit.
'This was one of the most enjoyable games I've ever played in,' Kempf said. 'I had a lot of fun.'
The Saints improved to 3-2 overall, 2-1 in replacement games.
'The 45 players on this team are great,' New Orleans quarterback John Fourcade said. 'I'd rather play for these guys than any other ball club I've ever been with. These guys fought hard and never quit.'
Fourcade also said he plans to support the regular Saints because 'if they win the Super Bowl we collect money.'
It's the regular Bears that the replacement Bears should be concerned about. The replacement team let Chicago's perfect record be spoiled, dropping the Bears to 4-1.
The Bears were handcuffed on offense. Quarterback Mike Hohensee, who had led the replacement Bears to two victories, was out with cartilage in his knee, and running back Anthony Mosley was out of the game with an injured knee.
Chicago Coach Mike Ditka started former Indiana University quarterback Steve Bradley, and in the second half alternated Bradley and Sean Payton on every play.
'I was trying to save their lives,' Ditka said. 'We had two quarterbacks we worked with only periodically for three weeks.'
The Bears were held to 133 yards in total offense and scored all their points in the first half thanks to three New Orleans turnovers.
If Hohensee's knee heals, he has a good chance to stay with the Bears. Center Mark Rodenhauser also may stick.
'There are some kids we would like to develop,' Ditka said.
The regular Bears, who badly wanted to play Sunday but were denied by the NFL's Management Council, are scheduled to practice today.
'The record is blemished. I didn't want it to be blemished,' Ditka said. 'I hope the veterans will pick it up so it won't get blemished again.'
