NFC Game Of The Week
New Orleans Saints at Chicago Bears
Saints: “They won’t win without Drew Brees”. “This team needs number nine under center if they want to win and compete”. Those were just some of the comments made about them after Drew went down with a thumb injury in week two against the Los Angeles Rams. I wasn’t too worried about them because in this league, you need a serviceable backup quarterback and they have that in Teddy Bridgewater. When you think of the New Orleans Saints offense, you think about the big-play making ability that Drew provides. They may have lost that, but they still have a guy who brings that spark to the offense who happens to go by the name of Alvin Kamara. He’s a more well-rounded Reggie Bush with everything he brings to that offense. Since number nine went down, the Saints have won the four games he’s missed including wins over Seattle in Seattle which is a tough place to play, they handed the Cowboys their first loss of the season, they handled Tampa Bay (who hasn’t done that?) and just this past Sunday, they defeated the Jaguars. This is by far the best coaching job I’ve seen from Sean Payton. People tend to forget that he’s an offensive minded guy and he’s also a member of the Bills Parcells coaching tree. I like how they’ve looked as a team. They’re gritty, they physically dominate you at the point of attack as a defense and offensively, Teddy has simply had to just play his game. To keep the impressive winning streak going, they will travel to the Windy City.
Bears: It’s been an interesting season for them to say the least. In an ever so competitive NFC North that they won last year, the Bears sit at 3-2 in last place in the division which shows you how good the division is especially when a team is sitting in last place with a winning record. I saw a large portion of their game in London against the Oakland Raiders and defensively, they were pushed around up front. Khalil was double teamed for most of the game but the big thing that caught my eye was the absence of Akiem Hicks and I can explain. Khalil is the Bears best defensive player for sure. I’m not doubting that at all. Every defense has a guy that holds everything together or in other words, they are the heart and soul of that side of the ball. That’s exactly what Akiem is to this defense and when he went out, his value to the Bears defense was shown. When he went down, they looked lost on defense and his absence put a lot of pressure on the linebackers and guys in the secondary. He’s that pocket pusher that I always describe that happens to command many double teams which allows those linebackers and safeties to roam around and get to the football. It’s tough to replace a guy like that and I hope he can get back on the field soon. I’m not throwing the towel in on the Bears just yet. I know Green Bay looks good right now and they beat up on the Bears in week one, but I still think these are the two best teams in the division because I don’t trust Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings and the Lions are a tough team, but I need to see some more from them. The big question right now is who the starting quarterback should be. When Mitchell Tribusky comes back, does he get back under center or will you continue to stick with Chase Daniel? I think it all depends on where they are as a team when Mitchell is scheduled to return. To get back on track, they welcome a streaking Saints team to Solider Field.
Saints Player to Watch: Ted Ginn– He’s still a productive player even at the age of 34. I sometimes think he goes unnoticed in this offense because of Michael Thomas which is understandable. He works the middle of the field for the Saints offense. Sean will find ways to make sure he gets the ball.
Bears Player to Watch: Eddie Goldman– The man in the middle for this Bears defense. When Chuck Pagano took the job to replace Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator, I stated he’d use some of his schemes he did while he was coaching the Ravens. Eddie is his “Haloti Ngata”. He’s that piece that clogs up the running lanes for the opponents. He can also shed blockers to bring the quarterback down.
Final Analysis: Both these teams are heading in opposite directions. The Saints have had to change their style of play and it’s worked perfectly. The Bears take leads, then have trouble holding them (as you saw in London). This will be the toughest defense that Alvin Kamara will see. When you prepare to face New Orleans, it always begins with slowing number 41 down. The Bears need to attack that line of scrimmage early. You hold Kamara in check, make Bridgewater beat you and you have a shot. The Saints will need to be prepared for this one. This is a challenge that won’t be easy. That offensive line will have to come out and set the tone.
Prediction: Bears 20 Saints 17
