Three matchups that could decide Saints at Bears

By Ross Jackson

Entering this weekend’s game, the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears appear to be at very different points in the NFL life cycle. While New Orleans is rebuilding and learning its identity, the Bears may have a grasp on theirs. Now, the Saints travel to Chicago with a chance to take a massive step forward in what will be an emotional and charged competition. 

Here are several important matchups, focusing on the players in the field, that could decide this contest. All of which add intrigue to the already spotlighted contest between Saints head coach Kellen Moore and Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. 

1. Saints DE Chase Young vs. Bears LT Theo Benedet 

After benching starting left tackle Braxton Jones, the Bears have turned things over to 2024 undrafted free agent Benedet to hold down the left end of the line. Young made his season debut last week against the New England Patriots and made an immediate impression as a pressure player. While he didn’t register a sack, he did chart a 26.7% pressure percentage in his pass rushing snaps. As he settled into his second game in defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s system, going after a still-fresh starter could provide some opportunities for the pass rusher. If nothing else, it’s a matchup he should be looking to exploit. 

2. Saints cornerbacks vs. Bears wide receivers 

This is where the game can either get very ugly or very impressive for the Saints. The team’s corners have been up and down so far this season in their new system. The youth at the position blends a unique combination of promise and inexperience that can either flash or nosedive at a moment’s notice. Going up against Bears wideout Rome Odunze, DJ Moore and Luther Burden III will provide a massive test for the secondary’s whole. 

Odunze is one of the most targeted and productive third down wide receivers in the NFL, Moore is still a fantastic deep threat option that has a reputation of landing big plays against the Saints and Burden is outstanding with the ball in his hands. Discipline before the throw, through the connection and after the catch will each need to be in point this week. If any phase falters, the day will just get longer and longer for cornerbacks Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alontae Taylor and Quincy Riley. 

3. Saints QB Spencer Rattler vs. Bears secondary

Rattler is the only quarterback in the NFL with over 200 passing attempts and just one interception thrown on the year. Meanwhile the Bears have secured the second-most interceptions in the NFL with eight. On Sunday, one of these dams will have to break. Either there is at least an interception in Rattler’s future, or the Bears’ secondary will come up empty for the first time since its 52-13 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 2. This will be pivotal to the matchup, especially if the game turns into a shootout. Every possession will count.