NFL Week 5: Chicago Bears look to bounce back against the New Orleans Saints
By David Miniel
I’m almost positive that last Sunday’s outing against the Detroit Lions is not exactly what the Chicago Bears had in mind.
This young offensive line was absolutely chewed up by Detroit’s strong defensive front, which lead to more turnovers than Chicago has given up the first three weeks. Cutler was also sacked more times this game than he has all season and topped his season high in interceptions.
Today’s match up against the New Orleans Saints isn’t going to be an easy task either. The way Rob Ryan has sparked this defense is pretty amazing considering how they played last season. With Sean Payton back in the league, Brees is once again back to original form with a defense to help balance out this team.
Right now Chicago’s defense is struggling against the pass. They’re doing somewhat decent against the run, but injuries on this defense has them giving up big plays more than they would like to. Brees will enter today’s game only 36 passing yards and six touchdowns behind Peyton Manning.
The running game for Chicago is going to be a key factor in this game. If they’re unable to protect Cutler early on, they will have to turn to Forte to carry the workload. Hand the ball off to Forte and allow him to run on a defense who is ranked 22nd in the league against the run. Allow him to pick up yardage, get the defense tired which should open up Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall down the field.
New Orleans is going to have to do what Detroit did and get to Cutler quick fast and in a hurry and keep it that way. If not, they’re going to see why people say he has one of the strongest arms in the league.
Not really much to worry about when it comes to Brees. The way this secondary is playing, he shouldn’t have a problem throwing for over 300 passing yards and finding tight end Jimmy Graham. Their main concern will mostly likely be Julius Peppers.
Another fun fact, Brees currently has career low 71 passer rating against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. It’s his lowest against any team in their home stadium.