Our defense vs. their offense: Chicago Bears

An NFC duel between the 1-5 New Orleans Saints and the 3-2 Chicago Bears will take place at Soldier Field this Sunday. After checking in on the black and gold’s offensive match-up, let’s take a look at the defensive comparison.

New Orleans has allowed each opposing quarterback they’ve faced this season to throw for 2+ touchdowns against them thus far. Chicago’s Caleb Williams will be looking to extend that streak, and it seems likely that he will do so as he has already passed for multiple TDs in a single game twice this year.

The Saints’ defense is giving up just under 27 points per game to opposing offenses. That mark is far too high for them to stay competitive in close games, especially with an offense that struggles to move the ball efficiently inside the red zone. In contrast, the Bears score around 25 points per game with playmakers like D’Andre Swift, DJ Moore, and Rome Odunze leading the charge.

Although his status is questionable, Moore’s availability for Sunday’s game is in limbo after he was transported to a local hospital following Monday’s victory against the Washington Commanders. The wide receiver was held overnight for precautionary evaluations.

If the Saints want to try and keep things close with Chicago, they will need to see an improved effort from their pass rush and force the Bears into long-to-go downs. Caleb Williams can beat defenses with his legs, and mobile quarterbacks continue to stymie New Orleans.

New Orleans’ defense is coming off a poor performance versus the New England Patriots, in which their young secondary was truly exposed in pass coverage. They’ll need to shake back and play a much cleaner game this weekend.

Isaac Yiadom is currently a questionable candidate to play against the Bears. If the cornerback cannot go versus Chicago or is limited through practices, rookie Quincy Riley would likely see an uptick in snaps.

New Orleans still has four games to play before their bye week, but this game is an opportunity to get a second win on the board. Although a tougher road test lies ahead, it could be worse for the Saints. They could be playing in Illinois during the brutal winter months.