National Football Post Tavern Talk

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT CHICAGO BEARS

1.     Weather will determine the level of offensive explosion you can expect from the Saints.  They don't have a power running team in spite of their rushing production last week against the Falcons. 

2.     As of right now, the weather is going to be in the low teens with no chance of snow.  The Saints should have practiced catching frozen balls this week.  There will be some drops in this game. 

3.     The Bears’ defensive front does not do a very good job protecting the backer; not sure they have anyone who can play the nose the way they need to make this defense work. 

4.     Reggie Bush runs Bush plays, and when he’s in the game you must be alert to him for screens and draws.  Pass protection is still an issue for him. 

5.     The Bears have to disrupt and alter the timing of the Saints’ passing game.  They cannot allow free access all night.  This game will feature two teams that understand the importance of winning on first down.  The key for the Bears is not sacks but disrupting the timing of the passing game. 

6.     Chicago needs to win this game Chicago style, with power and toughness from their offensive line.  Saints struggle to handle power and struggle when their opponents play physical. 

7.     Saints love to run trick plays, more on second and long than on first and 10.  Devery Henderson is the down-the-field player for the Saints. 

8.     Bears need to double Lance Moore on every key down.  He is the man the QB looks for to make a play.  Jeremy Shockey has no touchdowns this season.

9.     Saints love to throw but are better when they have balance.  Bears need to make them throw it all the time.   You cannot allow the Saints to have success running the ball.  Make them throw it and win the pass rush game.  Make them believe it’s easy to throw an option route for four yards than run a lead.  They get frustrated early. 

10.  Bears cannot allow a big pass play down the field.   They have to keep the ball in front of them and make the Saints get impatient.  The key stat for the Bears’ defense will be the average per pass attempt for Drew Brees – it must be less than 6.5 yards.  

11.  Last time the Saints held a team to fewer than 20 points was the Raiders game, and that was in October.  They struggle against physical teams. 

12.  Saints are the kind of team that the Bears’ offense can have success against.  Bears need to play a team that has to adjust to defend one phase of the game. 

13.  Look for the Bears to double move Jason David. He has been playing with a great deal of confidence and has been jumping on routes. 

14.  Time of possession is a meaningless stat against the Saints; you can control the ball like the Packers did and still be behind at the half.  The Bears have to win this game with their defensive line, not their scheme.   

15.  Two of the top pass receivers on the Bears don't play wide receiver.  They need to get more from their receiving group. 

16.  Bears have to score touchdowns in the red zone this week.  The Saints will score, and to keep pace, you have to have your best RZ day.  Saints are seventh in the NFL in limiting successful plays in the RZ. 

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