2023-11-05 07:00:00
The Chicago Bears were defeated by the New Orleans Saints, 24-17, on Sunday, which extended Chicago’s losing streak against New Orleans to eight games.
The Bears got off to an impressive start on offense in the first half, scoring touchdowns on two of their first three possessions of the game. But ball security proved to be Chicago’s downfall as rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent accounted for four (three interceptions and one fumble) of five turnovers on the day.
Considering the Saints spent the entire fourth quarter in Bears territory, Chicago’s defense held up well, for the most part, and gave the offense opportunities to mount a comeback. But mistakes continue to doom them.
We’re taking a look at the studs and duds from the Bears’ Week 9 loss to the Saints:
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 05: Cole Kmet #85 of the Chicago Bears catches a pass while defended by Zack Baun #53 of the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome on November 05, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Kmet was a big reason for the offense’s early success, where he proved to be a security blanket for rookie Tyson Bagent. Kmet had six catches for 55 yards and two touchdowns, including a beautfiul 18-yard touchdown grab on the opening series.
Nov 5, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) is rushed out of the pocket by the New Orleans Saints during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Bagent continues to be at his best when he’s serving as a game manager, as evidenced by the first half. But when he had to open things up a little, he started making some careless decisions with the football, to the tune of three interceptions and one fumble. In a one-possession game, it proved to be the difference.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 05: Darnell Mooney #11 of the Chicago Bears runs the ball in the game against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome on November 05, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Welcome back, Darnell Mooney! Mooney has been a non-factor on offense this season, but he had his best outing of the season against the Saints. Mooney led Chicago with 85 yards on five receptions, where he showed his playmaker potential after the catch.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 05: Derek Carr #4 of the New Orleans Saints throws a pass during the first half in the game against the Chicago Bears at Caesars Superdome on November 05, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
It was only fitting that after the Bears went out and traded for Montez Sweat — and signed him to a massive four-year extension — that Chicago’s pass rush was on life support against the Saints. The Bears didn’t sack Derek Carr once, where he operated in a mostly clean pocket throughout the day. That’s not to say the Sweat move won’t work out for Chicago, but it’s more an indictment on the league’s worst pass rush as a whole.
TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 17: Jack Sanborn #57 of the Chicago Bears looks on during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 17, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775992278 ORIG FILE ID: 1687020772
With Tremaine Edmunds sidelined with a knee injury, last year’s undrafted rookie star stepped up in his absence. Sanborn totaled 10 tackles on the afternoon, which was the second most behind T.J. Edwards, including one tackle for loss. Sanborn was a solid tackler and consistently making plays. It almost makes you wonder why Chicago spent money on both Edmunds and Edwards this offseason.
Nov 5, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56) knocks the ball loose from Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) for a fumble during the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
In one-score games, the difference between a win and loss is how well a team protected the football. In Chicago’s case, they essentially gave the game away with five turnovers on the afternoon, including four by Bagent. Meanwhile, New Orleans didn’t turn the ball over a single time. That was the difference between the Bears being 3-6 and dropping to 2-7.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 05: D’Onta Foreman #21 of the Chicago Bears reacts during the third quarter in the game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on November 05, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
After a down week against the Chargers, Foreman surged back to life against the Saints. As the lead back in place of Khalil Herbert, who remains on injured reserve, Foreman led the Bears with 82 yards on 20 carries (4.2 yards per carry).
Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore looks on from the sidelines with helmet off during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) ORG XMIT: CAGB
This is the first time in his young Bears career that Moore lands on this list as a dud, but it wasn’t a good outing for the team’s WR1. Moore had three catches for 44 yards on six targets, and he also committed the lone non-Bagent turnover of the day — a fumble in Chicago territory that led to a Saints field goal.
Nov 5, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) during warmups before the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
While Santos has been Mr. Reliable since arriving in Chicago four years ago, the fact that he (single) doinked a missed field goal (from 40 yards out) and sent Bears fans spiraling into PTSD mode is enough for him to land on this list. Before that, Santos had been a perfect 11-of-11 on field goals this season.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 13: Braxton Jones #70 of the Chicago Bears in action against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field on November 13, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
There are a few offensive linemen who could’ve landed on this list, including center Lucas Patrick. But while it was nice for Chicago to get back their starting left tackle, Jones didn’t have the best performance in his return as he rotated with Larry Borom. While Jones has improved as a blocker, he continues to committ far too many penalties, including a false start early in the game (his fourth false start of hte year — and in just three total games).
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