NFL Game of the Week: Saints vs. Bears
The NFL is now approaching the midway point of the 2020 season. This season has been unlike any other with all of the injuries and cancelations of games from positive COVID-19 tests.
This week’s game of the week features two teams who are fighting for first place in their divisions and who also are dealing with injuries featuring their top players.
The New Orleans Saints will take on the Chicago Bears Sunday afternoon in a crucial game that could put the winner at first in their respective division.
The Bears are coming off of a tough Week 7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Their offense did not score a single touchdown the entire game and they were held to only 49 total rushing yards. Their only touchdown came late in the game from an Eddie Jackson scoop and score.
The Saints were fresh off a bye in their Week 7 game against the Panthers. New Orleans led the majority of the game, however the Panthers were able to come back and tie the game in the fourth quarter. Drew Brees had a crucial 20-yard pass to Tre’Quan Smith that put the Saints in field goal position.
Bears star receiver, Allen Robinson, was put into concussion protocol earlier this week and is questionable to play this weekend. Robinson leads the team in receptions at 44 and is one of the focal points of the Bears’ offense.
Perhaps more notably, Michael Thomas has been dealing with an ankle sprain from Week 1 and a hamstring injury that he suffered at practice last week. He has played in only one game this season. The Saints offense will already be missing Emmanuel Sanders since he has been placed
on the league’s COVID-19 reserve list.
Last week both teams scored their season low in points. The Saints put up 27 points, after averaging 34.0 points per game before that and the Bears scored a measly 10. This game will most likely be low scoring if both teams are missing their star players.
The Saints run defense ranks fourth in the league allowing 89.7 rushing yards per game. The Bears, who are ranked last in rushing yards per game, will likely struggle against this defense.
Nick Foles will have to make plays downfield like he has all season in order for the Bears to win. He will have to rely on Jimmy Graham, Darnell Mooney and Anthony Miller to step up if Robinson doesn’t play.
Alvin Kamara will continue to produce and be the focal point of the Saints’ offense. The Bears will focus their defense on Kamara with hopes that Michael Thomas will not play.
The Saints have the more experienced roster and have a more determined quarterback. Brees will lead his team to victory to put them back in position to be leading the NFC South. The Saints will lead this game the entire time, but the Bears will keep it closer than it should be.
Prediction: Saints 24, Bears 21
Austin Groft is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email him at atg5271@psu.edu.
