The NFL season is an evolving state of affairs, and week 7 against the Saints presents a new challenge for the Chicago Bears. They will be entering this week’s contest as rare favorites for the first time
all season. How will they respond under Ben Johnson as favorites?
In this weekly series, I’ll be featuring one player from each team on each side of the ball who I believe to be integral to their respective team’s success. Like seasons past, you won’t see any QBs, and you also won’t see any star defensive players like Micah Parsons and Maxx Crosby.
No, these are more of the unsung variety. Yet, often just as critical to the success of the team. Here are the players that I will be keyed in on in this one.
Let’s get started with the Chicago Bears.
Offense: Luther Burden III, WR
Though he only has 12 targets, Luther Burden III has caught 11 passes, which leads all rookies in catch percentage. He also has a league-leading 146.5 passer rating when targeted and is top 10 league-wide in yards per route run, and had his highest route rate of the season so far coming out of the BYE week. If anyone reading this column was like me, his 37 yard catch was exciting because it showed just how electric he can be with the ball in his hands. Currently 4th on the depth chart behind DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Olamide Zaccheus, Burden must maximize his chances, which he has been doing to this point. That said, last time the Bears played a home game, Burden had a game high 101 receiving yards (on just 3 catches) and a score. If Ben can dial up some more opportunities for #10, I expect some lakeside fireworks. If he continues to be an afterthought, we better hope DJ is fully healthy.
Defense: Kevin Byard III, S
When a leader on your team is also making the most plays, good things happen. Such is the case with 10 year vet, Kevin Byard III who has been breaking down the entire team before games while also breaking down opposing offenses during games. A game sealing INT, clutch TFL in the run game, or infectious attitude on the sidelines, Byard III has been as valuable as anyone on defense for the 2025 Chicago Bears and will be needed this week. Second year QB Spencer Rattler is having an unexpectedly sound season, solidifying himself as the QB of the future in New Orleans with over 1,200 yards and a 6:1 TD:INT ratio. If Byard III can take advantage of the young signal caller and notch his 4th pick of the season in the process, I expect this to be a blowout. If Rattler can avoid costly mistakes, which will mean avoiding Byard altogether, then the Saints may have a fighting chance in this one. New Orleans’ only win of the season was when they won the turnover battle. Byard III will be key again.
New Orleans Saints
Offense: Rashid Shaheed, WR
If the Saints are going to give themselves a chance in this one, they will need some big plays from their passing game and Shaheed is the only pass-catcher who averages more than 10 yards per catch (12.2). Shaheed also has the 2nd longest catch of the season at 87 yards. The last time the Bears defense faced a player with his kind of elite speed was Jameson Williams in week 2 against the Lions when Jamo had over 100 yards on 2 (!) catches and a score. Obviously this Saints team has nowhere near the talent on offense that the Saints do, but Shaheed is dangerous and has had nearly identical numbers to Jamo throughout their 39 game careers to this point. If Rattler can inflict some damage to the Bears defense and keep the Saints in the game, I expect Shaheed to be a huge part of that plan and test the Bears team speed. If Shaheed is held in check, I don’t expect there to be enough firepower in New Orleans to keep up with The Beloved.
Defense: Pete Werner, LB
While Demario Davis is still the leader and captain of that Defense, there appears to be a passing of the torch in New Orleans to Pete Werner. The former Ohio State Buckeye not only leads the team in solo tackles, but also has 2 sacks from his LB spot and has been a menace after the catch as well. Displaying above average instincts and range to make opposing offenses earn every yard. While we all saw what an elite Edge rusher can do against the Raiders with Maxx Crosby, the Bears still came away with a win. If Pete Werner can stifle the resurgent Bears’ run game while limiting Caleb and co. in the passing game, the Saints should be able to keep this one close and bring it down to the wire. If Chicago can keep Werner and Davis off Caleb and the RBs then the Bears should have no problem putting up points in bunches.
What about you? Which players on both sides will you be focusing on against the Saints? Let us know in the comments!
Recap from Week 6:
Bears O – Theo Benedet, LT: Helped Chicago rush for a season high 145 yards and over 250 yards passing.
Bears D – Kyler Gordon, DB.: Only 2 tackles but a key fumble recovery in his first game back.
Commies O – Deebo Samuel, WR: 4 catches for 15 yards and only 1 carry for -1 yards.
Commies D – Daron Payne, DT: Only 5 tackles, 2 of which were of the solo variety.
Remember, there’s a near-zero chance of a Bears win when all four players perform in a way that favors the opponent. Here, we keep track of weeks past to see how things unfolded:
Week 1: Loveland, Jarrett, Mason, Metellus – Vikes owned 75% this week. Perhaps 100%. L
Week 2: Jackson, Edmunds, Gibbs, Branch – Again, we were owned in 75% this week, maybe 100%. L
Week 3: Moore, Dexter Sr., Pickens, Sanborn – Finally, we dominated in all phases. At least 75% in our favor. W
Week 4: Swift, Brisker, Jeanty, Chinn – I’d say we went 2-2 here and barely squeaked away with the win. W
Week 6: Benedet, Spidey, Deebo, Payne – Split at a minimum but I say 75% in our favor. W
