Spencer Rattler and the New Orleans Saints’ offense took a step back last week versus the New England Patriots. Rather than maintain their winning momentum from the recent victory against the New York
Giants, they fell to a dismal 1-5 and were again held to under 20 points. In each of the Saints’ losses this season, the common denominator has been getting limited to 20 or fewer. During New Orleans’ lone win in the record, they managed to score 26 points.
While it may not be the worst in the league, New Orleans is one of only five offenses averaging less than 20 points per game. They’re the only team in the NFC within that group and subsequently have the worst record in the conference as a result.
One bright spot for the offense is that they are, for the most part, a healthy group. Of the players listed as inactive last Sunday, only two offensive linemen came from that side of the ball. Barring any mishaps during practice, it appears the Saints will head to the Windy City without any additions to the injury report.
A major addition to the New Orleans offense is all-around talent Taysom Hill. After being out for the first four weeks of the season, Hill and fellow tight end Foster Moreau returned to practice ahead of Week 5. Against the Patriots, Hill scored his first touchdown of the year, and although he played limited snaps, he made an immediate impact with his presence.
The Saints have actually done a really nice job at protecting the football, even though many of their possessions do not result in points. New Orleans has only turned the ball over four times this season, by way of two fumbles and two interceptions. Suppose they can avoid turning the football over against a greedy Bears’ defense, which is tied for the best turnover differential in the NFL. In that case, the Saints will have a strong opportunity to go on the road and play another competitive contest.
Chicago’s defense ranks towards the bottom of the league in terms of points given up per game. Even on the road, New Orleans has got to use this match-up as a sort of springboard for the rest of the season to really try and get the offensive rhythm flowing.
This week’s game will see the Saints visit another familiar face in a new place, and they should be energized, playing with more of a chip on their shoulder. Former head coach Dennis Allen joined Ben Johnson’s coaching staff in Chicago this offseason. Allen is the defensive coordinator for the Bears, a position he held for a long period during his time in New Orleans.
The Bears’ defense has a couple of guys who spent time in New Orleans under the coaching of Allen. Defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon and linebacker D’Marco Jackson had success with the black and gold before both found new roles within Chicago’s organization this offseason.
The time on the field this weekend between the Saints’ O and Bears’ D should be the determining factor for which side can come away victorious in Week 7. If New Orleans can rely on a run game and own the time of possession, I like the Saints’ chances to at least keep this game close versus Da Bears.
