The Good: Chris Olave
Wide receiver Chris Olave had his best game of the season on Sunday, catching 5 passes for 98 yards and 2 touchdowns. Olave’s name was mentioned in some unsubstantiated trade rumors all week leading up
to Week 7, and the Saints WR1 responded with his second straight game of 5+ receptions and at least 98 yards. Olave’s 98 yards accounted for roughly 35% of the Saints total production on offense on Sunday, and his two touchdowns were the Saints only scores of the game. The Bears defense did a great job against the Saints on Sunday, but they were unable to stop Olave.
The Bad: Rushing offense and defense
The New Orleans Saints ran for a measly 44 yards on 17 attempts against the Chicago Bears. The game got away from them early as they fell behind 20-0 in the second quarter, but for most of the second half the game was within at least two scores, and at some points was even a one score game. The Bears rank 28th in the NFL against the run, allowing 137 yards per game on the ground. The Saints did lose both Kendre Miller and Erik McCoy during the game, but a lack of a consistent run game got them into trouble and put more pressure on Spencer Rattler to move the ball than in previous games. On the other side of the ball, the Saints allowed the Bears to run for 222 yards and 2 touchdowns on 40 carries, the most they have allowed all year. Caleb Williams did not have a great day, throwing for just 176 yards and one interception with no touchdowns, but the Bears got ahead early and the Saints were unable to stop their rushing attack in any way. Seventh round rookie Kyle Monangai ran for 81 yards and his first career touchdown (the most he had ran for before this game was 28 yards). De’Andre Swift also had his best game since Week 8 of last year, running for 124 yards and one touchdown. A difference of 222-44 in terms of rushing yards isn’t going to win you a lot of games.
The Ugly: Turnovers
After throwing just one interception in the first six games of the year, Spencer Rattler threw three on Sunday in Chicago, and also lost a fumble. Rattler fumbled trying to escape the pocket while holding the ball out with just one hand instead of tucking it away or holding it with two hands, something that he should never try again. Rattler then threw an interception in the first half that was returned all the way to the Saints 30 yard line, and which led to a Bears touchdown, and another interception in the second half on which he overthrew Rashid Shaheed. This was his third of the day on 4th down at the Bears 26 yard line. Each of these turnovers cost the Saints points or led to the Bears scoring. Rattler was not bad apart from these turnovers however, throwing for 233 yards and two touchdowns, but a four turnover game is simply something that can never happen for a young QB.
