Saints vs. Bears: Questions with the Enemy
By Chris Roling
Sep 22, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan celebrates after a Kenny Vaccaro interception in the fourth quarter of their game against the Arizona Cardinals at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints are set to do battle from Chicago this Sunday.
As per Fansided custom, we here at Who Dat Dish got with our rival Chicago Bears blog, Bear Goggles On and writer Michael Praser.
Below is our interview with Praser concerning the game. Read on to find out how the opposite feels about their chances Sunday.
Check out my interview for their site as well, here.
1. Jay Cutler is not blowing up the stat sheet but it’s clear the offense is much better under Marc Trestman. How will Cutler fare against the new-look Saints defense?
Cutler did well against the Steelers 3-4 defense this year and this won’t be his first rodeo against a Rob Ryan Defense. The offensive line has been passing the eye test so far this year and Testman’s offense has Cutler getting rid of the ball fast. I see Cutler doing well against the Saints defense this Sunday.
2. Where in the world is Julius Peppers? He’s due a huge amount of cash next year, will he still be in Chicago?
Julius Peppers is just starting to warm up. He didn’t have the best first 2 outings, but has been performing better his last two. He still needs to be accounted for. Next year? I don’t know. I have a feeling that he is going to be a cap casualty next year, unless they sign Cutler to a multi year deal and do some cap magic. I don’t know what will happen with Henry Melton now that he is out for the year. Will the Bears resign him next year or will they let him go in free agency?
3. The scariest matchup for the Saints has to be the elite duo of Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings. Is that the matchup most in Chicago’s favor this weekend?
I would have to say for most teams, yes. You have to watch out for Tillman’s ball punch and Jennings ability to intercept the ball. But against the Saints, I don’t think they are the most important players on defense. Linebackers Lance Briggs, James Anderson and DJ Williams will be front and center in stopping the offense by making sure Jimmy Graham and Darren Sproles are kept in check. I do think they are up to the task.
4. What’s the worst matchup for Chicago this weekend?
Right now I would have to say the whole defense against Drew Brees. That guy is so good and he seems to be picking apart cover 2 defenses this year. The Bears defense gave up over 400 yards to the Steelers, so hopefully that doesn’t happen Sunday against Drew Brees.
5. Final score with prediction?
I have to go with the Bears this week. I know that the Saints look unstoppable so far this year, especially Monday night against the Dolphins. But I think that the Bears will be able to pull out a win at Soldier Field by capitalizing on mistakes and using the home crowd to their advantage on defense. I also see Cutler having a better performance than last week and being able to squeak out a close victory at home.
Bears 31 Saints 27
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