Saints vs. Bears

saintz08 · 11-02-2005, 12:38 PM

Both teams are going to Baton Route, La., this weekend to play at LSU. Otherwise, they are heading in opposite directions.

The Saints lost their past four games and could not take advantage of last week's first game up the road from where they once called home. Their early-season support has eroded, primarily because of sloppy play.

The Bears arrive at Tiger Stadium with a three-game winning streak and lead the balanced but mediocre NFC North. Their defense deserves much of the credit and is in some camps considered the NFL's best. It provided the winning edge in Week 8, when cornerback Charles Tillman returned an interception for a touchdown in overtime. The Bears allowed 22 points and one touchdown in beating the Vikings, Ravens and, last week, the Lions.

Their offense is showing promise. Rookie quarterback Kyle Orton comes to bayou country fresh off his best game and is growing into his role. The offense is bolstered by strong offensive line play and a solid ground game provided by running back Thomas Jones.

The Saints have a strong pass rush but little else on defense. Will they be able to contain Jones after allowing nearly 200 yards rushing to the Dolphins in Week 8? Can the offense continue to rely on quarterback Aaron Brooks, whose inconsistency is becoming the stuff of legend? With running back Deuce McAllister out for the season and wide receiver Joe Horn hobbled, coaches must find help for Brooks to turn around the season.

http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/teams/saints/

TallySaint · 11-02-2005, 02:14 PM

SCOUTING REPORT: Chicago Bears

Times-Picayune
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
By Bob Fortus

ON THE GROWL

The Bears, who have won their past three games, moved into first place in the NFC North with a 19-13 overtime victory Sunday against Detroit. Chicago has been winning with a fast, hard-hitting defense, led by linebacker Brian Urlacher and strong safety Mike Brown. The Bears rank third in the NFL in total defense (262.7 yards per game) and 27th in total offense (260.6). They have been looking for a reliable quarterback for years and were going to count on Rex Grossman. But he was injured in an exhibition game and lost for the season. Rookie Kyle Orton, a fourth-round draft pick, is directing a conservative offense. Only eight players remain from the team that won the NFC Central title four years ago.

WHEN THEY PASS

Because the Bears focus on running, their passing is mainly out of play-action. They also like to use screens. Orton ranks second-to-last among NFL quarterbacks in passer rating at 65.5 and lacks accuracy on deep throws. But he shows composure and is improving as a decision-maker. Against Detroit on Sunday, he was 17-of-31 for 230 yards and a touchdown, without an interception. Since Week 3, when Orton threw five interceptions against Cincinnati, he has thrown one interception and five touchdown passes. Muhsin Muhammad leads the team in receptions (34) and is a deep threat. The Bears will miss the speed of talented rookie wide receiver Mark Bradley, who caught five passes in the first half against Detroit before injuring a knee. Justin Gage will replace him.

WHEN THEY RUN

George Halas would like the way the Bears try to pound the ball between the tackles. Veteran Thomas Jones, who started 14 games last season and rushed for a career-best 948 yards, is on pace to easily surpass that total and has kept a strong grip on the starting job, despite the presence of first-round draft pick Cedric Benson. Thomas, who has rushed for 713 yards, sixth-most in the league, and six touchdowns -- injured his ribs against the Lions but is expected to play Sunday. Benson provided a spark in overtime, rushing three times for 35 yards, including a 25-yard run. Pro Bowl center Olin Kreutz leads a veteran offensive line.

AGAINST THE PASS

The Bears generally play cover-2 and blitz about 30 percent of the time. Brown, who missed most of last season with an Achilles injury, is the heart and soul of the team and the leader of a big-play secondary. He has made 46 tackles and intercepted two passes this season. Cornerbacks Charles Tillman, who played at Louisiana-Lafayette, and Nathan Vashar have three interceptions each. Tillman scored the winning touchdown in overtime against Detroit on a 22-yard interception return. Middle linebacker Urlacher, who has six sacks, tied for eighth in the NFL, is a dangerous blitzer. Defensive end Adewale Ogunleye is among the league's best pass rushers.

AGAINST THE RUN

The Bears rank fourth in the league in rushing defense, having given up an average of 84.4 yards per game. They rely on speed to shoot the gaps in the offensive line, and often a safety will walk toward the line of scrimmage before the snap to provide support against the run. Urlacher, a relentless defender, has made 60 tackles, tied for eighth in the NFL. The Bears keep their linemen fresh by alternating eight players. Defensive tackle Tommie Harris plays with a lot of energy, and Ian Scott is a solid young nose tackle. Another key defender is linebacker Lance Briggs, who led the team in tackles last season.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Place-kicking is a question mark for Chicago. Robbie Gould, who was signed during the season to replace former Saints kicker Doug Brien, is 4-of-6 on field goal attempts and 1-of-3 from 40 yards or longer. The Bears will be reluctant to try a long field goal. Veteran punter Brad Maynard has averaged 39.8 yards on 41 punts and has put 10 inside the opponents' 20. Bobby Wade leads the league in punt-return average, 12.5 yards, but was shaky against Detroit. In overtime, he fumbled after bumping into a teammate, but recovered. Jerry Azumah ranks 10th in the NFL in kickoff-return average (24.9).

LAST TIME THEY MET

The homecoming was rough for former Ehret player Kordell Stewart, the Bears' quarterback, and the Saints won 20-12 on Oct. 12, 2003 at the Superdome. The Saints sacked Stewart three times, with Charles Grant bringing him down twice, and Stewart fumbled three times. Saints running back Deuce McAllister rushed for 116 yards.

http://www.nola.com/saints/t-p/index...1470671970.xml

8)

4saintspirit · 11-02-2005, 05:40 PM

The Saints should beat the Bears period. I am going out on a limb and betting them on the Money Line (+130). If they lose then the whole team needs to look deep inside of itself and apologize to everyone involved.

TheDeuce · 11-02-2005, 07:35 PM

The Saints are going to win. What do they do everytime everybody gives up on them? THey win. Then, they'll probably win 5 in a row, get into playoff contention and then lose in a tiebreaker and be kept out of the playoffs. This is the most confusing/frustrating/mind-numbingly inconsistent team in the history of the NFL.

TallySaint · 11-03-2005, 11:02 AM

Comments from Bears fans....

"I have yet to see any Saints fans come in here and run their mouths. I was expecting it by now..."

" I agree, I'm sure Saints fans have tons more on their mind right now than talking trash to the Bears fans. "

"Looters stole all of their computers. Because that is what you do when you are hungry. Steal computers. "

"Maybe they have class, unlike our divisional opponents. "

"Regardless of the past, the Bears should absolutely dominate the Saints defensively. That said, I hope our offense can recover from the loss of Bradley as a legit #2 wideout. If we can't move the ball, we're dead in the water. We can't afford to leave our defense out there for 40 minutes in Baton Rouge."

"The Saints have given up more turnovers than any team in the entire NFL. I like the chances our opportunistic defense will give us, an improving Kyle and a solid running back from TJ and maybe a little CB as well. "

"They basically have no running game without Deuce, Aaron Brooks is perhpas the worst undisputed starting QB in the NFL, he's good but he sucks at the same time.Is Joe Horn gonna play this game?If he does then this team is gonna be no pushover, not like theyre gonna be but hey, they arent exactly juggernauts. Im sure our Tim Spencer and Harry Heistand are licking their chops right now because this is the worst LB corps in the league albeit speedy, and their secondary is suspect, the only threats on D is their good 3 DEs(Howard, W.Smith, and Grant) and and their SS, Smith. This is a team that doesnt execute that we can establish the run on, and if they're Horn-less, then we should stop them fairly easy on defense even though Stallworth is very fast and Hakim is having a good year(yes, the same Detroit Hakim, the same Hakim Lovie's St'Loius squad used to face in practice)"

"The Saints scare me. They have a bad record, but they have talent. And the Saints always seem to bring their best against the Bears. Rallied from 20-0 in 2002 and won 20-13 two years ago when they got every call, Kordell couldn't hold on to the ball and Booker got hurt on a genius Shoop call. I just have a scary feeling about this game in my stomach because the Saints have had so much go against them since the Buffalo win they are due for a break. Lets just hope it's not Sunday. However, if they play like they did at GB, then I won't be worried. "

"I didn't see the stat for how often Aaron Brooks' head is up his rectum. Its got to be over 70%. I think he's a lifetime 65% cranial-rectal completion percentage. But I'm not good at stats."

There ya' go.

8)

TallySaint · 11-03-2005, 11:15 AM

"I didn't see the stat for how often Aaron Brooks' head is up his rectum. Its got to be over 70%. I think he's a lifetime 65% cranial-rectal completion percentage. But I'm not good at stats."

I don't care who you are. That's funny right there.

Euphoria · 11-03-2005, 11:24 AM

I think at this point the only chance we have to win this game is Dress out Benson and let him play... seems he's the only one with any fight in him... ask WWL tv crew, lol.

11-02-2005, 12:38 PM	#1
saintz08 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 3,020	Saints vs. Bears Both teams are going to Baton Route, La., this weekend to play at LSU. Otherwise, they are heading in opposite directions. The Saints lost their past four games and could not take advantage of last week's first game up the road from where they once called home. Their early-season support has eroded, primarily because of sloppy play. The Bears arrive at Tiger Stadium with a three-game winning streak and lead the balanced but mediocre NFC North. Their defense deserves much of the credit and is in some camps considered the NFL's best. It provided the winning edge in Week 8, when cornerback Charles Tillman returned an interception for a touchdown in overtime. The Bears allowed 22 points and one touchdown in beating the Vikings, Ravens and, last week, the Lions. Their offense is showing promise. Rookie quarterback Kyle Orton comes to bayou country fresh off his best game and is growing into his role. The offense is bolstered by strong offensive line play and a solid ground game provided by running back Thomas Jones. The Saints have a strong pass rush but little else on defense. Will they be able to contain Jones after allowing nearly 200 yards rushing to the Dolphins in Week 8? Can the offense continue to rely on quarterback Aaron Brooks, whose inconsistency is becoming the stuff of legend? With running back Deuce McAllister out for the season and wide receiver Joe Horn hobbled, coaches must find help for Brooks to turn around the season. http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/teams/saints/
saintz08 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 3,020

11-02-2005, 05:40 PM	#3
4saintspirit 500th Post Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 690	The Saints should beat the Bears period. I am going out on a limb and betting them on the Money Line (+130). If they lose then the whole team needs to look deep inside of itself and apologize to everyone involved.
4saintspirit 500th Post Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 690

11-02-2005, 07:35 PM	#4
TheDeuce 1000 Posts + Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,928	The Saints are going to win. What do they do everytime everybody gives up on them? THey win. Then, they'll probably win 5 in a row, get into playoff contention and then lose in a tiebreaker and be kept out of the playoffs. This is the most confusing/frustrating/mind-numbingly inconsistent team in the history of the NFL.
TheDeuce 1000 Posts + Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,928

11-03-2005, 11:02 AM	#5
TallySaint 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tallahassee Posts: 1,367	Comments from Bears fans.... "I have yet to see any Saints fans come in here and run their mouths. I was expecting it by now..." " I agree, I'm sure Saints fans have tons more on their mind right now than talking trash to the Bears fans. " "Looters stole all of their computers. Because that is what you do when you are hungry. Steal computers. " "Maybe they have class, unlike our divisional opponents. " "Regardless of the past, the Bears should absolutely dominate the Saints defensively. That said, I hope our offense can recover from the loss of Bradley as a legit #2 wideout. If we can't move the ball, we're dead in the water. We can't afford to leave our defense out there for 40 minutes in Baton Rouge." "The Saints have given up more turnovers than any team in the entire NFL. I like the chances our opportunistic defense will give us, an improving Kyle and a solid running back from TJ and maybe a little CB as well. " "They basically have no running game without Deuce, Aaron Brooks is perhpas the worst undisputed starting QB in the NFL, he's good but he sucks at the same time.Is Joe Horn gonna play this game?If he does then this team is gonna be no pushover, not like theyre gonna be but hey, they arent exactly juggernauts. Im sure our Tim Spencer and Harry Heistand are licking their chops right now because this is the worst LB corps in the league albeit speedy, and their secondary is suspect, the only threats on D is their good 3 DEs(Howard, W.Smith, and Grant) and and their SS, Smith. This is a team that doesnt execute that we can establish the run on, and if they're Horn-less, then we should stop them fairly easy on defense even though Stallworth is very fast and Hakim is having a good year(yes, the same Detroit Hakim, the same Hakim Lovie's St'Loius squad used to face in practice)" "The Saints scare me. They have a bad record, but they have talent. And the Saints always seem to bring their best against the Bears. Rallied from 20-0 in 2002 and won 20-13 two years ago when they got every call, Kordell couldn't hold on to the ball and Booker got hurt on a genius Shoop call. I just have a scary feeling about this game in my stomach because the Saints have had so much go against them since the Buffalo win they are due for a break. Lets just hope it's not Sunday. However, if they play like they did at GB, then I won't be worried. " "I didn't see the stat for how often Aaron Brooks' head is up his rectum. Its got to be over 70%. I think he's a lifetime 65% cranial-rectal completion percentage. But I'm not good at stats." There ya' go. 8)
	My Guardian Angel wears a hard hat.

Latest Blogs
2023 New Orleans Saints: Training Camp Last Blog: 08-01-2023 By: MarchingOn Puck the Fro Browl! Last Blog: 02-05-2023 By: neugey CFP: "Just Keep Doing What You're Doing" Last Blog: 12-08-2022 By: neugey

11-02-2005, 02:14 PM	#2
TallySaint 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tallahassee Posts: 1,367	SCOUTING REPORT: Chicago Bears Times-Picayune Wednesday, November 02, 2005 By Bob Fortus ON THE GROWL The Bears, who have won their past three games, moved into first place in the NFC North with a 19-13 overtime victory Sunday against Detroit. Chicago has been winning with a fast, hard-hitting defense, led by linebacker Brian Urlacher and strong safety Mike Brown. The Bears rank third in the NFL in total defense (262.7 yards per game) and 27th in total offense (260.6). They have been looking for a reliable quarterback for years and were going to count on Rex Grossman. But he was injured in an exhibition game and lost for the season. Rookie Kyle Orton, a fourth-round draft pick, is directing a conservative offense. Only eight players remain from the team that won the NFC Central title four years ago. WHEN THEY PASS Because the Bears focus on running, their passing is mainly out of play-action. They also like to use screens. Orton ranks second-to-last among NFL quarterbacks in passer rating at 65.5 and lacks accuracy on deep throws. But he shows composure and is improving as a decision-maker. Against Detroit on Sunday, he was 17-of-31 for 230 yards and a touchdown, without an interception. Since Week 3, when Orton threw five interceptions against Cincinnati, he has thrown one interception and five touchdown passes. Muhsin Muhammad leads the team in receptions (34) and is a deep threat. The Bears will miss the speed of talented rookie wide receiver Mark Bradley, who caught five passes in the first half against Detroit before injuring a knee. Justin Gage will replace him. WHEN THEY RUN George Halas would like the way the Bears try to pound the ball between the tackles. Veteran Thomas Jones, who started 14 games last season and rushed for a career-best 948 yards, is on pace to easily surpass that total and has kept a strong grip on the starting job, despite the presence of first-round draft pick Cedric Benson. Thomas, who has rushed for 713 yards, sixth-most in the league, and six touchdowns -- injured his ribs against the Lions but is expected to play Sunday. Benson provided a spark in overtime, rushing three times for 35 yards, including a 25-yard run. Pro Bowl center Olin Kreutz leads a veteran offensive line. AGAINST THE PASS The Bears generally play cover-2 and blitz about 30 percent of the time. Brown, who missed most of last season with an Achilles injury, is the heart and soul of the team and the leader of a big-play secondary. He has made 46 tackles and intercepted two passes this season. Cornerbacks Charles Tillman, who played at Louisiana-Lafayette, and Nathan Vashar have three interceptions each. Tillman scored the winning touchdown in overtime against Detroit on a 22-yard interception return. Middle linebacker Urlacher, who has six sacks, tied for eighth in the NFL, is a dangerous blitzer. Defensive end Adewale Ogunleye is among the league's best pass rushers. AGAINST THE RUN The Bears rank fourth in the league in rushing defense, having given up an average of 84.4 yards per game. They rely on speed to shoot the gaps in the offensive line, and often a safety will walk toward the line of scrimmage before the snap to provide support against the run. Urlacher, a relentless defender, has made 60 tackles, tied for eighth in the NFL. The Bears keep their linemen fresh by alternating eight players. Defensive tackle Tommie Harris plays with a lot of energy, and Ian Scott is a solid young nose tackle. Another key defender is linebacker Lance Briggs, who led the team in tackles last season. SPECIAL TEAMS Place-kicking is a question mark for Chicago. Robbie Gould, who was signed during the season to replace former Saints kicker Doug Brien, is 4-of-6 on field goal attempts and 1-of-3 from 40 yards or longer. The Bears will be reluctant to try a long field goal. Veteran punter Brad Maynard has averaged 39.8 yards on 41 punts and has put 10 inside the opponents' 20. Bobby Wade leads the league in punt-return average, 12.5 yards, but was shaky against Detroit. In overtime, he fumbled after bumping into a teammate, but recovered. Jerry Azumah ranks 10th in the NFL in kickoff-return average (24.9). LAST TIME THEY MET The homecoming was rough for former Ehret player Kordell Stewart, the Bears' quarterback, and the Saints won 20-12 on Oct. 12, 2003 at the Superdome. The Saints sacked Stewart three times, with Charles Grant bringing him down twice, and Stewart fumbled three times. Saints running back Deuce McAllister rushed for 116 yards. http://www.nola.com/saints/t-p/index...1470671970.xml 8)
	My Guardian Angel wears a hard hat.

11-03-2005, 11:15 AM	#6
TallySaint 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tallahassee Posts: 1,367	"I didn't see the stat for how often Aaron Brooks' head is up his rectum. Its got to be over 70%. I think he's a lifetime 65% cranial-rectal completion percentage. But I'm not good at stats." I don't care who you are. That's funny right there.

11-03-2005, 11:24 AM	#7
Euphoria 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hollywood, CA Posts: 7,601 Blog Entries: 5	I think at this point the only chance we have to win this game is Dress out Benson and let him play... seems he's the only one with any fight in him... ask WWL tv crew, lol.