Bears vs Saints: Keys to a Chicago Bears Victory

Oct 16, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the goal marker as Chicago Bears outside linebacker Lance Briggs (55) enters the field for the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

The 4-0 Saints come marching into Soldier Field on Sunday to face the 3-1 Bears who just suffered their first loss at the hands of the Lions last week.  The matchups the Saints and the Lions are surprisingly similar, so if the Bears can take some lessons learned from their Motown beatdown and apply them on Sunday, they have a chance to send the Saints back to the bayou with a loss under their belts.  Here are my keys to a Chicago Bears victory.

Pressure Brees

Drew Brees is operating at an elite level, but his offensive line is a little leaky, giving up 12 sacks so far this season.  Their loss has been our gain; thank you Jermon Bushrod and offensive line coach Aaron Kromer.  The Bears have struggled to generate a pass rush with their front four, but if they can dial up some blitzes and put Brees under duress, they might have a chance.  Brees is 1-3 in his career against the Bears, with three losses coming at Soldier Field.

Stick  your Poison

Sep 30, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) congratulates running back Darren Sproles (43) after a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

Darren Sproles or Jimmy Graham, pick your poison.  Those two cogs really make the Saints offense go.  It’s tough to stop either and nearly impossible to shut down both.  Here’s the key – stick ’em.  You can’t allow these guys to run loose once they catch the ball.  Last week the Bears were awful in their tackling, as Reggie Bush would attest.  If the Bears want to beat the Saints, they have to wrap up and tackle well.  Rally to the ball, forget about the strip until the tackle is secured.