Dec 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears fans during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Welcome to Week 5 Game Day! The 3-1 Bears take on the 4-0 New Orleans in a key NFC battle. The Saints have struggled when visiting Chicago, with Drew Brees 0-4 in his lifetime against the Bears, but most of those games have come in the cold. The Saints offense continues to be powered by Brees, tight end Jimmy Graham and running back Darren Sproles. Rob Ryan, son of former Bears defensive coordinator Buddy, has come into New Orleans and turned around their horrible defense.
Sep 29, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) prepares to throw the ball during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The Lions won 40-32. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
For the Bears, Jay Cutler is learning yet another offense, this time Head Coach Marc Trestman’s West Coast scheme. He’s got an improving group around him, with weapons like Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and big tight end Martellus Bennett on the outside and Louisiana native Matt Forte running and receiving behind him. An improved offensive line, anchored by former Saints Pro Bowler Jermon Bushrod is helping keep Cutler upright and giving him more time.
The aging defense is starting to show signs of wear and tear, with Charles Tillman nursing knee and groin injuries that have limited him throughout the young season. Lance Briggs calls the shots for a revamped linebackers group that is without Brian Urlacher for the first time in over a decade. The defensive line is banged up, losing Pro Bowler Henry Melton for the season to an ACL injury.
Head to Page 2 for broadcast info…