New Orleans Saints defense could expose Mitch Trubisky

Mitch Trubisky has had a nice run, but the New Orleans Saints pose a serious test for the Chicago Bears QB

There is a lot of talk about Mitch Trubisky and his potential growth coming back from being benched. There are signs that can be seen on tape and on paper. However, many skeptics have met optimism with the idea that he is 3-3 since coming back, and they have not played an above-average defense.

In fact, when looking at the Bears schedule, and DVOA from Football Outsiders, there were only four defenses that ranked in the top 12 that Chicago faced. Those were Tampa Bay, Indianapolis, New Orleans, and the Rams. Of course, Nick Foles started all four.

The best defense Trubisky faced in DVOA was the Falcons, a game in which Trubisky got benched. The Giants have an above-average pass rush rate, coming in at 12th. Of course, the Bears scored 17 points in their win with Mitch Trubisky starting. He threw two touchdowns but also had two interceptions and four sacks against the Giants.

The reality is that while the Giants rank 12th, the Saints are fourth in pressure rate. The Saints also rank third in overall defensive efficiency. To say that this is the best defense he has faced all year is an understatement.

Fortunately for Trubisky, when they played the Saints earlier in the year, Cody Whitehair was out, and Sam Mustipher got hurt. That was also the last time Bobby Massie started before an injury. The line was depleted. This time around he will have a group that has played together for six straight weeks, rather than less than a quarter of continuity.

Still, it is fair to say that Trubisky has not shown much against good defenses to give the idea that he will have a big day. On the other end, a huge game will certainly shut up doubters as the Saints’ defense is nothing to mess with.