The Chicago Bears extended their win streak to four games with a 26-14 victory over the New Orleans Saints at Soldier Field
They improved to 4-2 and finally snapped an eight-game losing streak to the Saints. While the scoreboard favored Chicago, the game revealed strengths and lingering concerns. Here are five key takeaways from Sunday's game:
1. The run game has come alive
After weeks of inconsistency, the Bears’ ground attack has delivered in the last two games. D’Andre Swift, coming off a 175 total yards (108 rushing yards and 67 receiving yards) explosion against the Washington Commanders last Monday night, had a season-high 124 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown.
Even more encouraging was rookie Kyle Monangai, who rushed for 81 yards on 13 carries and also scored his first NFL career touchdown. The duo helped Chicago dominate time of possession and control the tempo, especially when the Saints threatened to rally in the second half.
Swift's emergence the last two weeks, along with Monangai's breakout performance could silence any talks of the Bears needing to trade for a running back. Ben Johnson said he was going to look into issues with the running game during the bye, and he has live up to his words.
2. Caleb Williams-Rome Odunze chemistry still a work in progress
Caleb Williams had a very rough day, finishing 15-of-26 for 172 yards and an interception, and with only a 61.7 passer rating. He missed on some of his throws and played out of control at times, trying to avoid the blitz. To his credit, Williams acknowledged he played terribly after the game. No one needs to compare his performance with other 2024 quarterbacks (Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix, and Bo Nix) every week and feel nervous about it.
But the most glaring issue was his lack of connection with wide receiver Rome Odunze. The only interception Williams threw came in the second quarter, when Williams was locked in on Odunze, and a pass was picked off by Saints cornerback Quincy Riley. Odunze also did not help him when he dropped a pass that he should have caught later in the game.
Odunze is clearly Williams' No. 1 target. Whether it’s timing, route depth, or trust, the Bears need their top draft picks from 2024 to start clicking and produce more. Williams and Odunze have the talent to be a dynamic duo in the NFL. But right now, they’re out of sync. After fixing the run game, Ben Johnson now has to turn his attention to fixing the Williams-Odunze duo.
3. When is Colston Loveland's breakout game coming?
Tight End Colston Loveland caught three passes for 24 yards against the Saints, and two of them resulted in a first down. His catch on fourth and two after the two-minute warning resulted in a first down and ended the game. Loveland also caught a pass on third and five that extended their game-winning drive against the Commanders on Monday night.
But Loveland was flagged for OPI that nullified a first down catch by D'Andre Swift against the Saints. If you look closely though, the Saints defender tripped over each other on a pick play and Loveland had nothing to do with it. He was also called for OPI against the Commanders that negated a big gain, which was questionable also.
Meanwhile, Tyler Warren of the Indianapolis Colts is putting up big numbers. Warren is thriving in head coach Shane Steichen’s offense, with 33 catches for 439 yards and three touchdowns. Some Bears fans couldn’t help but notice if the Bears drafted the wrong tight end. Loveland has flashed athleticism but hasn’t yet found his rhythm in Ben Johnson’s scheme. But we may have seen a glimpse of it against the Saints, how good he can be if given the opportunity.
4. Dennis Allen put a master class against his former team
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen had himself a huge game. He was coy about facing his former team where he served as a defensive coordinator under Sean Payton, and a head coach from 2022-2024, when he was fired Week 11 last season.
His defense responded in a big way by forcing four turnovers (three Interceptions and a fumble recovery) and sacking quarterback Spencer Rattler four times. Allen unleashed nickelback Kyler Gordon and safety Jaquan Brisker in a well-timed blitz, which resulted in a sack. At the same time, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds continued to impress with a sack and an interception.
The Bears' defense now has 16 takeaways, which leads the NFL. Defensive backs coach Al Harris predicted four turnovers, and his players backed it up. The Bears took advantage of Rattler's poor decision-making, which Allen knew personally as the Saints' head coach last season.
The Bears' defense has been somewhat of a feast or famine group. Either they come up with a turnover or give up a touchdown. Poor tackling has been a significant issue, but the defense is clearly playing much better since the return of both Gordon and linebacker T.J. Edwards.
Allen got a well-deserved ballgame from Ben Johnson and gave a phenomenal speech afterward. Seeing how his defense evolves and improves moving forward will be interesting.
5. Early preview prediction of the Week 8's Bears-Ravens
The Bears play the AFC North teams, Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals the next two games on the road. The injuries have disseminated the Ravens so far this season as they are 1-5, and their playoff hopes are on life support. The bad news for the Bears is that they were on a bye and quarterback Lamar Jackson and ex-Bear linebacker Roquan Smith is expected to return for this game. How timely.
Jackson, who suffered a hamstring injury in Week 4, will test the Bears' defense. His return will boost their morale. His mobility will be put to the test, and the Bears' defense needs to be very disciplined. The defense also must deal with massive running back Derrick Henry. The run defense has gotten better, but this could be their biggest test so far this season.
Read more: Caleb Williams reveals secret sauce to Bears' improbable 4-game winning streak
After beating the Washington Commanders, Caleb Williams is returning to Washington DC again. And while going up against two-time MVP Jackson will be very exciting, Williams needs to have a much better performance if the Bears have a shot at winning this game.
Final Score: Bears 27-24