The Chicago Bears face a significant challenge ahead of their Week 9 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, as rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent is set to start once again in place of the injured Justin Fields. Fields, sidelined due to a dislocated right thumb since October 15th, remains on a “week-to-week” recovery timeline, as stated by Coach Matt Eberflus.
While the Bears chose not to place Fields on injured reserve, Eberflus remains optimistic about the quarterback returning within the four-game IR window. However, Chicago’s passing offense, ranked 26th this year, has seen minimal change in production between the two quarterbacks. Bagent, in his two starts, has averaged 197 passing yards, while Fields showcased an average of 190 yards in his six full games, tallying 11 touchdowns and six interceptions with a 61% completion rate.
On the flip side, the Bears are prepping to face a formidable New Orleans defense, ranked fifth overall and seventh against the pass. The Saints’ defensive prowess is evident in their statistics, holding quarterbacks to a mere 57.5% completion rate and recording nine interceptions.
Although their sack count stands at 15, the Bears made a strategic move ahead of the NFL trade deadline, acquiring Washington DE Montez Sweat in exchange for a 2024 second-round draft pick. The addition of Sweat, expected to be a potent pass-rush specialist against the Saints, aims to bolster Chicago’s pass rush, currently languishing at the bottom of the league with just ten sacks.
