*** Official Bears - Saints Thread ***

[Walter34 3]

Haters and trash can be checked at the door. I dont even know if we have real Saints fans on the board, but let's attempt to have a real football discussion.

 

Both teams could put up 34 in this one, so no 34-3 predictions.

 

Alexander ran up the gut the whole 2nd half, so Duece can do the same if the Bears dont solve their DT issues this week.

 

At the same time, the saints D was less than stellar as well giving up alot of big pass plays to such notables as hank Baskett and Donte Stallworth.

 

Both Ds should be on their heals in this one and I expect another exciting game that may come down to the kickers at the end. Bad weather might be a factor where Duece would shine, but the NO pass game could be limited. Slight edge to Chi if its a snowy field.

 

I havent seen any lines for next week's games, but I would guess that both home teams should be 2.5 pt favs, so its essentially a pick em.

 

Bears 30 Saints 27

 

6 days and counting ...

[My_Dixie_Normus 0]

Bears are favored by 2.5 which means the book likes the Saints by .5 point if you factor out the home field advantage.

[Bishop82 61]

I believe the combination of Jones and Benson is better than that of McAllister and Bush.

 

Bears 28

Saints 24

[The Moz 71]

Honestly the Bears barley beat a team that doesn't even match up to New Orleans. IMO Bears are beaten soundly.

[Dueces Will Be Wild 15]

My view as a Saints fan:

 

Chicago on offense:

- Like any game the running game will be key, I would have to believe the Saints will need to keep a safety deep on B.B.'s side at all times to defend against that skinny post - especially if he's lined up on the left against Fred Thomas.

- The combo of Thomas Jones coming out of the back-field and Desmond Clark's abilities will be tough on the linebackers so we have to get pressure quickly.

- Defending the long ball, Clark running down the seam, the flats (including screen passes) will be 10x more difficult if they are getting gashed on first downs, especially early on.

 

Saints on offense:

- Chicago, from what I've seen, is more vulnerable to runs up the middle. I think they will rely on Deuce a lot in the beginning.

- I dont see Reggie being too effective in this game running the ball unless they can slow down their LB pursuit with some reverse action. He'll be used more in the pass game imo (quick screens, etc while lined up out wide).

- Hopefully the running game along w/ some screens and a gimick play or two will keep the defense honest enough for some play-actions to develop.

- To be honest I havent really seen Chicago play much this year so I don't their secondary very well. If Hester really does start at RCB like ESPN's depth chart says- being a rookie he could be vulnerable. Hopefully Horn will practice at some point this week - his route running and ability to find holes in zones would be invaliable against that Tampa 2.

 

Prediction: Saints 457, Chicago 7 (Ditka comes out of the stands, grabs a helmet and runs one 90 yards)

 

Honestly I could throw any arbitrary 3 or 4 point Saints win out there - but if you really want a prediction 23-20.

[birdbrain3X 0]

Haters and trash can be checked at the door. I dont even know if we have real Saints fans on the board, but let's attempt to have a real football discussion.

 

Both teams could put up 34 in this one, so no 34-3 predictions.

 

 

Typical pompus bear attitude. haven't done diddly-poo since '85 but still talk big game.

 

I gotta prediction for ya... A giant fog rolls in and encompasses the field and the Saints kick your nuts in to the tune of 26-17. Or at least me and the rest of the country hope that's what happens.

[Guest JahRasta311]

It's ok, it's ok.

[nobody 2,882]

I saw birdbrain posted and I thought to myself, "I wonder if this post is going to be adversarial," then I had to chuckle as I read it because, sure enough, it was chalk full of hostility.

[Walter34 3]

Typical pompus bear attitude. haven't done diddly-poo since '85 but still talk big game.

 

I gotta prediction for ya... A giant fog rolls in and encompasses the field and the Saints kick your nuts in to the tune of 26-17. Or at least me and the rest of the country hope that's what happens.

 

 

As a wise pundit once wrote: Cmon, you're better than that.

[Foghorn Leghorn 0]

My view as a Saints fan:

 

Chicago on offense:

- Like any game the running game will be key, I would have to believe the Saints will need to keep a safety deep on B.B.'s side at all times to defend against that skinny post - especially if he's lined up on the left against Fred Thomas.

- The combo of Thomas Jones coming out of the back-field and Desmond Clark's abilities will be tough on the linebackers so we have to get pressure quickly.

- Defending the long ball, Clark running down the seam, the flats (including screen passes) will be 10x more difficult if they are getting gashed on first downs, especially early on.

 

Saints on offense:

- Chicago, from what I've seen, is more vulnerable to runs up the middle. I think they will rely on Deuce a lot in the beginning.

- I dont see Reggie being too effective in this game running the ball unless they can slow down their LB pursuit with some reverse action. He'll be used more in the pass game imo (quick screens, etc while lined up out wide).

- Hopefully the running game along w/ some screens and a gimick play or two will keep the defense honest enough for some play-actions to develop.

- To be honest I havent really seen Chicago play much this year so I don't their secondary very well. If Hester really does start at RCB like ESPN's depth chart says- being a rookie he could be vulnerable. Hopefully Horn will practice at some point this week - his route running and ability to find holes in zones would be invaliable against that Tampa 2.

 

Prediction: Saints 457, Chicago 7 (Ditka comes out of the stands, grabs a helmet and runs one 90 yards)

 

Honestly I could throw any arbitrary 3 or 4 point Saints win out there - but if you really want a prediction 23-20.

 

You've made some good points here. Deuce up the middle looks very favorable for the Saints. Also, I'm glad you mentioned the safety helping out on the skinny posts, as Fred Thomas is dicey to say the least. But I think that will open up the Bears running game - which is an absolute must for the Bears to win this game. I see this game being won in the trenches - the Bears offensive line looks pretty strong but so does the Saints', so it should be tight all the way. My prediction - Chicago 24, NO 21 (the three points for home field is the difference).

[FlaHawker 24]

 

 

Alexander ran up the gut the whole 2nd half, so Duece can do the same if the Bears dont solve their DT issues this week.

 

 

 

 

Is Tommie Harris playing Sunday??

[Bishop82 61]

Is Tommie Harris playing Sunday??

 

Nope, He gone!

[Walter34 3]

Is Tommie Harris playing Sunday??

 

No

 

The Bears need to get better pressure on the qb and stiffen up the inside run D. This is the biggest weakness on the team at the moment.

[remote controller 143]

At this point in time, the Saints are better on both sides of the ball, with a HUGE Offensive advantage. I feel the Saints will win by +10 (28-17).

[Walter34 3]

At this point in time, the Saints are better on both sides of the ball, with a HUGE Offensive advantage. I feel the Saints will win by +10 (28-17).

 

The Saints D actually stinks. Philly was ripping them apart last week. Obviously the O has a ton of weapons to contend with.

[nobody 2,882]

The Saints D actually stinks.

 

 

This is true. People really underestimate how bad Garcia played. He was missing open receivers by 5 yards. If he hit these guys the Eagles win easily. The only good thing about the Saints D is the D line.

[remote controller 143]

The Saints D actually stinks. Philly was ripping them apart last week. Obviously the O has a ton of weapons to contend with.

 

........as If the Seahawks Def was tough at all. The Bears have been very easy to score on lately. I just feel the Saints will be able to gut them and the Bears will have to hope to score via Hester or the Big Play.

[Jarvis Basnight 119]

My mind tells me that the Saints win which is why you should bank on the Bears. The only playoff games I've picked correctly this year have been Bears over Seahawks and Eagles over Giants.

 

 

Tangent: Could you imagine what the Bears would be like right now if they'd given up on Grossman and gone after Drew Brees this past offseason? They may not have lost all year and would be favored to win the SB. Just sayin.

[FlaHawker 24]

No

 

The Bears need to get better pressure on the qb and stiffen up the inside run D. This is the biggest weakness on the team at the moment.

 

 

Without Tommie Harris I don't think the Bears will stop Deuce or Reggie Bush, which will open up the passing game for Colston, Horn (if he plays), and the rest of the Saints receivers. Normally, I would go with the better defensive team in this situation but after seeing what a beat up Seahawk offense did to the Bears D, I don't see the Bears shutting down the Saints.

 

Now, that being said, Fred Thomas was abused by the Eagles so I expect the Bears to be able to do the same. Rex Grossman, while making some big positive plays, will probably make a few huge mistakes which will ultimtely comeback and haunt the Bears.

 

Pick:

 

Saints 30

 

Bears 27

 

........as If the Seahawks Def was tough at all. The Bears have been very easy to score on lately. I just feel the Saints will be able to gut them and the Bears will have to hope to score via Hester or the Big Play.

 

Consdering the fact that the Hawks lost two stout DT's (Tubbs and Terrill) for the year and with a decimated secondary, yes I do believe they did play tough in this year's playoffs.

[p.man 7]

Good clean field...

Saints 34 Bears 16

 

Bad sloppy field...

Bears 19 Saints 17

 

I just feel that because the Saints play indoors and are usually playing in good playing conditions that if the weather is cold and the field is a mess that it will take a lot of the Saints quickness away and make the game way closer than it should be. I think the Saints are the better team but the weather could play a part in deciding the winner.

[DrJ 0]

I just feel that because the Saints play indoors and are usually playing in good playing conditions that if the weather is cold and the field is a mess that it will take a lot of the Saints quickness away and make the game way closer than it should be. I think the Saints are the better team but the weather could play a part in deciding the winner.

 

The coldest game the Saints were in this year was at Pittsburgh week 10. It was 39 that day.

 

The played in 2 other games that were under 60 - Week 14 at Dallas, where it was 48. Week 16 at New York, where it was 52.

 

They played 9 games in a dome.

 

Just the fact that is it supposed to be 28 at kickoff could have some effect on them, whether the field is clean or not. By halftime, when the sun is down, it will be even colder.

[p.man 7]

I just checked the exteded weather forcast and they say that the high will be around 34 and the low should be around 31 with few snow showers. So it's safe to say that this will be the worst weather conditions they will play in all year.

[remote controller 143]

Without Tommie Harris I don't think the Bears will stop Deuce or Reggie Bush, which will open up the passing game for Colston, Horn (if he plays), and the rest of the Saints receivers. Normally, I would go with the better defensive team in this situation but after seeing what a beat up Seahawk offense did to the Bears D, I don't see the Bears shutting down the Saints.

 

Now, that being said, Fred Thomas was abused by the Eagles so I expect the Bears to be able to do the same. Rex Grossman, while making some big positive plays, will probably make a few huge mistakes which will ultimtely comeback and haunt the Bears.

 

Pick:

 

Saints 30

 

Bears 27

Consdering the fact that the Hawks lost two stout DT's (Tubbs and Terrill) for the year and with a decimated secondary, yes I do believe they did play tough in this year's playoffs.

 

 

They don't count anymore and didn't count in that game.

[FlaHawker 24]

They don't count anymore and didn't count in that game.

Well said Whatever it is you said

[The Hood 9]

My mind tells me that the Saints win which is why you should bank on the Bears. The only playoff games I've picked correctly this year have been Bears over Seahawks and Eagles over Giants.

 

 

Tangent: Could you imagine what the Bears would be like right now if they'd given up on Grossman and gone after Drew Brees this past offseason? They may not have lost all year and would be favored to win the SB. Just sayin.

 

 

 

 

 

I was praying they would get him. There was some rumors of them being interested that I think they denied. I don't know why they didn't go after Brees. Think there was a better chance in the off-season he would be healthy for this year than Grossman would stay healthy all this year. Brees had proven himself as a perfect fit at QB for the Bears offense. Getting him would have been a much smarter move than going with the hopes of what they thought Grossman could be. Obvious now. <sigh> Hopefully Grossman stays hot and proves this wrong. Love to see him like this in a few weeks.

[birdbrain3X 0]

I saw birdbrain posted and I thought to myself, "I wonder if this post is going to be adversarial," then I had to chuckle as I read it because, sure enough, it was chalk full of hostility.

 

 

 

As a wise pundit once wrote: Cmon, you're better than that.

 

Sorry guys, I just can't help myself sometimes. Good luck to all and may the best team win in a game that doesn't involve the referees.

[FlaHawker 24]

Good luck to all and may the best team win in a game that doesn't involve the referees.

 

That's an odd statement. The refs don't interfere with games. Just ask Steeler fan.

[Bishop82 61]

According to delusional conspiracy theorists: The Saints will win. "Whether you like it or not the NFL is a business, and an Colts/Saints Super Bowl is the much bigger draw."

 

Very sad for us Bears fans

[stosher1 0]

I just checked the exteded weather forcast and they say that the high will be around 34 and the low should be around 31 with few snow showers. So it's safe to say that this will be the worst weather conditions they will play in all year.

Forecast from Thur morning now calling for 30 degrees with 1-2" snow.

Big days for TJ, Benson & Duece.

 

Bears 17

Aints 13

 

 

[DrJ 0]

The New Orleans passing attack simply has not been the same since Colston got injured.

 

In fact, Grossman and Brees have the same number of 300 yard passing games over the last 6 games.

 

- He only put up 186 passing, 1 TD, and 0 int against a not that great San Fran team.

- Then he lit up Dallas for 384 and 5 TD's.

- 207 yards, 0 TD's, and 1 Int in a loss to Washington.

- 132 yards, 1 TD, and 0 Int against a Giants team playing badly...

- And he really didn't look like some superstar against Philly either.

 

Colston is averaging about 45 yards a game and has a SINGLE TD in the 5 games since he came back.

 

The notion that these are the 00 Rams is just silly.

 

Teams can and have been bottling up that passing attack. And while the Bears may have cooled off on defense some, at least their personnel have returned outside of Harris. Colston is the same injured guy that he has been down the stretch.

 

Domed teams are 0-9 outdoors in Championship games. As many have noted, it is most likely going to snow here and certainly will be the coldest the Saints have played in all season. You can go on and on.

 

There is VERY little reason to believe the Saints are going to come here and blow the Bears out of the water as many in this thread are suggesting. It's far more likely that they get blown out, as Rex against that defense is a far better matchup than a banged up Colston and ordinary Brees against the Bears defense.

 

Bears 30

Saints 17

[BMoney 0]

Good clean field...

Saints 34 Bears 16

 

Bad sloppy field...

Bears 19 Saints 17

 

I just feel that because the Saints play indoors and are usually playing in good playing conditions that if the weather is cold and the field is a mess that it will take a lot of the Saints quickness away and make the game way closer than it should be. I think the Saints are the better team but the weather could play a part in deciding the winner.

 

 

the field in chicago is barely playable..its awful regardless of how the weather is...

 

and the saints ran into much worse winds when they played in NJ..and the giants arent much worse than what the bears are...

 

seattle wouldve blown the bears out if they just had 2 key guys healthy...the saints HAVE those guys...most of us will be shutting it off by halftime...

 

 

saints by 24...only because sean payton has class and like the game at dallas..will kneel down with plenty of time to go in the game...

[DrJ 0]

the giants arent much worse than what the bears are...

 

The same Giants that held Brees to 13 of 32 for 132 yards and 1 TD when he went to their field just a few short weeks ago?

 

Colston tore them to shreds for 4 catches for 37 yards....oh and the 1 TD that he's gotten since he came back from injury.

 

Yeah, I see why everyone thinks these are the 00 Rams...

[nobody 2,882]

I don't think the Saints have much of a shot outside of the conspiracy theory angle. They are probably good enough to win if they can get some help from the refs. Hopefully Levy is doing the game. :pray:

[Walter34 3]

the field in chicago is barely playable..its awful regardless of how the weather is...

 

and the saints ran into much worse winds when they played in NJ..and the giants arent much worse than what the bears are...

 

seattle wouldve blown the bears out if they just had 2 key guys healthy...the saints HAVE those guys...most of us will be shutting it off by halftime...

saints by 24...only because sean payton has class and like the game at dallas..will kneel down with plenty of time to go in the game...

 

lol - must be drunk again ...

 

I don't think the Saints have much of a shot outside of the conspiracy theory angle. They are probably good enough to win if they can get some help from the refs. Hopefully Levy is doing the game. :pray:

 

Jim Belushi is actually the guest referee, though the video replay booth will be manned by none other than Boo Williams.

 

Could go either way.

[BMoney 0]

lol - must be drunk again ...

 

 

 

youre right....saints by 27...

 

it took bears fans 5 minutes to escape with a victory and have them thinking that they dominated..

 

..one where a guy that was hurting..and everyone said sucks...run straight up the middle for over 100 yds and 2 tds...with no full back..over 100 and 2..what will deuce and bush do?...

 

i understand bears fans ignoring why seattle couldnt throw on them and the fact that NO is healthy in that area...

 

and the bears O clicked as well as they have clicked in months and what did it get them?..a helluva kick bu gould..if he misses and seattle gets it at that point...the bears season is over...

 

instead, you get 1 more day of gate receipts....

 

not drunk...but will be after this one is over and bears fans litter the field with debris in disgust...

 

why do u honestly think the bears will win and be honest.....this will be good...

 

The same Giants that held Brees to 13 of 32 for 132 yards and 1 TD when he went to their field just a few short weeks ago?

 

Colston tore them to shreds for 4 catches for 37 yards....oh and the 1 TD that he's gotten since he came back from injury.

 

Yeah, I see why everyone thinks these are the 00 Rams...

 

 

uh....i meant offensively....

 

spin it every which way u want..but the bears and giants O rivals each other right down to the shaky qb....

 

the saints never let them have a snap over the 50...

 

the bears WILL get snaps over the 50...hester will take the return that he doesnt fumble and get big yards....

[birdbrain3X 0]

I don't think the Saints have much of a shot outside of the conspiracy theory angle. They are probably good enough to win if they can get some help from the refs. Hopefully Levy is doing the game. :pray:

 

I think the Saints have more than a decent chance to win this game. The bears D is not the same as it was in the first 10 weeks of the season. I think seattle showed that last week. And if Grossman has an off week, look out. I also think Sean Payton plays a huge roll here. I consider him to be an excellent offensive game-planner. I think he will have a game plan to remedy the bears D. I say... saints 30 bears 27. Although both teams have had great seasons and whoever goes should give the pats/colts a good game.

[joeshushu 51]

I don't know my gut says the Bears win but then agian it's full of beer.

[Bishop82 61]

I don't know my gut says the Bears win but then agian it's full of beer.

Always go with your gut.

[LSUtiger 9]

The same Giants that held Brees to 13 of 32 for 132 yards and 1 TD when he went to their field just a few short weeks ago?

 

Colston tore them to shreds for 4 catches for 37 yards....oh and the 1 TD that he's gotten since he came back from injury.

 

Yeah, I see why everyone thinks these are the 00 Rams...

 

I don't know how Brees' game vs. NY has anything to do with the game he'll have vs. Chicago? If you actually watched that NY game, the Saints literally ran the ball 90% of the second half, just totally owning the Giants defense and gutting them up the middle with Bush and Deuce. There was no need to throw the ball. As a matter of fact, I don't think Brees threw a pass past the early portion of the second half. Point is, recalling Brees' mediocre numbers from a game the Saints won 30-7 is ridiculous.

 

I don't think the Saints have much of a shot outside of the conspiracy theory angle. They are probably good enough to win if they can get some help from the refs. Hopefully Levy is doing the game. :pray:

 

You guys make me laugh. "Don't have much of a shot?" Here are some FACTS for you, not your gut feelings.

 

2006 Saints:

#1 in NFL in total offense

6-2 on the road (better than their 4-4 record at home).

MVP runner-up at QB in Brees

Rookie of the year finalists R. Bush and M. Colston

NFC South Champions

#2 Seed in NFC

NFL Coach of the Year in Sean Payton

 

Soooo...this is all just hogwash and the Saints have just won this year from smoke and mirrors and the NFL's conspiracy to annoint them Champs?

 

In my opinion, what makes the Saints so dangerous on offense is their diversity. If you're going to stack the box Brees will gouge you through the air. If you sit back in zones and coverage, Deuce and Reggie will gut you up the middle and to the outside. It's this array of weapons that makes the offense so dangerous.

 

However, the defense is certainly a liability. BUT, it has shown the ability to play well - shutting down Dallas in a huge game at Dallas, stomping NY at NY, etc. While the secondary is atrocious the front 7 is more than adequate - especially the D-line that features pro bowler Will Smith, run stuffer Hollis Thomas and quality DE Charles Grant. The linebackers are solid, yet unspectacular, but play well as a group. The key for the Saints is to get pressure on Rexy.

 

IMO, the game will hinge on whether the Saints can pressure Grossman. If they let him sit back there he'll pick apart a pourous secondary. But of course I don't believe they'll do that. The Saints offense will get theirs. The one key thing in this game is the Bears' players have been talking trash since their win last week, the Saints are playing with tremendous confidence and an entire raucous city in their corner. They don't lose this game IMO. Emotion in football is the ultimate difference, and the Saints have tons to spare.

 

WHO DAT.

[DrJ 0]

I don't know how Brees' game vs. NY has anything to do with the game he'll have vs. Chicago? If you actually watched that NY game, the Saints literally ran the ball 90% of the second half, just totally owning the Giants defense and gutting them up the middle with Bush and Deuce. There was no need to throw the ball. As a matter of fact, I don't think Brees threw a pass past the early portion of the second half. Point is, recalling Brees' mediocre numbers from a game the Saints won 30-7 is ridiculous.

You guys make me laugh. "Don't have much of a shot?" Here are some FACTS for you, not your gut feelings.

 

2006 Saints:

#1 in NFL in total offense

6-2 on the road (better than their 4-4 record at home).

MVP runner-up at QB in Brees

Rookie of the year finalists R. Bush and M. Colston

NFC South Champions

#2 Seed in NFC

NFL Coach of the Year in Sean Payton

 

Soooo...this is all just hogwash and the Saints have just won this year from smoke and mirrors and the NFL's conspiracy to annoint them Champs?

 

In my opinion, what makes the Saints so dangerous on offense is their diversity. If you're going to stack the box Brees will gouge you through the air. If you sit back in zones and coverage, Deuce and Reggie will gut you up the middle and to the outside. It's this array of weapons that makes the offense so dangerous.

 

However, the defense is certainly a liability. BUT, it has shown the ability to play well - shutting down Dallas in a huge game at Dallas, stomping NY at NY, etc. While the secondary is atrocious the front 7 is more than adequate - especially the D-line that features pro bowler Will Smith, run stuffer Hollis Thomas and quality DE Charles Grant. The linebackers are solid, yet unspectacular, but play well as a group. The key for the Saints is to get pressure on Rexy.

 

IMO, the game will hinge on whether the Saints can pressure Grossman. If they let him sit back there he'll pick apart a pourous secondary. But of course I don't believe they'll do that. The Saints offense will get theirs. The one key thing in this game is the Bears' players have been talking trash since their win last week, the Saints are playing with tremendous confidence and an entire raucous city in their corner. They don't lose this game IMO. Emotion in football is the ultimate difference, and the Saints have tons to spare.

 

WHO DAT.

 

I wouldn't throw either when my QB was completing about 30% of his passes and had a 4.15 Yard Per Pass average either.

 

How about the fact that Brees has 1 multiple TD game in the last 6 weeks. 1 300 yard passing game in the last 6 weeks.

 

How about the fact that Colston has 1 TD since he came back from injury?

 

This is not the same Saints passing attack that allowed Brees to lead the league in passing and had Colston in ROY contention before his injury. They have looked entirely ordinary outside of the game against Dallas over the last 6 weeks. Brees has gone over 200 yards in 2 of those...

 

And Rex Grossman has looked just as good as Brees over those last 6 weeks, outside of his New Year stinker.

 

Rex and the Bears WR's are a better matchup against the crappy New Orleans D than the now ordinary Saints passing attack is against a healthy Bears secondary. And based on the last 6 games of work, anyone that thinks Brees will pick apart any defense at this point is just kind of hoping.