The Chicago Bears defense has endured some hard luck to start the season. Namely being saddled with a bad offense and now losing one of their anchors in Akiem Hicks to injured reserve. One would think a bit of good fortune might come their way at some point. Is that too much to ask? Well, it would seem the football gods may be throwing them a bone. After a bye week to rest up, news has begun to spread that the New Orleans Saints will arrive in Chicago this Sunday possibly without their two best players on offense.
Future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees is already declared out. He’s been recovering from a thumb injury suffered a few weeks ago that needed surgery to repair. Thus far the Saints have survived his loss thanks to the steady play of backup Teddy Bridgewater, but also the universal reliability of running back Alvin Kamara. In the four games Brees has missed, the All-Pro has accounted for 420 total yards and two touchdowns. He is a vital part of their offense.
Now it seems they could be without him too. Word out of New Orleans is that Kamara has failed to practice at all for the second-straight day. He is dealing with ankle and knee issues at present that have hampered his capacity to move properly. This by itself doesn’t automatically mean the man won’t play, but the fact the Saints just signed veteran back Zach Zenner would seem to signal they aren’t holding out hope.
Chicago Bears defense is good position to have a big day
Kamara has held out hope that he can try to give it a go on Sunday but it feels like the Saints may just decide to sit him for the week and give him a little extra rest. They can afford it sitting at 5-1 and atop the NFC South. Regardless, this development is a huge bonus for the Bears defense. Kamara has accounted for 649 of the 2,154 total yards the Saints offense has produced so far this season. That works out to 30.12% In other words, they could be without a third of their offense on Sunday.
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This doesn’t automatically hand Chicago a victory though. New Orleans has plenty of talent on that roster. They have a good defense with two strong pass rushers and a star cornerback. They also still have superstar receiver Michael Thomas who can easily wreck a game if a defense doesn’t give him proper respect. There is no question that Sean Payton, one of the best offensive minds in the NFL will do everything possible to get him involved early and often. The Bears must be prepared for it and take advantage of this opportunity.
