The New Orleans Saints fell to the Chicago Bears 26-14 on Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field. The loss moves the Saints to 1-6 on a day where the offense sputtered throughout the game.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Saints started the game by forcing a three-and-out for the first time on an opponents opening drive this season. That was wasted, however, as a Spencer Rattler fumble gave Chicago the ball in scoring range and they converted a field goal by Jake Moody to go up 3-0.
While the Saints offense sputtered early, the defense stayed strong. Quincy Riley got his first NFL interception, setting up the offense. Their drive stalled, and Blake Grupe missed a 53-yard field goal to keep the game 3-0.
Chicago drove down and got another field goal, doubling the lead to 6-0. That was before another turnover, this time a Rattler interception. The Bears used that to spark their first touchdown drive, scoring on a D’Andre Swift run to make it 13-0.
After another unsuccessful drive, the Bears extended the lead again. Eight plays and 55 yards later, Chicago was up 20-0.
The Saints did cut into the lead before the break with their best drive of the day. After five plays and 91 yards, Rattler hit Chris Olave for the touchdown to make it 20-7 at the half.
The Saints book-ended the half with another score, going 10 plays and 80 yards to make it 20-14. Olave scored again from Rattler.
That touchdown would be the last time the Saints scored on the day. Two Bears field goals added to their lead, and Rattler threw two more interceptions down the stretch as well.
The comeback never happened, and the Saints lost 26-14.
BIG NUMBER: 4
The Saints turned it over four times in this game, which is something they have been able to avoid for the most part this season. It was their biggest problem in leading to this loss.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Dennis Allen
Former Saints head coach Dennis Allen is now the defensive coordinator for the Bears. He had a great gameplan to give his former employer trouble, and it worked to perfection on Sunday.
UP NEXT: The Saints (1-6) will return home to host the Buccaneers (5-1) on Sunday, October 26th at 3:05 PM inside the Caesars Superdome.