LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — The Bears (2-6) head down to New Orleans to take on the Saints (4-4) in the Caesars Superdome on Sunday. Here are three key storylines to follow in the matchup.
1. Round 3 for Bagent
With Justin Fields still sidelined as he recovers from a dislocated right thumb, the Bears will once again turn to rookie Tyson Bagent as their starting quarterback.
Bagent will make his third straight start for the Bears and will have the daunting test of facing the Saints’ top-10 defense in the imposing Superdome atmosphere.
The 23-year-old Bagent has completed 70.0% of his passes for 477 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions in three games since Fields suffered his injury on Oct. 15. Bagent was inconsistent during the Bears’ 30-13 loss to the Chargers last Sunday night at SoFi Stadium, going 25-of-37 for 232 yards and a pair of picks.
“He does a great job of taking the coaching,” Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy said. “He does a great job of trying to get better so he doesn't make the same mistake twice. All that stuff. This guy's a competitive guy. He's all about what's best for the team. He's all about, ‘How do I get better?’ All that stuff about feeling sad or feeling high, just not one of those guys. He's pretty consistent.”
It remains unclear when Fields will return as the Bears’ starter. The team didn't place him on injured reserve after he suffered the injury, an indication that the Bears hoped he could return in less than four weeks. Sunday will be Fields' third straight missed game, and the Bears will then have a short week as they host the Panthers on Thursday Night Football on Nov. 9 at Soldier Field.
An undrafted rookie free agent signed out of Division-II Shepherd University, Bagent is a wonderful story and has proved himself to be a capable NFL quarterback. He knows opportunities in the league aren't guaranteed, and he'll have at least one more chance to prove himself when the Bears visit the Saints on Sunday.
2. Alvin!
The Bears have quietly had great success defending the run this season, leading the NFL in allowing just 3.3 yards per carry. They'll face a difficult task in trying to slow down five-time Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara on Sunday.
The 28-year-old Kamara has averaged just 3.7 yards per carry over five games since returning from a three-game suspension, but he's always a threat to break a big run – and is also a dynamic player in the passing game.
Kamara has 39 receptions for 228 yards and a touchdown this season. He had 110 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns in the Saints' win against the Colts last Sunday.
For the Bears, keeping the Saints in check offensively means preventing Kamara from breaking the big play. The Bears’ defense must account for No. 41 in black and gold on every play.
3. Cornerstone player?
Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson views himself as a top player at his position and hopes to be rewarded as such in his next contract.
After Johnson requested a trade Monday night but wasn't dealt before the deadline passed Tuesday afternoon, he'll remain in Chicago for the duration of the season. Plenty of time remains for the sides to negotiate a contract extension, and each game is another opportunity for Johnson to showcase his worth.
Johnson had two interceptions in the Bears’ 30-12 win over the Raiders at Soldier Field on Oct. 22, running one back to the end zone for a touchdown. Can he produce another memorable moment against Saints quarterback Derek Carr this Sunday?
Johnson would love nothing more than to bring more production back to the negotiating table.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.