The New Orleans Saints have a wounded opponent coming to town in the Chicago Bears, but a wounded bear is still dangerous.
Can the Saints find a way to keep the good vibes going, get on a win streak and climb back over .500? That was a major part of the discussion this week on the Audacy original podcast Inside Black & Gold, in which Saints sideline reporter Jeff Nowak and WWL sports director Steve Geller break down the upcoming game.
Listen to the full episode in the player above (X-Factors in the third segment). Can't see them embed? Click here.
With all that in mind, here are the X-Factors on offense and defense, as broken down on this week's episode of Inside Black & Gold.
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DEFENSE
STEVE'S PICK: The pass rush and Bryan Bresee
- Why: It's no secret that the Saints' sack numbers haven't been where you'd want them. The Saints have 15 sacks through 8 games, tied for the second-lowest total in the NFL. It's not due to lack of talent or investment. At some point you'll have to see Cam Jordan, Carl Granderson and Co. start putting the quarterback on the ground more consistently. There's no better time to start than this week with UDFA Tyson Bagent back there for the Bears.
JEFF'S PICK: Stuff the run (pick any of the big boys)
- Why: Steve is going with the pass rush, but I'm taking it a step back. You can't rush the passer unless you put your opponent in passing situations. It's something that the Saints weren't able to do well early on against the Colts, and it led to offensive success. It's not a coincidence that once the run game was bottled up, the pass rush thrived. Couple that with a Bears offense that really needs to run with Roschon Johnson and D'Onta Foreman to take pressure off of Tyson Bagent, and things look pretty clear. Stop the run, then have fun. If the Saints can do that, this is a blowout.
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OFFENSE
STEVE'S PICK: Vintage Mike Thomas
- Why: Mike Thomas has only faced the Bears thre in his career, but he's torched them repeatedly. In those games -- including the postseason -- he's combined for 23 catches for 261 yards and a touchdown. Every week MT looks closer and closer to the elite version of himself we last saw in 2019. Every time he shows up big, the Saints' chances to win skyrockets. This week is no exception.
JEFF'S PICK: Jamaal Williams breakout game
- Why: Well, why not? This figures to be a game where the Saints get out to a lead and play smashmouth football in the second half as they put it away. Kendre Miller is battling an illness this week and is questionable. I don't want to overload Kamara, and if I can get by without forcing Taysom Hill to throw his body in harm's way, I will. Jamaal was brought in for exactly this moment, and he seems fully back from the hamstring injury. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he sees 15-plus touches and finishes with 100 total yards and a touchdown or two. Needless to say, if that happens the Saints win this game handily.
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