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NFC Playoffs Preview: New Orleans Saints at Chicago Bears
Saints march into Soldier Field looking for first Super Bowl trip
The New Orleans Saints will be carrying the NFC’s top ranked offense into Chicago to take on the NFC’s top ranked defense on Sunday. After averaging 391 yards per game the Saints will be facing a defense that gave up just 294 yards a contest.
Much of the Saints offense has come from the arm of Drew Brees. The New Orleans quarterback has thrown for 4,418 yards this season with 26 touchdowns. In their playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles last week Brees passed for 243 yards and a touchdown.
Brees will encounter a Chicago defense that was ranked number five in the NFC and collected 24 interceptions. Their run defense was ranked number two on the year and will face the tough task of keeping Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush in check.
The Chicago offense has been anemic at best. Starting quarterback Rex Grossman has been the poster child for inefficiency this season for the Bears. Grossman’s struggles have been well documented throughout year and his task on Sunday won’t get any easier as he faces the NFC’s number one pass defense.
The Bears, when not relying on their defense, will put the ball in the hands of running back Thomas Jones. The only consistent threat on Chicago’s offense ran for over 1,200 yards this season. He’ll be facing a defense that allowed just over 110 yards per game on the ground.
For the Saints they have the advantage of a dual threat in the backfield. Deuce McAllister is their featured back who has been responsible for the lion’s share of rushing attempts while Reggie Bush has been used as a viable option for Brees on short passes and screens.
In their win over the Eagles, McAllister rushed for 143 yards and a touchdown and Bush added 74 yards of total offense including a touchdown. Bush is also a dangerous threat when he returns punts.
The game could come down to weather and while the Saints posted a 6-2 record on the road this year they’ll be facing freezing temperatures with snow expected. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EST.
