Bears-Saints: 5 Matchups To Watch
By Dan Durkin-
(CBS) Monday night's matchup between the Bears and Saints can appropriately be dubbed the "Disappointment Bowl." In the preseason, pundits led you to believe at this point that one of these teams would be vying for their 11th individual win of the season, not collective. The Bears' playoff hopes are done, but the Saints still have something to play for.
Here are five matchups to focus on during Monday night's action between 5-8 teams.
Bears strong safety Ryan Mundy vs. Saints tight end Jimmy Graham -- All season, the Bears have struggled to defend tight ends up the seam. They've used safeties, linebackers and even cornerbacks in coverage yet haven't been effective. Surely, the Saints have given a look at the Bears-Patriots film and will take advantage of every man coverage opportunity they can get with Graham against Mundy. The Saints move Graham around, but he's most effective from an in-line position or the slot, so if Mundy struggles again, the Saints will mercilessly attack the soft middle of the Bears secondary.
Bears defensive tackles vs. Saints right guard Jahri Evans -- The Bears spent big money on edge rushers this offseason, but it's been their interior players -- Stephen Paea and Jeremiah Ratliff -- who have most consistent at collapsing the pocket. Evans has been a mauler in the run game but has struggled in his pass protection sets, which affects Drew Brees' throwing lanes. The Saints' pass protection is predicated on being stout inside-out, to allow Brees to climb the pocket to create throwing lanes. Look for the Bears to continue using their interior twists and stunts to get singled-up or free rushes up the middle.
Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery vs. Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis - With Brandon Marshall going on injured reserve, teams are certain to roll their coverage toward Jeffery's side of the field to force other receivers to beat them. When the Saints have looked to take an opposing receiver out of a game, they've put Lewis on the job, as he plays physically and got the best of Green Bay's Jordy Nelson and Carolina's Kelvin Benjamin. Jeffery appears to be healthy and coming on over the past month, but can he continue to produce when opponents know he'll be the focal point of the passing game? This will be a battle from start to finish.
Bears wide receiver Marquess Wilson vs. Saints cornerback Corey White - Marshall's absence will also have an impact on Wilson, whose targets are almost certain to spike. He will have opportunities to get the best of White, who has struggled in coverage. Hopes were high for Wilson heading into the season to emerge as a legitimate third wide receiver, but a broken collarbone cost him nine games. Since he's returned, he's yet to make an impact, but he has an opportunity to create some confidence heading into the offseason with increased touches and a winnable matchup against White.
Bears offensive tackles vs. Saints defensive end Junior Galette - The Saints have struggled to consistently pressure the quarterback with their front four alone, with the exception of Galette. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan supplements his front four with extra rushers from the second and third level to create five- and six-man rushes. In doing so, single-block opportunities are created for Galette on the edge. He has a speed advantage over both Jermon Bushrod and Jordan Mills. Dealing with Galette and the Saints' exotic fronts will require communication from the Bears' offensive line, but it will also require Bushrod and Mills to win in one-on-one situations. Look for the Saints to deploy Galette from the left so he can work on Mills.
Dan Durkin covers the Bears for CBSChicago.com and is a frequent contributor to 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter at @djdurkin.