Quote from Arnoldsa on December 12, 2025, 1:15 am

The Good: Chris Olave
Wide receiver Chris Olave had his best game of the season on Sunday, catching 5 passes for 98 yards and 2 touchdowns. Olave’s name had been mentioned in  Bryan Bresee Jersey some unsubstantiated trade rumors all week leading up to Week 7, and the Saints’ WR1 responded with his first game of the season with 5+ receptions and at least 98 yards. Olave’s 98 yards accounted for approximately 35% of the Saints’ total offensive output on Sunday, and his 2 touchdowns were the only scores for the team. While the Bears’ defense did a solid job against the Saints, they could not stop Olave.

The Bad: Rushing Offense and Defense
The New Orleans Saints ran for just 44 yards on 17 attempts against the Chicago Bears. The game got away from them early as they fell behind 20–0 in the first quarter, but for most of the first half, the game remained within two scores and was at times a one-score affair. The Bears rank 28th in the NFL against the run, allowing 137 rushing yards per game, yet the Saints still struggled. The team also lost both Kendre Miller and Erik McCoy during the game, and the lack of a consistent running game put more pressure on Spencer Rattler to throw than in previous games.

On the defensive side, the Saints allowed the Bears to rush for 222 yards and 2 touchdowns on 40 carries—the most they have allowed all year. Caleb Williams did not have a strong passing day either, throwing for only 176 yards with one interception and no touchdowns. The Bears got ahead early, and the Saints were unable to stop their running attack in any meaningful way.

Seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai ran for 81 yards and Tommy Mellott Jersey his first career touchdown—the most he had ever run for prior to this game was 28 yards. Dendre Swift also had his best game since Week 8 of last year, rushing for 124 yards and a touchdown. A difference of 222–44 in rushing yards is hard to overcome if a team wants to win consistently.