Saints Week 9 Opponent Makes Two Major Announcements
The New Orleans Saints opponent for Week 9 is the 2-6 Chicago Bears. Within the last two days, the Bears have made two major personnel announcements that will affect the Saints preparation for the game.
On Tuesday, Chicago coach Matt Eberflus announced that rookie Tyson Bagent will be the starting quarterback against New Orleans. Bagent, an undrafted rookie from Shepherd, will be making his third consecutive start for injured QB Justin Fields. Also the team's second leading rusher, Fields dislocated a thumb during a Week 6 loss to Minnesota.
Bagent has completed 70% of his passes for 477 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions in three games. He doesn't present nearly the rushing threat that Fields would, a major problem for the Saints this season.
Chicago ranks 26th in passing production this year. Their average passing yards per game hasn't changed much with Bagent behind center. He's averaged 197 passing yards in his two starts, while Fields averaged 190 yards through the air in his six full games with 11 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a 61% completion percentage.
New Orleans comes into Week 9 ranked fifth in total defense. They rank seventh against the pass, holding opposing quarterbacks to just 57.5% completion percentage while recording nine interceptions but just 15 sacks.
Chicago made an even bigger headline on Tuesday morning before the NFL trade deadline. The Bears swung a deal for Washington DE Montez Sweat, sending them a 2024 second-round draft pick in return. Expect Sweat to at least be available as a passing rush specialist against New Orleans. He'll severely upgrade Chicago's pass rush, who is last in the NFL with just 10 sacks.
Oct 10, 2021; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) is pressured by Washington defensive end Montez Sweat (90). Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Sweat, 27, was a first-round choice by Washington in the 2019 NFL Draft. He has 35.5 career sacks, 85 QB hits, 47 tackles for loss, and nine forced fumbles. Before the trade, Sweat led Washington with 6.5 sacks, 11 QB hits, 19 pressures, and 10 tackles for loss this season.
Sweat will join Yannick Ngakoue and DeMarcus Walker at defensive end for the Bears. The Saints offensive line has blocked better in recent weeks, but has had serious problems with edge rushers all season.
New Orleans quarterbacks have been sacked 21 times in 2023. The Saints have used five different offensive line combinations in eight games. Andrus Peat is expected to again get the start over Trevor Penning at left tackle, with Ryan Ramczyk back at his right tackle spot.
