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The Saints move to 5-0 on the season and are now the only undefeated team in the NFC after defeating the Chicago Bears 26-18 at Soldier Field.
After getting off to a fast start, the Saints were able to jump out to an early 20-7 in the first half thanks to stingy play by the defense and the usual Jimmy Graham heroics. The Bears were able to make a game of it in the second half, pulling within 8 points late in the 4th quarter, but stupid penalties, missed opportunities, and four Garrett Hartley field goals staved off any chance of a comeback.
Reasons the Saints won:
Jimmy Graham was in beast mode as usual. He finished with 10 catches for 135 yards.
Pierre Thomas shined in his hometown of Chicago, with 92 yards rushing and receiving and had the Saints' only two touchdowns.
Garrett Hartley was a perfect 4-4 on his field goal attempts, making kicks of 47, 19, 36, 48 yards.
The defense started hot with three early sacks and a forced fumble.
The Saints did not give up a turnover all game, and recovered a fumble.
Reasons the Saints could have lost:
Alshon Jeffery nearly won this game for the Bears with his 10 catches for 218 yards and a TD.
The terrible condition of the field in Chicago caused a lot of trouble for the Saints on both offense and defense.
What's next:
The Saints are on the road again next Sunday, playing the Patriots in New England at 3:25 p.m. CST on Sunday, October 13th.
Team Stats
NO | CHI | ||
First Downs | 17 | 20 | |
Total Yards | 347 | 434 | |
Passing Yards | 281 | 340 | |
Rushing Yards | 66 | 94 | |
Penalties (Yds) | 2(10) | 6(43) | |
Turnovers | 0 | 1 | |
Punts (AVG) | 4(40) | 4(45) | |
Time of Pos. | 36:00 | 23:39 |
Top Performers
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS | ||||
Passing | CP/AT | YDS | TD | INT |
D. Brees | 29/35 | 288 | 2 | 0 |
Rushing | CAR | YDS | TD | LG |
P. Thomas | 19 | 36 | 0 | 9 |
K. Robinson | 3 | 9 | 0 | 8 |
Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
J. Graham | 10 | 135 | 0 | 38 |
P. Thomas | 9 | 55 | 2 | 25T |
D. Sproles | 3 | 31 | 0 | 19 |
CHICAGO BEARS | ||||
Passing | CP/AT | YDS | TD | INT |
J. Cutler | 24/33 | 358 | 2 | 0 |
Rushing | CAR | YDS | TD | LG |
J. Cutler | 4 | 27 | 0 | 12 |
M. Forte | 12 | 55 | 0 | 14 |
Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
M. Forte | 4 | 40 | 0 | 15 |
B. Marshall | 4 | 30 | 1 | 12 |
A. Jeffery | 10 | 218 | 1 | 58 |