Bears March In To Face Saints

The Chicago Bears are preparing to face another NFC South opponent for the second week in a row. This time, they will be on the road facing the New Orleans Saints. However, the Saints (0-1) will have had 10 days to prepare for the Bears (1-0), and should be very well rested.

The big story during this week has been Brian Urlacher and the passing of his mother. Urlacher, who was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week, left the team to be with his family, and since has returned to the Bears and is likely to play on Sunday.

The rest of Chicago’s defense will rally around Urlacher and hope to build on the momentum from last week’s dominating performance against the Atlanta Falcons. Making things more interesting, the Bears’ front seven will be going facing their former teammate in Olin Kruetz.

Jay Cutler just might be in for another high passing total going up against a Saints defense that allowed Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers to pass for 312 yards and three touchdowns in Week 1. Cutler just might have to do so without the services of receiver Roy Williams, whose status is uncertain due to a groin injury sustained in last week’s victory over the Falcons.

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Fourth-year running back Matt Forte should feel right at home playing in the Louisiana Superdome. The Slidell, LA native played in the Superdome while staring as the feature back at Tulane University.

More of the load will be put on Forte since second-string running back Marion Barber will miss his second consecutive game due to a left calf injury sustained in the preseason. Third-string running back Kahlil Bell will see some extensive time as he did in Week 1.

On the offensive line, the fact remains that they still need to protect Cutler. The o-line surrendered five sacks last week, although they did look good as a unit overall. Right guard Lance Louis, who left last week’s game with an ankle injury, has not practiced up to this point this week, and may be replaced with veteran Chris Spencer.

This will be the second of three consecutive games versus NFC opponents that made it to the playoffs last season for the Chicago Bears. This will definitely be a daunting task for the Bears going into a loud, hostile environment. Getting a win against one of the NFC’s best on the road will be just what the doctor ordered with the next roadblock being the defending world champs, the Green Bay Packers.

By Clyde Speller
ProFootball-fans.com Chicago Bears Correspondent