The Chicago Bears know they need all the help they can get if they’re going to upset the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. So the news that arrived 24 hours before game time wasn’t the most welcome. After initially being declared questionable for the game, linebacker Roquan Smith and wide receiver Darnell Mooney were both downgraded to OUT for the action. Two tough blows to each side of the ball for Chicago.
Smith has been the Bears’ best defensive player in 2020, racking up 139 tackles, four sacks, and two interceptions. His speed and tackling ability would’ve been crucial in this game against the ever-dangerous Alvin Kamara. As for Mooney, he’s become a dangerous weapon in the passing game. Especially after the catch with his speed and elusiveness.
Their losses will be extremely difficult for the team to cover up.
The Bears know what’s at stake for them in this game. They know the odds. Nobody is giving them a chance to win. The Saints have one of the best offenses in the NFL and a top 5 defense on top of it. When everything clicks for them, they can overwhelm even really good teams. Chicago hasn’t played great defense for months now and their offense remains at the mercy of their mercurial quarterback Mitch Trubisky.
Mooney had become a favorite weapon for him in recent weeks. Now the Saints are sure to blanket Allen Robinson in coverage, forcing somebody else to step up. That will have to be Anthony Miller. The former 2nd round pick has had a forgettable season but is still a quality target when he gets on a roll. Head coach Matt Nagy and his staff would be wise to get him in a rhythm early.
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Roquan Smith & Darnell Mooney have been downgraded from questionable to out for #CHIvsNO. Also, we have activated LB Manti Te’o & S Marqui Christian from the practice squad.#SuperWildCard | #DaBears
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 9, 2021
Chicago Bears will miss Smith more though
The Saints are still an offensively-driven team. They love to attack and score points. Kamara is probably their best weapon. His ability to run the ball and catch it out of the backfield is rivaled by few in the NFL. Smith would’ve been the one primarily responsible for chasing him down. Now that responsibility will fall to backup Josh Woods. While not a terrible player himself, he’s nowhere near the level Smith’s been at this year.
It’s going to take a complete effort from the rest of the defense to cover up his loss. Can Akiem Hicks and Danny Trevathan handle duties in run defense? Can somebody other than Khalil Mack rush the passer? Is Eddie Jackson ever going to make a big play in coverage? One piece of good news the Chicago Bears defense did get was the possible return of cornerback Jaylon Johnson from a recent shoulder injury. He’d be a big help against those Saints receivers.
Whether it’ll be enough is another story.
Nagy is fighting for his job right now. So is Trubisky. A blowout loss in New Orleans would not look great for them or GM Ryan Pace as well. The Bears need this game to save some skins. Not to mention get one more shot at the Packers.