Bears vs. Saints Game Balls: Party Like It’s 2018

Bears vs. Saints Game Balls: Party Like It’s 2018
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Everything is coming up in fours this week.

The Chicago Bears won their fourth game in a row for the first time since 2018.

The Bears defense forced four turnovers.

Jake Moody made four field goals on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, just like he did last week in his Bears’ debut in a victory over the Washington Commanders.

I was at the game with my dad. It was the fourth time he’s been to Soldier Field, and the fourth time he’s seen the Bears win there.

It was a successful Sunday for the most part at Soldier Field, as the Bears defeated the Saints 26-14. Sure, it wasn’t Caleb Williams’ best game, but not every game is going to be. And good teams find a way to lift up the team when one phase isn’t delivering. The Bears are on their way to being a good team, if they aren’t already.

Let’s get to the game balls.

Offense Game Ball: RB D’Andre Swift

Chicago, it’s true. We finally have a ground game. After failing to get anything going on the ground in the team’s first four games, Swift followed up his outstanding outing in Washington with another gem of a game at home against the Saints.

Swift rushed for 124 yards on 19 carries (6.5 average), one touchdown, and one catch for 14 yards. He was the dynamic running back every Bears fans hoped they were getting when he was signed last year, and he’s put together two outstanding outings in a row.

Altogether, the Bears’ rushed for 222 yards (the Saints only had 44!). Rookie Kyle Monongai was also terrific, picking up his first touchdown as a pro while also getting 13 carries for 81 yards (6.2 average). It appears the Bears have found their thunder and lightning.

Defense Game Ball: LB Tremaine Edmunds

An absolutely outstanding game from a guy who is showing everyone why the Bears signed him last year.

Edmunds was all over the field on Sunday, registering nine total tackles (six solo), one sack, one tackle for loss, a pass defended, an interception, and a QB hit.

Here’s a stat for you: Edmunds has 47 total tackles in his last four games. He’s been one of the key pieces in the re-emergence of the Bears defense this season. And his three interceptions so far this year ranks third in the league.

Truthfully, the defense game ball could have gone to many people this week. Kevin Byard had another interception (the 33rd of his career), which ties him with Devin Lloyd of the Jaguars for most in the league this season. In fact, Byard leads the league altogether in interceptions since 2016, his first year in the league, and he didn’t even have any his rookie season. So that means he’s spotted all other defenders a one year head start and still leads the league in picks since that point. That’s wild!

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