Chicago - Just like the vast expanse of fog that blanketed downtown Chicago and Soldier Field on Sunday afternoon, the New Orleans Saints defense, clad again in their all-white uniforms, swallowed another NFL offense, this time the Chicago Bears and quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.
It was the fourth consecutive game the defense has suffocated an opposing offense, strangling any signs of life with a strong pass rush, sure tackling and step-for-step pass coverage. After holding Dallas, Tampa Bay and Jacksonville to an average of 245 yards per game, the defense stayed the course vs. the Bears, limiting them to 252 yards of offense. It took the Bears until the fourth quarter to break the 100-yard mark.
The result: a 36-25 victory, the team's fifth consecutive. Sunday's result - which wasn't as close as the final score indicated, the Bears (3-3) recovered an onside kick late in the game - was all the more impressive considering which players weren't on the field. Franchise quarterback Drew Brees missed his fifth consecutive game and he was joined on the sideline by star running back Alvin Kamara and tight end Jared Cook, the team's prized pickup in free agency. But everyone that mattered was on the field for the defense and it delivered another stifling performance. Star defensive end Cameron Jordan had two sacks, moving him to solo third all-time on the team's sack list, the defense forced two fumbles and completely flummoxed Trubisky, who was returning to the lineup from a shoulder injury. The defense did not give up a rushing first down, the fourth time that has happened in franchise history.
"We won the battle up front," Coach Sean Payton said.
The Bears offense managed a 7-yard touchdown pass from Trubisky with 2:31 to play and a 6-yard TD pass with 48 seconds to play and the defense in prevent mode. The other Chicago touchdown came on a 102-yard kickoff return in the first half. At one point, the Saints scored 27 unanswered points.
The Saints special teams contributed again, this time with a blocked punt that led to a safety and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater continued to play winning football, throwing two touchdown passes, one to tight end Josh Hill and one to fellow quarterback Taysom Hill. Latavius Murray was excellent filling in for the injured Kamara with two rushing touchdowns and 119 yards on 27 carries. Receiver Michael Thomas was well, Michael Thomas, with nine catches for 131 yards.
At 6-1, the Saints are up two games in the win column on the idle Carolina Panthers (4-2) and are doing their best to keep pace with the top teams in the NFC (undefeated San Francisco and the 6-1 Green Bay Packers).
When the game was still in doubt in the first half, kicker Wil Lutz set the NFL record for consecutive made field goals on the road with 35.
The Saints will play host to the Arizona Cardinals (3-3-1) next Sunday, Oct. 27 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Cardinals defeated the New York Giants on Sunday.
Cornerback Patrick Robinson left the game in the first half with a hamstring injury and starting cornerback Eli Apple left the game after the final Bears touchdown pass
For complete Saints-Bears stats, click here.
Check out photos of the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Black)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Black)
New Orleans Saints running back Latavius Murray (28) is tackled by Chicago Bears inside linebacker Roquan Smith (58) and outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New Orleans Saints linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong (50) plays against Chicago Bears running back Mike Davis (25) during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Chicago Bears punter Pat O'Donnell (16) chases down the ball into the end zone after a blocked punt by the New Orleans Saints during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. The play resulted in a safety for the Saints. (AP Photo/Mark Black)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New Orleans Saints tight end Josh Hill (89) runs in for a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New Orleans Saints fullback Zach Line (42) runs against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Chicago Bears kicker Eddy Pineiro (15) kicks a field goal against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) throws against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) pitches to wide receiver Anthony Miller (17) during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
The New Orleans Saints huddle during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Black)
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
New Orleans Saints kicker Wil Lutz (3) is congratulated by holder Thomas Morstead during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Black)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson (12) cuts in front of New Orleans Saints strong safety Vonn Bell (24) during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Black)
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) is chased by Chicago Bears nose tackle Eddie Goldman (91) during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Black)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Ted Ginn (19) drops a pass in the end zone as he's hit by Chicago Bears cornerback Prince Amukamara (20) during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) its tackled by Chicago Bears strong safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) and cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
New Orleans Saints running back Latavius Murray (28) dives in for a touchdown between Chicago Bears inside linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) and free safety Eddie Jackson (39) during the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New Orleans Saints running back Latavius Murray (28) dives in for a touchdown between Chicago Bears inside linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) and free safety Eddie Jackson (39) during the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New Orleans Saints running back Latavius Murray (28) dives in for a touchdown between Chicago Bears inside linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) and free safety Eddie Jackson (39) during the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New Orleans Saints running back Latavius Murray (28) celebrates a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New Orleans Saints running back Latavius Murray (28) celebrates a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Check out photos of the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
New Orleans Saints outside linebacker A.J. Klein (53) celebrates a fumble recovery against the Chicago Bears during the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New Orleans Saints strong safety Vonn Bell (24) celebrates a sack with outside linebacker Demario Davis (56) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New Orleans Saints strong safety Vonn Bell (24) celebrates a sack with outside linebacker Demario Davis (56) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Deonte Harris (11) returns a punt for an apparent touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. The play was negated by a holding call on the Saints. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Deonte Harris (11) returns a punt for an apparent touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. The play was negated by a holding call on the Saints. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) runs against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill (7) runs after a catch against the Chicago Bears during the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) pressures Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Check out photos of the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out photos of the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out photos of the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out photos of the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
Check out photos of the on-field action between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
