3 takeaways from the Bears 24-17 Loss To the Saints
The Bears fall to 2-7 after losing 24-17 to the Saints on Sunday. This seven-point loss to the Saints was the Bears’ second-smallest loss of the season. That should mean the Bears team is improving, right? Well, sort of. The Bears had a few bright spots in this loss to the Saints, but there are still some major issues with the team. With that in mind, here are the three biggest takeaways from the loss to the Saints.
Cole Kmet Impresses
Photo Credit: Chicago Bears
This offseason, Bears general manager Ryan Poles signed tight end Cole Kmet to a four-year $50 million contract extension. This was a fair contract extension for the still-developing Kmet. Kmet was having a decent season entering the Saints game with 35 catches on 42 targets for 319 yards and one touchdown. Kmet’s touchdown output in the first eight games was not great, thanks to the Bears’ lackluster offense. However, he still put up respectable receiving numbers.
Kmet’s touchdown output tripled against the Saints after securing two touchdowns. Both of Kmet’s touchdown catches were great plays on his part. On his first touchdown, he pulled down a 50/50 ball against Tyrann Mathieu, showing his strong hands. Kmet’s other score came on a block and released play where he manhandled his blocking assignment and found space in the end zone for an easy touchdown. Along with those two touchdowns, Kmet also had six catches on eight targets for 55 yards. This type of performance is exactly why Kmet was extended this offseason and is why it is important they always work him into the game plan.
Darnell Mooney Shows up
Photo Credit: Chicago Bears
Entering this week, wide receiver Darnell Mooney had just 15 catches on 28 attempts for 225 yards and one touchdown. Those stats show that Mooney has done little to impress with his opportunities this season. That is disappointing since this is a contract year for Mooney and he was hoping for a bounce-back season.
Although Mooney didn't make much of his opportunities in weeks 1-8, the Bears incorporated him into the game plan in week 9. This allowed Mooney to have his best game of the season, making five catches on six targets for 82 yards. Even though these aren’t spectacular numbers, allowing Mooney to build in-game confidence could help him be more consistent the rest of the season. If Mooney can put together a few more games like this and score a few touchdowns, he might be able to secure a contract extension next offseason.
Too many mistakes
Mistakes have been a constant theme of the Bears in 2023, whether it’s penalties or turnovers. This week against the Saints was no different, as the Bears had eight penalties, resulting in a loss of 71 yards. It is clear that these penalty issues will persist for the rest of the season. That fact points right back at the coaching staff for not teaching discipline.
On top of the penalties, the Bears also turned the ball over five times against the Saints. The Bears’ five giveaways consisted of three interceptions and two fumbles. Every interception rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent throw was due to him misreading coverages. While rookie quarterbacks, especially ones that are undrafted, are bound to make mistakes reading coverages three interceptions is a little much. Along with his interceptions, Bagent also got stripped of the ball on a sack. So it is safe to say he did not have a great day protecting the ball. Even with all these turnovers the Bears still managed to only lose by seven. Maybe. if they did not turn the ball over as much they could have won this game.