New Orleans Saints vs Chicago Bears 2025 Week 7 Recap

Greyson Jenkins • October 19, 2025

In a game where the Saints looked to beat former head coach Dennis Allen, the team put up their worst performances of the year at multiple spots. 

New Orleans Saints 14 - 26 Chicago Bears


 The Saints somehow found a way to have a more upsetting loss than their horrific loss to the Seahawks earlier this season. They were bad across all sides of the ball, plain and simple. Spencer Rattler might have had the worst game of his career, and Dennis Allen looked like the best DC in the league. For Spencer Rattler and Saints fans in the year 2025, that may be the worst outcome possible. 


The Positives

This is going to be quick, because there are only two positives that stand out to me. Chris Olave. Chase Young. Two players that are clearly solid building pieces for this team in the future. 


 Chris Olave had a huge bounce back game after his tough performance last week, in which he had multiple drops. He turned in those drops for two touchdowns in this one, something Olave had never previously done in his career, which is a great sign for this team’s future. Although Olave had those two massive touchdowns, I really wish the Saints tried to get him more involved both earlier and later in the game like they did last week. There are rumors going around the NFL and social media that the Saints and Chris Olave are working on an extension, and if true, Chris Olave may have earned himself a few extra million dollars today.


 Chase Young has only played two games for the team this year, as he suffered a calf injury before the week one matchup with the Cardinals. That being said, in the two games he has played, last week and today, he has definitely made an impact for this team. In this game he batted down two passes at the line, and had a half sack shared with Bryan Bresee. These numbers aren’t jaw dropping statlines that the top edges in the league may put up, but Chase was providing a great amount of push on his side. The problem is, most times Chase Young is getting push, Chris Rumph, Carl Granderson, or Cam Jordan fail to do so and Caleb Williams was able to freely roll out the opposite way. If the Saints go into the draft and get a game wrecker edge to go across from him, the pass rush could immediately be set up for success next season. Right now, the pass rush does not look good at all, and they’re giving quarterbacks all the time in the world in the pocket, but Chase Young is a sign that there may be light on the horizon. 


The Negatives


Spencer Rattler played his worst game of the season today, if not his whole career. He finished the game 20 of 32 for 233 yards, 2 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and a fumble lost. Woof. In the first half, before the final drive, Rattler was clearly flustered by the Bears defensive line getting constant pressure. He had less than 10 passing yards until that final drive where he found Olave two times for one massive gain and a touchdown. He then followed that up with another touchdown to Olave, but the struggles soon came back thereafter. Spencer Rattler threw multiple bad picks today, each being directly to a defender, and one being into triple coverage. 

Spencer Rattler is a guy that Saints fans wanted to be more aggressive, myself included, and he finally seemed to jump head first into an aggressive playstyle without any second thought. On his second interception, it appeared as though he could have ran for a few yards. Instead? He ended up waiting too long and practically directed Kevin Byard to the interception. In addition, he had a throw that should have been picked off, if it weren’t for two Bears defenders absolutely crushing one another and breaking up the pass. 

This performance heats up the Shough conversations, and they are now louder than they have ever been before. Spencer Rattler couldn’t afford an implosion game like he had today, and this performance on top of his record, really makes the Saints consider seeing what they have in the 40th overall pick (at least in my eyes). I’d completely understand if Kellen Moore and the team want to give him another shot next week against the Buccaneers, so that the team can see if this was merely a fluke performance. Spencer Rattler needs to find a midpoint between his aggressive and conservative playstyles to succeed in this league, and if he can’t, then I could see Tyler Shough’s number being called in the 504 soon. 


 Both the offensive and defensive lines played terribly today for the Saints, with the run game not being able to pick up anything against the worst defense in terms of rushing yards per game, and the defense allowing over 6 yards per carry to both featured Bears running backs. Early in the game, Jaquan Brisker was able to get pressure through Taliese Fuaga, Juwan Johnson, and Alvin Kamara, and the Bears were able to get pressure on Rattler even when the Saints had max protection to help Rattler. It is inexcusable, nothing else to say. On top of this, Erik McCoy went down with an arm injury in this one, with Kellen Moore saying some concern is present. Without McCoy, this offensive line could have massive struggles on the inside, and put even more demand on the young tackles who don’t need more on their already full plate. 

The defense struggled against the run in this one, with holes that trucks could drive through being available for both Swift and Monangai multiple times. Not only that, but the holes opened up so quickly that the running backs were able to get to the second level at full speed, making it harder on the linebackers and secondary to make tackles. Let me say this too, it has nothing to do with the defensive line, but Justin Reid absolutely struggled all over the field today. Talking about run defense made me think of it, but Reid was terrible in run help and also had multiple blown coverages. If I had a say, I’d put in Jordan Howden, and get on the phone to move Reid for some draft compensation. 


 I can’t believe I am having to write about him again, but Blake Grupe missed another kick. Is he the reason the Saints lost the game? No, but he surely isn’t someone any fan or player involved with this team should trust to go out there and help win them games. Yes, the kick was from over 50 yards out. Yes, the weather wasn’t great. It doesn’t matter anymore. He has been given his chance to clean it up and he has failed. Kellen Moore and Co. need to do something to apply pressure this week, whether that be giving Charlie Smyth a real shot or bringing in some kickers for tryouts. It may not solve all of the Saints issues, but it would at least mean that Kellen Moore does not accept mediocrity and constant mistakes. 


 Kellen Moore did not have a good game as a playcaller. He had a great two drives on the two drives that ended in touchdowns, but had numerous questionable decisions sprinkled throughout today. First of all, running inside on third and long is very uninspiring, and makes me lack the trust he has in Rattler. However, he decided not to run on third and fourth down when the Saints needed less than a yard on their final offensive possession of the game, which tells me he didn’t trust the run game. Additionally, Kellen Moore has failed to truly get Devaughn Vele involved in any game this season, which makes no sense considering they invested draft compensation in him when the team needs nothing but more draft picks. If you trade for someone, especially a fourth rounder, you need to make them a part of your gameplan. Kellen Moore has showed some promise, and by no means is he the reason this team is failing (at least so far), so I want to see if he improves throughout the rest of the season. 


Closing and Team MVPs


 By no means did I think the Saints were a sure thing to win this game, but I definitely believed they could make it close. Players across all phases of the game looked like they have never played the sport before, and that can’t be happening this late in the season, especially when veterans are some of the ones making the mistakes. The Saints need to commit fully to the younger players on this roster, and see what they can do the rest of this season. I don’t think Shough will start next week, but if Rattler somehow turns this performance into a trend, Shough will get playing time this season. 


Offensive MVP: Chris Olave


Defensive MVP: NONE. Pathetic. (2 weeks in a row)


Special Teams MVP: NONE. (Can we please put Shaheed back there on kickoffs if we aren’t going to use him more as a receiver?)


A quick share helps us a lot!

This Facebook widget is no longer supported.

Why Peyton "Pop" Houston Could Play a Major Role in LSU's Pursuit of Easton RoyalWhy Peyton "Pop" Houston Could Play a Major Role in LSU's Pursuit of Easton Royal

By Auston Taylor • July 8, 2026
 LSU has made it clear that five-star wide receiver Easton Royal remains one of its top priorities in the 2027 recruiting class. Although Royal is currently committed to Texas, LSU has continued to recruit him aggressively. Based on recent recruiting events and public reporting, one factor that could strengthen the Tigers' position is the presence of quarterback commit Peyton "Pop" Houston. While no outcome is guaranteed in recruiting, Houston's relationship with Royal has become one of the more intriguing storylines surrounding LSU's 2027 class. According to recruiting coverage from The Opening and reports from And The Valley Shook, Houston and Royal showcased noticeable chemistry while competing together on the national stage. Houston also drew attention by winning the event's longest throw competition with a reported 67-yard throw, further reinforcing why many evaluators consider him one of the premier quarterback prospects in the 2027 class. In my view, Houston has the potential to become much more than another highly rated offensive commitment. Elite quarterbacks often become magnets for other top recruits, and early signs suggest Houston could have that kind of influence on LSU's 2027 recruiting class. Why Houston Matters in Royal's Recruitment Quarterback and wide receiver relationships have become one of the most influential factors in modern recruiting. Elite receivers aren't simply choosing a school—they're choosing an offense, a coaching staff, and perhaps most importantly, the quarterback who will help maximize their abilities. If Royal ultimately views Houston as LSU's quarterback of the future, it gives the Tigers another compelling selling point. Rather than asking Royal to imagine what the offense could become, LSU can point to chemistry that has already been displayed during national recruiting events. That doesn't guarantee a commitment flip, but it does provide LSU with something tangible that few recruiting pitches can offer: an established connection between two elite prospects. LSU's History Shows Why This Matters LSU's greatest offensive seasons have consistently featured elite quarterbacks throwing to elite receivers. During the Tigers' historic 2019 National Championship season, Joe Burrow captured the Heisman Trophy while throwing to arguably the greatest receiving corps in college football history—Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Terrace Marshall Jr. That offense rewrote NCAA record books and remains the standard for modern college football offenses. A few years later, history repeated itself. Jayden Daniels won the 2023 Heisman Trophy while benefiting from one of the nation's most explosive receiving duos in Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. Daniels' remarkable development was certainly his own, but LSU's elite receiving talent allowed the offense to reach another level. The lesson is clear: great quarterbacks elevate receivers, but elite receivers also help quarterbacks reach championship-level production. That history gives LSU a compelling message for recruits considering Baton Rouge. Peyton "Pop" Houston's Development Houston's rise as one of Louisiana's premier quarterback prospects is backed by more than recruiting rankings. Evaluators consistently praise his arm strength, touch, ability to extend plays outside the pocket, and willingness to attack defenses vertically. His continued development at Evangel Christian Academy has made him one of the foundation pieces of LSU's 2027 recruiting class. The Bigger Picture If LSU eventually pairs Peyton Houston with Easton Royal, it would represent much more than another recruiting victory. It would signal that LSU landed a quarterback capable of attracting elite talent around him while adding a receiver willing to build alongside that vision. Programs that consistently compete for championships often see recruiting momentum build this way. Elite quarterbacks attract receivers. Elite receivers attract additional offensive talent. Once that cycle begins, recruiting classes can quickly become special. None of this guarantees that Easton Royal will flip his commitment. Texas remains in a strong position, and recruiting decisions can change for countless reasons. However, Houston's emergence gives LSU something every elite program hopes to have: a quarterback capable of becoming the centerpiece of an entire recruiting class. LSU has already witnessed what happens when championship-caliber quarterbacks are paired with elite receivers. Joe Burrow won the Heisman Trophy. Jayden Daniels won the Heisman Trophy. If Peyton "Pop" Houston eventually helps bring Easton Royal to Baton Rouge, it could become one of the defining recruiting stories of LSU's 2027 class—and perhaps the first step toward building another explosive Tiger offense.

Tight End Room Outlook: Revamped and Ready To Roll

By Kaden Arkeder • July 4, 2026
The tight end room has some fresh blood and they look poised to be more impactful heading into next season. With the new arrivals of Noah Fant and third round draft pick Oscar Delp the offense will have the ability to play more in multiple tight end sets to create mismatches for the defense. Multiple tight end sets should allow the Saints to improve the run game and conversely the play action game. Playing in tight end heavy sets was something they were unable to do more of last year due to injuries and lack of talent at the tight end position. Mainstay and the only returning starting caliber player is Juwan Johnson. Johnson had a good year last year as one of the few reliable targets in the passing game aside from Chris Olave. Johnson is looking to build on a solid year where he had 77 receptions for 889 receiving yards with 3 touchdowns. He was a security blanket when Rattler was starting and had quite a few big plays when Shough took over as the starting quarterback. With Shough coming into the season as the presumed starter I expect their connection to be even better next season. Someone hoping to have a better connection with a new QB is Noah Fant. Fant was a first round pick back in 2019 with the Broncos but has never quite lived up to his draft status. Fant will be playing on his third team in three years as he seeks to be a quality rotational piece in the offense and find stability for his career here in New Orleans. Fant should be utilized more in the passing game than in the running game but should be able to hold his own when called upon to do his part on run downs. Fant has been on a statistical decline since his time with Denver as his best receiving season came in at 68/670/4 back in 2021. Although his stats have been declining Fant still has plenty to offer with his athleticism and should produce more given a better opportunity. After Fant in the depth chart should be Oscar Delp who could be the x-factor of the tight end room after being selected in the third round of the draft this year. Delp brings a versatile option to the offense as he can lineup in various spots and handle the rigors of blocking in the run game. Delp’s calling card in college was his elite athleticism which jumps off the screen when you watch his tape. He has the ability to turn a five yard catch into an explosive play with how quickly he can get to top speed. Delp is an adequate, willing blocker where like most new tight ends in the league has room to improve in the blocking area of his game. With his versatility and athleticism I believe Delp will play a pivotal role in the offense this upcoming season. With Delp presumed to round out the depth chart at tight end the remaining tight ends will be competing for spots on the practice squad or spots on another team. This group includes Cody Hardy, Treyton Welch, Moliki Matavao, and Zaire Mitchell-Paden. We’ve seen Welch and Matavao from last season fill in admirably after some injuries but are best served as bench options at this point in time in their development. This group of roster hopefuls should hopefully provide some good competition from one another as we progress through training camp and preseason here shortly. Overall this group has a lot more promise heading into this season as it did last year. By getting younger and more athletic the tight ends will play a more prominent role in Kellen Moore’s offense. Whether it’s Juwan building on last season or Fant having a bounce back year or Delp proving to be revelation, the team is going to have plenty of options to choose from to attack the defense. Exactly what this team needed after not having enough last season.
Show More