Introduction: A Turning Point for the Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears secured a convincing 26-14 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, a win that not only improves their record to 4-2 for the 2025 season but also marks their fourth consecutive victory—a streak they haven’t achieved in several years. The Bears’ strong defensive performance, combined with timely offense, signals that the franchise may be shaking off the recent years of under-performance. With key roster moves, a new head coach in place, and a shifting stadium strategy, the Bears are showing signs of momentum.
Sunday’s game at Soldier Field provided more than just a critical win; it offered a glimpse into how the Bears are adapting under new leadership and evolving in key areas. The Saints—once a consistent foil to Chicago—entered the matchup as heavy underdogs, and the Bears wasted little time asserting control through turnovers, a dominant rushing attack, and disciplined defense. For a team that struggled to find consistency in recent years, this game may serve as a demonstration of what the new regime expects.
This article breaks down the game, highlights key player performances, explores strategic changes under head coach Ben Johnson, and reviews broader franchise developments—from roster moves to the looming stadium decision. While the Bears still have work ahead, the balance of recent events suggests they could be on the rise. We’ll explore five key takeaways as well as areas that need attention.
Game Recap: Bears vs Saints, Week 7
The Bears came into Sunday’s matchup off a 3-2 record and faced a Saints team struggling at 1-5. Kickoff at Soldier Field featured significant storylines, including Chicago’s goal of a fourth straight win and a chance to assert home-field momentum. According to the official game preview, the Bears had not achieved a four-game win streak since 2018, underlining the potential importance of this victory. The Saints, meanwhile, were in search of a turnaround under quarterback Spencer Rattler.
Chicago dominated early. The running game produced 222 yards, led by standout D’Andre Swift, and the defense forced four turnovers—key to flipping field position and setting the tone. The Bears’ kicker, Jake Moody, converted four field goals, underscoring special teams’ role in the win. For the Saints, Rattler threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns, but the turnovers and inability to generate a consistent rush offense ultimately hindered their cause.
By halftime, the Bears led 20-7, and they maintained control despite a brief Saints rally in the third quarter that narrowed the margin to 20-14. Chicago responded by protecting the lead and closing out the game 26-14. The win not only boosts their record but sends a message about the direction of the team under new leadership and improved execution on both sides of the ball.
Key Player & Unit Performances
Several Bears stood out in the win. D’Andre Swift’s rushing excellence (124 yards and a touchdown) keyed the offense and kept the Saints defense on its heels. Rookie running back Kyle Monangai also made his mark, scoring his first NFL touchdown with a 1-yard run. The offense’s ability to mix rushes and play-action kept New Orleans off balance, amplifying the impact of Chicago’s improved O-line play.
On defense, veteran Kevin Byard and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds anchored a unit that forced three interceptions and a fumble. The Bears sacked Rattler multiple times, disrupted the backfield, and limited the Saints’ rushing attack to under 100 yards. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen—formerly of the Saints—showed his familiarity with the opposition by exploiting scheme weaknesses and applying pressure strategically.
Special teams also contributed significantly. Jake Moody’s four field goals provided a steady hand, and key returns added favorable field position for the offense. It’s rare for special teams to decide a game outright, but in this case the consistent kicking and coverage complemented the overall performance and helped prevent costly mistakes.
Strategic Shifts Under Head Coach Ben Johnson
With Ben Johnson officially named head coach in January 2025, the Bears embarked on a rebuild of culture and identity. Johnson’s tenure at the Detroit Lions focused on high-pace offense and creative play-design, and Chicago appears to be following a variation of that blueprint with a stronger rushing presence, more varied personnel groupings, and a defense built to force turnovers and create momentum swings.
The Week 7 win reflects that shift: Chicago ran the ball successfully, minimized presnap penalties (a lingering issue earlier in the season), and executed situational football effectively. The offensive line appeared more cohesive, and Johnson’s willingness to lean on his running backs created play-action opportunities for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. While Williams still showed rookie moments, the smoother game flow and reduced mistakes mark progress.
Defensively, Johnson’s hire of Allen as coordinator has given the Bears a more disruptive, turnover-centric identity. The matchup versus the Saints—Allen’s former team—served almost as a proving ground for the new style of defense. The turnovers and pressure-based scheme mirror the approach Allen advocated and suggest the Bears are buying into the new system. Chicago’s ability to win tight games and dominate lesser opponents may derive from these strategic shifts more than just player talent improvements.
Roster Moves and Emerging Depth
Chicago’s roster has undergone meaningful changes this season. On October 18, the team activated running back Travis Homer and elevated kicker Jake Mood y from the practice squad, addressing depth issues at key positions. These moves reflect a push to leverage younger assets and make roster decisions that align with Johnson’s flexible approach. Earlier, the Bears also extended veteran offensive lineman Joe Thuney through 2027—a vote of confidence in the core of the offensive front.
Meanwhile, fan sentiment appears to be shifting. A recent poll indicated that 60% of Bears fans would like the team to be active buyers before the trade deadline, signaling renewed optimism. Although no major deals have been finalized, the franchise is positioned to augment depth on defense or pick up a veteran running back if the right opportunity emerges. This proactive posture aligns with the youthful trajectory of the roster and suggests management is committed to incremental improvements rather than full rebuild resets.
Emerging players such as Monangai and rookies in the offensive skill roles are receiving more snaps and proving valuable in niche packages. The ability to contribute in meaningful situations—especially in games like Sunday’s win—builds trust with the coaching staff and sets the stage for deeper integration as the season progresses.
Franchise Infrastructure: Stadium Plans and Long-Term Vision
Off the field, the Bears are advancing their plan for a new stadium, shifting focus to a 326-acre site in Arlington Heights rather than the previously considered lakefront location. The franchise described the move as “significant progress,” and the vision includes not just the stadium but adjacent retail, entertainment, and mixed-use development—a potential $5 billion project. Executing this plan may reshape the organization’s financial trajectory and regional footprint.
The stadium debate matters because it signals organizational ambition and resource availability—two factors that indirectly support on-field competitiveness. A modern facility with enhanced revenue streams gives the franchise more flexibility to invest in coaching, scouting, and roster upgrades. For a team showing signs of improved performance, the alignment of facility and roster investment could accelerate the rebuild.
That said, the plan is not without risk: approvals, construction timelines, and community cooperation remain uncertain. How the Bears balance on-field demands with long-term infrastructure commitments will likely influence their trajectory over the next five years. Still, the stadium project is a marker in the strategic evolution of the franchise from perennial struggler to emerging contender.
Key Takeaways & Areas for Improvement
- Turnover mastery: The Bears forced four turnovers against the Saints, showcasing a defense capable of shifting momentum quickly and converting those opportunities into points.
- Rushing resurgence: With over 220 rushing yards, the Bears proved they can lean on the run game and control the clock—both crucial for stable success.
- Special teams reliability: Jake Moody’s consistent performance at kicker removed a potential weakness and helped sustain leads during critical stretches.
- Depth activation: Elevating roles for younger players like Monangai and Homer shows the roster’s developing depth and increases flexibility in matchups.
- Infrastructure ambition: By advancing its stadium plan, the franchise signals a renewed organizational direction that aligns with the improved on-field product.
Despite the positives, areas remain that require attention:
- Quarterback consistency: While Caleb Williams shows promise, he still needs to reduce rookie errors and improve third-down conversions.
- Penalty management: Early-season presnap penalties re-emerged in parts of this game and must be cleaned up to avoid undermining gains.
- Defense against elite offenses: The Saints were a manageable opponent; upcoming matchups against stronger teams will test the Bears’ nascent identity.
Where to Watch, Listen and Follow the Bears
The Bears–Saints contest was broadcast Sunday at 1 p.m. ET (12 p.m. CST) on FOX from Soldier Field. Streaming coverage was available via major platforms and radio broadcast included affiliates WWL 870 AM/105.3 FM in New Orleans and the Bears’ network in Chicago. As the season progresses, fans can continue to follow via the official Bears website, team app alerts, and hour-by-hour commentary through the team’s media channels.
For fans tracking game day information, pre-game inactive lists revealed that defensive tackle Grady Jarrett was inactive for this matchup, and kicker Cairo Santos was also sidelined due to injury. The roster adjustment enabled Moody’s call-up and underscored the team’s depth readiness. As broadcast and streaming options evolve, fans should review the weekly schedule on FOX, NFL Sunday Ticket, or team‐affiliated digital platforms to ensure access.
The upcoming calendar includes critical games for the Bears’ playoff push, and game-day readiness will be key for staying in the conversation among NFC contenders. The team’s improving performance is attracting more attention, and broadcast-viewing figures may reflect that trend as the season progresses.
Conclusion
The Chicago Bears’ 26-14 victory over the Saints stands out as more than just another win—it may represent a turning point in a long-running rebuild. The blend of improved rushing attack, opportunistic defense, special-teams reliability, and emerging roster depth suggests the team is executing the foundational shifts planted by coach Ben Johnson and his staff. Combined with bold franchise decisions off the field, such as the evolution of stadium planning, the Bears are signaling a renewed ambition. To maintain momentum, the team must maintain discipline, refine its quarterback position, and demonstrate resiliency against stronger opponents. But for now, the Bears have reason to believe that this season could mark the beginning of a competitive resurgence.
