It wasn’t pretty, but it’s a win. The New Orleans Saints took care of business against the Chicago Bears on Sunday in a performance powered by five takeaways — helping to make up for a number of big plays allowed by that same Saints defense.
But New Orleans did enough on offense and special teams to overcome those miscues, taking advantage of the extra possessions to win 24-17. Dennis Allen’s team is 5-4 for the first time in his five-year career as a head coach. But that success is largely due to the defensive backs he personally scouted, drafted, and developed. Let’s recap each turnover and its impact on the game:
1
Paulson Adebo's first interception
Here comes Debo. Paulson's 3rd INT of the season 🔥
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/O2oE56nRP6
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 5, 2023
Adebo’s first interception came midway through the first quarter, setting the Saints offense up inside Bears territory for their first scoring drive of the afternoon.
2
Paulson Adebo's forced fumble and recovery
THE PAULSON PUNCH 🥊
Adebo with his second turnover today
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/3B3jajB3F0
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 5, 2023
You don’t see a defender force and recovery a fumble on the same play too often, but Adebo pulled it off. He punched the ball loose from DJ Moore’s hands early in the third quarter to set up a Saints field goal — giving the team the lead.
3
Marcus Maye's interception
Marcus Maye INT! 🐊#GatorMade | @alldayMAYE
NFL Sunday Ticket On YouTube https://t.co/Ofl669dcIz pic.twitter.com/50A4EGu8BJ
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) November 5, 2023
Not to be outdone, Marcus Maye intercepted Tyson Bagent inside Chicago territory early in the fourth quarter. The Saints offense wasn’t able to make much out of that opportunity with a turnover on downs (they sloppily executed a quarterback sneak with Derek Carr under center), but it was a momentum-killer for Chicago.
4
Paulson Adebo's second interception
A career day for Paulson Adebo 🔥
2 INTs, 1 FF, 1 FR, 7 TKLS, 3 passes defended
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/ED5OAO9XYo
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 5, 2023
Adebo intercepted Bagent again late in the fourth quarter near midfield, cutting another Bears drive well short of their aspirations. Again, the Saints weren’t able to take advantage of the situation offensively, ultimately choosing to punt — but a great effort play by Isaac Yiadom sent Lou Hedley’s punt out of bounds at the 2-yard line.
5
Demario Davis forces fumble, Pete Werner recovers
WHAT A HIT DEMARIO. PETE WITH THE RECOVERY.
Our FIFTH turnover forced today
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/jodhK29oyh
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 5, 2023
Demario Davis called game, stripping the ball out of Bagent’s hands in the final minutes for a fumble — which his teammate Pete Werner fell on to effectively seal the win. The offense ran out the clock and the Saints improved to 5-4 with a lead on the NFC South title race.
