Saints QB Spencer Rattler and his teammate miss the perfect chance at ultimate revenge during NFC clash for different reasons

The New Orleans Saints fell to the Chicago Bears in Week 7, but the loss had a bit of salt in it for the black and gold's wounds. Now, at 1-6, the loss to Caleb Williams, Dennis Allen, and Ben Johnson's squad forced multiple key Saints players to look themselves in the mirror with frustration for a multitude of reasons.

Kendre Miller suffers injury early vs. Dennis Allen's defense

The young running back, who felt plenty of Allen's wrath while in New Orleans, came up short on delivering against Allen's new defense due to no particular fault of his own. Rather, Miller left the game early due to a knee injury. Now, we know he tore his ACL and will miss the remainder of the season.

It is a difficult blow for Miller, who way playing the best football of his pro career so far this season. He had worked in more often as the backup to Alvin Kamara and proven to be a true game-changer when it came to his tackle-breaking ability. The Saints will need to find ways to fill in for him going forward, and Miller wants able to get a last laugh against a coach who made some questionable comments and decisions regarding him earlier in his career.

Spencer Rattler's opportunity for revenge against Caleb Williams comes up short

Rattler's time with Oklahoma was marred by inconsistency early on, and pressure from fans to turn to Caleb Williams, now the Bears starting QB.

"Back in 2021, the Oklahoma Sooners were in the catbird seat under center. They boasted a five-star recruit in Rattler and a promising youngster seated behind him in Williams. It seemed like an ideal situation -- that is, until an ugly first half against rival Texas prompted coach Lincoln Riley to bench Rattler for the younger Williams. The rest is history. Only a freshman, Williams sparked an incredible comeback in the storied rivalry game, claiming the job permanently (until he followed Riley to USC) and sending Rattler east as a transfer to South Carolina, where he finished his collegiate career." -- NFL.com

Rattler talked about his history with the fellow former Sooners QB and how it affected his long-term outlook on being a leader and quarterback before the game even kicked off. He wasn't focused on just beating Williams, but he wanted to get his team a win.

"The past is the past. We're focused on the present and the future, but I would say, yeah, that definitely led me to South Carolina... It was a blessing in disguise that I got to play with the Gamecocks and develop there and get ready to the league after that." -- Rattler on his benching at OU

I talked about Williams' overall season leading up to the Saints matchup with A to Z Chicago's Kole Noble. He's made strides, but there's still more to work on going forward for the young QB.

"From what we’ve seen over the first five games of the season, Caleb Williams has taken major strides when it comes to playing within the structure of Ben Johnson’s offense. Williams is progressing through the reads and understanding where to go with the football at a much higher level compared to a season ago. Johnson continues to pair that with Williams’ mobility to make him more of a threat. Add in Williams’ poise leading the offense in late-game moments, he’s really starting to come into his own as a complete quarterback." -- Kole Noble, A to Z Sports Chicago

Unfortunately for Rattler, he had his worst performance of the season against Williams' Bears, throwing three interceptions and losing a fumble. He will look to bounce back in Week 8.