The New England Patriots are rolling into Week 7 with a 4-2 record, which is flat-out wild considering they are more battered and bruised than a heavyweight champ after fifteen rounds. They have lost multiple starters and valuable contributors to injury already this season, yet here they are, very much in the running for an AFC playoff spot. Of course, the 4-2 Chicago Bears are in the same boat in the NFC, plus they have the home field advantage on Thursday night and not quite the same injury woes. This is how the Patriots can leave Chicago with a huge five-win record.
Shut Down That Explosive Run Game
First up, the Patriots absolutely have to limit the Bears’ explosive runs. Chicago’s run game is a beast. They are first in the NFL in rushing attempts with 216, first in yards with 964, and second in touchdowns with 13. While they are 11th in yards per attempt at 4.5 and 12th in EPA per run at -0.076, theirs might not be the most efficient ground attack, but it gets the job done and can dictate the whole game. Ben Johnson’s offense has run the second-most plays in the league through six weeks, they are always pushing the pace.
The Patriots’ run defense is ranked above-average in all those categories except for EPA at -0.072, which is 24th in the league. That should mean they can handle it, but we saw some weaknesses against the New York Jets on Sunday. New England gave up four explosive runs of 10 yards or more in that game. Going against a Bears offense that averages 3.8 explosive runs per game, this could become a serious problem that plays right into Chicago’s hand.
Now, there is one piece of good news for New England: the Bears’ most consistent home-run hitter, Kyle Monangai, will not suit up on Thursday night. Thumb and toe injuries have forced the Bears to rule him out. Monangai forms a potent 1-2 punch with starter D’Andre Swift. He has had seven explosive runs already this season, including a 61-yard touchdown. Swift is definitely still able to generate big plays, but that crucial dual-threat element is not quite the same with one of those two dynamic backs inactive. It is a break for the Pats, they need to capitalize.
Stop the Modern QB Threat
The second critical thing the Patriots need to do is defend against the modern NFL quarterback, especially on the “second play.” Today’s QBs are not just pocket statues winning with processing and arm talent anymore. A Tom Brady-type could still succeed, sure, but that pure pocket passer is a dying breed in today’s league. The quarterback of the 2020s is mobile, able to threaten defenses in a variety of ways with his arm and his legs.
Caleb Williams, the Bears’ QB, is the absolute prototype of this modern-era player. He can make every throw in the book and simultaneously put pressure on teams as a scrambler or by extending plays. Those latter parts of his game are particularly challenging to defend. Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez has highlighted how tough it is. When Williams gets outside the pocket, he creates chaos, and New England’s defense must be ready to contain him, not just in the pocket, but when the play breaks down.
This Thursday night showdown isn’t just another game. It is the Patriots’ ticket to a 5-2 record heading into their mini bye, keeping those AFC playoff dreams alive. They need to come out focused and execute on these two critical areas if they want to get that crucial road win against another 4-2 squad.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
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