Game Preview: Bears vs Patriots

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The Patriots and Bears will square off Monday night in a rare matchup between the two teams. This will mark the first of five primetime games for the Patriots. Mac Jones is set to return to the Patriots, Jones hasn’t played since Week 3. Let’s dive in and take a look at everything on the line for Week 7.

Quick hits

• This game will mark the 15th matchup against these two teams, the most recent coming in 2018 when the Patriots won 38-31.
• The Patriots have won the last five matchups against the Bears, dating back to 2000.
• The Bears are 0-2 when playing at Gillette and are one of three teams who are winless at Gillette.
• Since the two teams met in the Super Bowl in 1986, New England has been 8-1 against Chicago.
• With a win this week, Bill Belichick will take sole possession of the second place in most wins of all time (347). Furthermore, if the Patriots win, Belichick will be in sole possession of the second place for most regular season wins with one team.
• The Patriots have not allowed a rushing touchdown to an opposing running back all season. New England is the only team in the NFL that has not allowed an opposing running back to score. The longest the Patriots have gone without allowing a rushing touchdown by an opposing running back was eight games in 2019.
• CB Jalen Mills needs one interception this week to match his career-high (3).
• If Tyquan Thornton has a rushing touchdown this week, he will become the first rookie wide receiver with two rushing touchdowns.
• Matthew Slater will be in sole possession of second place with the most games played as a Patriot (213). He would only be behind Tom Brady, who has 285.
• With one sack Detrich Wise Jr. will set a career-high with six sacks in a single season.
• Bill Belichick has 27 wins on Monday Night Football, which is third all-time.

What to look for

Quarterback Cotversey?

Mac Jones reportedly be starting at quarterback Monday night. Mac Jones exited against the Ravens in Week 3 with a high ankle sprain and hasn’t appeared since. In Week 4, veteran backup Brian Hoyer started but left in the first quarter due to a concussion. It has been the Bailey Zappe show since. The Western Kentucky product has thrown for 596 yards (51/70). Many New England fans now wonder who they want at quarterback. If Mac Jones isn’t 100%, will he still play, or will Zappe Start? That’s the million-dollar question.

Damien Harris comes back, but will he be the starter?

Starting running back, Damien Harris will return to action this week after leaving Week 5 with a hamstring injury. The Patriots have been splitting snaps between sophomore back Rhamondre Stevenson and veteran Damien Harris. Stevenson is producing better than Harris thus far, so the question is, who will be the starting running back tomorrow?

Primetime lights shine bright.

The Patriots will play their first primetime game of the season. After that, they are set to play four more in a row. Starting with a thanksgiving Thursday night matchup, to a Bills matchup, and then two Monday night games on the West Coast.

Tyquan impact on the offesne.

Tyquan Thornton returned to action last week against the Browns with four receptions for 37 yards and three carries for 16 yards and a touchdown. The second-round pick was placed on the IR during the preseason due to a collarbone injury. However, with WR Kendrick Bourne not expected to play and WR Nelson Agholor questionable, the Baylor product should see some more snaps on Monday.

Will the Jones continue their dominant play?

Rookies Marcus Jones and Jack Jones have brought a spark to New England. CB Jack Jones has emerged as a young threat to opposing wide receivers. He has two interceptions thus far, including one taken to the house. He is PFF’s highest-rated rookie defender and should be in the conversation for DROTY later in the season. Meanwhile, rookie Marcus Jones is returning punts and kicks for New England and is doing exponentially well. He is at the league’s top in many return metrics, and his speed and agility are second to none. With New England having trouble moving the ball, Jones is giving them a spark on special teams.

Who has the advantage?

When the Patriots run: Winner: Patriots

The Patriots have been running the ball very well this season. Running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Damien Harris have split the workload thus far, but Harris was out with a hamstring injury last week. On the ground, Stevenson rushed for 76 yards and two touchdowns, which was an uncharacteristically slow day. He should handle most of the snaps as Harris works his way off his injury. The Patriots are averaging 130.2 rushing yards a game (9th), while the Bears are giving up 163 yards per game (27th). Chicago is 24th, allowing 4.8 yards a game. New England should succeed with their run game, especially if the forecast holds with projected rain.

When the Bears run: Winner: Patriots

Although the Bear’s offense has struggled to put points on the board, their run game is productive, averaging 170 yards per game (2nd) and 5.2 yards a carry. (7th) The run game is similar to New England’s as it is a two-back committee. David Montgomery is the starter, but with injuries, Khalil Herbert has taken over. Herbert is averaging 6.4 yards per carry and has just over 400 yards on the season with three touchdowns. Montgomery is averaging 4.1 yards per carry with 246 yards and a touchdown. New England’s run defense has improved since last season but has still struggled, although last week, they stopped the NFL’s number one back, Nick Chubb, and limited him to 12 carries for 64 yards. However, QB Justin Fields is another strong dynamic runner with 54 carries for 282 yards. The Bears are last in the league in pass attempts. Expect the Patriots to make Chicago one-dimensional and try to stop the run.

When the Patriots pass: Winner: Patriots

It will be a tough matchup as Chicago’s secondary has proved capable of stopping opponents. The Bears are fourth in the league allowing 178.7 yards per game passing. Last week four different pass catchers had 60+ yards for New England, the first time since 2017. Last week WR Nelson Agholor was inactive, giving more opportunities for second-round draft pick Tyquan Thornton. Thornton found the endzone twice, scoring a rushing touchdown and receiving a touchdown. New England is in the middle of the league averaging 223.3 yards a game through the air. With rain expected in the forecast, this should be a run-first game.

When the Bears pass: Winner: Patriots

Justin Fields has only attempted 115 passes. It is Week 7. Out of those 115 passes, he’s been sacked 23 times. It’s safe to say the Chicago passing attack is not good, averaging just over 120 yards per game through the air. Meanwhile, the Patriot’s pass rush is generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks and is 8th in sacks with 17. New England’s secondary is also finding ways to get their hands on the football, and they have six interceptions, tied for sixth. Darnell Money leads the team with 241 yards on 17 receptions for the Bears. However, Patriots legend N’keal Harry will make his debut after he got injured in the preseason. Harry was traded to the Bears last summer for a late-round pick. New England drafted Harry in the first round in 2019, but he never shined and often lacked ball skills. New England should have no problem containing Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears.

Special teams: Winner: Patriots

Jake Bailey’s punting has struggled this year, with multiple touchbacks, and he has the lowest net yards per punt in the NFL. Trenton Gill has just two touchbacks for the Bears this season against five kicks inside the 15. Furthermore, Gill is averaging 49 yards per punt. Rookie Marcus Jones will take on return duties for the Patriots; Jones is fourth in yards per kick return (24.4) and tenth in total kick return yards. Velus Jones returns punts and kicks for the Bears.

Connections

Former Patriots

DL Angelo Blackson (Patriots player, 2017-2017, Bears player: 2021-present)

WR N’Keal Harry (Patriots player, 2019-2022, Bears player: 2022-present)

DL Mike Pennel Jr. (Patriots player, 2019-2019, Bears player: 2021-present)

Former Bears

QB Brian Hoyer (Bears player, 2016-2016, Patriots player: 2009-2011, 2017-2017, 2020-present)

Senior coaching staff

New England:

Head Coach – Bill Belichick

Senior football advisor/offensive line – Matt Patricia

Offensive assistant/quarterbacks – Joe Judge

Running backs – Vinnie Sunseri

Wide receivers – Troy Brown

Offensive line – Billy Yates

Linebackers – Steve Belichick

Linebackers – Jerod Mayo

Cornerbacks – Mike Pellegrino

Special teams coordinator – Cam Achord

Chicago:

Head Coach – Matt Eberflus

Offensive coordinator – Luke Getsy

Quarterbacks – Andrew Janocko

Running backs – David Walker

Tight ends – Jim Dray

Offensive line – Chris Morgan

Defensive coordinator – Alan Williams

Linebackers – Dave Borgonzi

Safties – Andre Curtis

Special teams coordinator – Richard Hightower

Injury Report

Key:

DNP: Did not participate in practice

LP: Limited participation in practice

FP: Full participation in practice

NL: Not listed

Bears:

No injuries for the Bears

Patriots:

Questionable:

WR Nelson Agholor – Hamstring (LP)

DL Christian Barmore – Knee (LP)

WR Kendrick Bourne – Toe (LP)

DL Lawrence Guy – Shoulder (LP)

CB Anfernee Jennings – Calf (LP)

CB Jonathan Jones – Ankle (LP)

QB Mac Jones – Ankle (LP)

CB Jalen Mills – Illness (LP)

G Mike Onwenu – Ankle (LP)

LB Josh Uche, Hamstring (LP)

CB Shaun Wade – Illness (DNP)

T Isaiah Wynn – Shoulder (LP)

CB Shaun Wade – Illness (DNP)

Latest Patriots transactions

10/18 Placed DB Cody Davis on injured reserve.

10/18 released K Tristan Vizcaino from the practice squad.

10/19 Signed WR Raleigh Webb to the active roster off the Ravens practice squad.

10/19 signed DL Ron’Dell Carter to the practice squad.

Game Officials

Head Referee – Brad Allen (8th season in the NFL and 8th as head official)

Weather Forcast

Rain showers in the evening will become more intermittent overnight. Low 51F. Winds will be light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.

Noteworthy quotes

Chicago Bears:

On facing the Patriots

“You have to prepare for all the different packages they bring on offense and certainly on defense. They have a lot of personnel that they bring at you and put a lot of different guys on the field at certain times. You have to be ready for everything. Obviously, they’ve done a nice job of that over the years.”

– Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus

On Bill Belichick

“He’s able to take away a guys strengths and make you play left-handed. That’s his whole motto of what he’s been able to do. We’ve seen it in the Super Bowls, seen him in playoff games do it and even when he was defensive coordinator of the Giants we saw him do it there. It’s been a stellar career and he’s been able to do that over the long haul.” – Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus

On the Patriots defense… “On the defensive side they’ve got some impact players on that front. Certainly [Matthew] Judon and [Deatrich] Wise are impactful players. Guys in the secondary – [Kyle] Dugger, Devin McCourty – they do a good job setting those guys up for success.” – Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus

New England Patriots:

On facing the Bears

BB: Okay. We’ve had a chance here to spend some time looking at the Bears. This is a pretty impressive group and really a young team that you can see getting better all the time. Coach [Matt Eberflus] has done a really good job here with installing his system and I think adapting to the personnel that they have there. Obviously, getting a lot of young players involved. It’s one of the youngest teams in the league. Offensively, [Justin] Fields is a major threat every time he touches the ball, very athletic kid. [Darnell] Mooney is really an outstanding receiver. He’s had a ton of production and I can see why. He’s very good at everything, plays multiple positions. In the slot a lot, but they’ll move him around and he’s had a ton of production. Then, of course the backs, [Khalil] Herbert and [David] Montgomery are very good. This running game is right there with Cleveland. I mean they literally have about the same exact amount of yardage. I think [Khalil] Herbert is leading the league in yards per carry. They’re very hard to tackle. They do a real good job with their running game and the play action game as well. A lot of explosive plays. Lead the league in yards per pass attempt. They’ve hit some big plays. Some of those are catch-and-run plays and then when you add on [Justin] Fields’ scrambles, which might count as running plays in the stats, but they’re actually passing plays, in terms of having to defend them. They’re really a lot of explosive plays there that are a problem. Young offensive line, talented offensive line, two young tackles. But, really the backs, [Darnell] Mooney, [Justin] Fields, guys that can really score on any play. A good group of tight ends that they use in there, so they give us multiple formations and personnel groups. Special teams is another young group, core group of players. [DeAndre] Houston-Carson is really one of the better coverage players that we’ll see all year. [Velus] Jones [Jr.], the rookie, has been great for them and [Josh] Blackwell is very fast. They have a lot of team speed. [Dane] Cruikshank, and some of their linebackers, which those guys run well too. It’s really a good group. One of the better groups that we’ve played. [Cairo] Santos, really solid kicker, veteran guy. Just hits the ball straight through, very consistent. The skills, got a big leg, punter’s got a big leg. He [Trenton Gill] whacks it down there pretty good. So, they can change field position, especially with their fast coverage players, the three guys I mentioned there. They’ve done an excellent job of creating good field position for their defense. [Velus] Jones [Jr.] in the return game, strong, explosive guy. We spent a lot of time on him. Really dangerous with the ball in his hands. Then [Dante] Pettis and [Trestan] Ebner, Ebner on the kickoff returns, another fast guy. Plays really in all their special teams. [Dante] Pettis, an experienced guy back there, they use him some on punt returns. But, it’s a good special teams unit, very sound, good players and a lot of tough matchups there for us. Defensively, Matt’s [Eberflus] obviously brought his very successful system from Indianapolis with him. In Indy, they led the league in turnovers for four straight years. Forced a lot of fumbles. They’re very disruptive on the ball. Ball security is going to be a big issue. They’ve got a lot of outstanding players. They’re hard to block on the front. Obviously, [Robert] Quinn is one of the great defensive linemen in this era. I mean, his numbers are ridiculous and whatever it was last year, 17, 18 sacks. This guy is a major disruptive force on the edge. The two linebackers, [Roquan] Smith and [Nicholas] Morrow make a ton of tackles. Obviously, [Roquan] Smith leading the league in tackles. Been at the top of the league almost every year. He’s very hard to block and a very good tackler from sideline to sideline. He’s got a lot of range, very instinctive, gets off blocks well, obviously finds the ball and really is just a tackling machine. [Eddie] Jackson’s been a guy we’ve played against before that always is around the ball. Very instinctive player at the safety position. He does some different things, but he’s around the ball. Kind of quarterbacks the secondary back there. Makes a lot of plays, makes a lot of big plays, turnovers, returns for touchdowns and stuff like that. That’s kind of his play making style back there. That’s a problem. Coach Eberflus has really done a good job. I mean, in the second half, they’re the best defensive team in the second half of games in the league. Haven’t given up much of anything here in six games. I think they’re under seven points a game in the second half, or something like that. You watch them play in the second half and seems like as they gain confidence, figure out what the offense is doing, make some adjustments, they’ve been able to really shut almost everybody down. That’s obviously a big concern for us as well. Young players, guys that we don’t know very well, that have already jumped in and made a big impact for them, first and second year players. Guys like [Darnell] Mooney, [Kyler] Gordon on defense, [Velus] Jones [Jr.] in the kicking game, [Trenton] Gill in the kicking game, players like that. Then obviously, there’s a few guys, [Cairo] Santos and certainly [Robert] Quinn, guys like that, Roquan Smith, that have been around for a while, that are good players as well and have had good careers. We’ll again get to work on these guys from a schematic standpoint and get to know them from a personnel standpoint, but we’ve got a lot of work to do. They’ve had some time here and talked about some of the things that they’re going to change or do differently or whatever, so we’ll have to be prepared for maybe something that we haven’t seen from them, whatever adjustments Coach Eberflus and his staff decide to make. Need a good week of preparation here and be ready to go Monday night.

– Head coach Bill Belichick

On Tyquan Thornton

BB: Tyquan [Thornton] didn’t have a big variety of routes at Baylor. But he’s a smart kid. He has a good skill set. He’s picking those things up like everybody, every rookie. The passing game in the NFL is quite different from college. A lot of refinement. But he gets better every day. We’ll see how it goes. Like you said, it’s only been a couple of weeks out there in the regular season. So he’s working hard and we’ll work with him. Ross [Douglas], Troy [Brown], he’s got two great coaches that have helped him a lot. He’s working hard and getting better.

– Head coach Bill Belichick

On Mac Jones helping him

BZ: Oh, he’s helped a lot. Of course, he’s been in the league for a whole other year above me. I’ve been able to pick his brain. I’ve been able to ask him questions, and he’s been giving me great feedback answering them. He’s a lot of help.

Broadcast information

From Patriots.com

TELEVISION: This week’s game will be broadcast by ESPN and can be seen locally on NBC Boston Channel 10. Joe Buck will handle play-by-play duties with Troy Aikman as the color analysts. Lisa Salters will provide analysis from the sidelines. The game will be produced by Phil Dean and directed by Jimmy Platt.

NATIONAL RADIO: Monday’s game will be broadcast to a national audience on Westwood One Sports. Kevin Harlan will call the game with Kurt Warner providing analysis.

LOCAL RADIO: 98.5 The Sports Hub is the flagship station for the Patriots Radio Network. Play-by-play broadcaster Bob Socci will call the action along with former Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak, who will provide color analysis. The games are produced by Marc Cappello.