NFL Week 7: New England Patriots vs. Chicago Bears Recap

by
Former Writers
October 22, 2018

Keith Allison via Flickr

New England Patriots Extend Their Winning Streak To Four

After starting their season 1-2, the New England Patriots have now won four in a row. After defeating the Chicago Bears, the Patriots stole their first road game of the season. Two fumbles in the first quarter leading to two Bears touchdowns left the Patriots scrambling for a comeback.

Their defense got them back in the game, blocking a Chicago punt and scoring a touchdown. This is the first time since Week 4 of 2010 that the Patriots have scored two special teams touchdowns. Wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson returned his sixth career kickoff touchdown.

Patterson now leads the league in kickoff return touchdowns since 2013 and has four more than the player behind him. Bears’ linebacker Khalil Mack was unable to record a sack for a second straight game. Although the Bears’ defense broke through New England’s offensive line for a sack, the Bears defense gave up 381 yards of total offense.

The Patriots defense was able to record two sacks but gave up 453 yards of total offense. The all-out offensive contest was back and forth until the very end. The Patriots could have suffered a big loss during the game. One of their top runnings backs, Sony Michel, was taken out of the game early after suffering a knee injury.

Head coach Bill Belichick and the team are unsure of the severity of Michel’s injury. He received an MRI and is awaiting the results. Michel has rushed for 422 yards and four touchdowns so far this season.

Final Score: 38-31 New England Patriots

Tom Brady vs. Mitchell Trubisky

Quarterback Tom Brady threw 25/36 for 277 yards and three touchdowns, as well as an interception. Mitchell Trubisky threw 26/50 for 333 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Both QBs were able to hit five different receivers for double-digit yards.

Newest addition WR Josh Gordon (acquired from the Cleveland Browns) was finally able to get something going with Brady. Brady connected with Gordon four times for 100 yards. One connection especially stood out. Gordon was able to break several tackles and take the ball 55 yards to set up a first and goal at the two-yard line.

With two seconds left on the clock, Trubisky attempted a Hail Mary to try and tie the game and force overtime. The pass was caught by WR Kevin White at the one-yard line but he was unable to get past the goal line for a touchdown. Safety Duron Harmon and multiple other defenders were able to keep White from pushing his way through to the goal line.

Trubisky made scrambling a focal point of the offense during the game while Brady had way more time in the pocket for top precision throws. Because of this, Trubisky was able to rack up 81 rushing yards, the second most by any QB in the Belichick era.

Looking Ahead

With the Bears’ second straight loss, they moved from first in the NFC North division to last. Division rivals Minnesota and Detroit both took home wins this week, while Green Bay had a bye.

Because the New England Patriots continued with their win streak, they continue to hold first place in the AFC East division. Although the Miami Dolphins are right on their tail sitting only one game back.