The New England Patriots are heading to Chicago to battle the Bears in Week 7 and Chicago won’t just lie down and let the Patriots win. Sunday afternoon’s game should be a battle.
The New England Patriots are coming off an offensive shootout in Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs. I wouldn’t expect the same outcome in Week 7.
The Chicago Bears have one of the best defenses in the NFL. Khalil Mack was built to destroy the Patriots. I don’t know if we will see Tom Brady throw for a ton of touchdowns on Sunday.
The Chiefs defense has been ravaged by injuries and isn’t known to be great to begin with. I would have been disappointed if the Patriots put up less than 35 points.
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This week I’ll be happy if the Patriots score 21 points. This doesn’t mean that the Patriots should lose, but Week 7 definitely won’t be a blowout.
So here are the 3 keys to beating the Chicago Bears in Week 7.
1. Mess with Mitch
Mitch Trubisky is having an impressive year for the Chicago Bears. The 2nd year quarterback is developing into a quality quarterback.
So far this season, Trubisky has thrown for 1,261 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. He is one of the most promising players on Chicago’s roster.
On Sunday, the Patriots need to do exactly what they did to Patrick Mahomes. Brian Flores and the defense need to confuse Trubisky with unique blitzes and formations.
In Week 6 we saw one of these plays directly result in a turnover. Dont’a Hightower faked like he was going to blitz and then dropped back into coverage and snagged an interception.
If the Patriots defense is able to confuse Trubisky they should have a successful day.
2. Protect Tom Brady
The New England Patriots need to protect Tom Brady in Week 7. The Bears have a fierce pass rush and can cause some havoc.
Chicago already has 10 interceptions and 9 forced fumbles. They are lead by linebackers Khalil Mack and Danny Trevathan. Mack is averaging a sack per game and is looking better than ever since being traded from the Oakland Raiders.
The Bears secondary isn’t that bad either. Kyle Fuller has racked up 2 interceptions and should cause some problems for Julian Edelman.
New England’s offensive line needs to do a good job protecting Brady. If Brady has no time to throw it could be a long day for Patriots fans. Hopefully the Patriots will have Marcus Cannon back at right tackle, but if he doesn’t go through concussion protocol I would expect a lot of right side blitzes.
If the Patriots are able to protect Brady he could tear apart the Bears defense.
3. Feed Sony Michel
Sony Michel is starting the season off with a bang. In Week 7 I want the Patriots to give Michel plenty of carries.
In Week 6 Michel had another fantastic performance, he ran for 106 yards and two touchdowns. He is a beast with the ball in his hands. Michel runs the ball with authority and is extremely hard to tackle. On most plays Michel is making at least one defender miss because of his strength or speed.
If New England can’t get the passing game going they will have to rely on their running game and for the first time, I’m not nervous about that. The Patriots have had a solid running game overall. Even Kenjon Barner is putting up some nice numbers.
So if the New England Patriots want to win they need to do these 3 things. Chicago may be looked at as a team the Patriots should blowout but I think this game will be closer than some expect.