New England Patriots Gameday: Bring on Mitch Trubisky and Da Bears
The New England Patriots (4-2) travel to the Windy City to take on Mitch Trubisky and the Chicago Bears (3-2) Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field.
After facing young quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots will face another young quarterback in Mitch Trubisky in a Week 7 matchup with the Chicago Bears.
Although the Bears’ offense is not as lethal as the Chiefs, Chicago does have stout front seven that could give Brady problems even if Kahlil Mack does not play in this game.
With reports that Rob Gronkowski is also dealing with back issues and likely out for this game, the Patriots’ offense could be up against it facing a team coming off a loss to the Miami Dolphins. The offensive line will need to hold up and the team may rely on a heavy dose of Sony Michel and a short passing game to offset Chicago’s front seven.
More from Chowder and Champions
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
On the defensive side of the ball, New England will have to be much better than they were against Kanas City in the second half of last Sunday’s game. The Bears have players with similar skillsets to that of the Chiefs.
Wide receiver Taylor Gabriel has the speed to create problems in the defensive secondary just like Tyreek Hill. The Bears can also utilize a running back out of the backfield. With the Patriots linebackers having a tough time covering pass catching running backs, Jordan Howard could be a problem.
Then, there is Mitch Trubisky.
The second-year quarterback has already had a six-touchdown game. So far this season, he has thrown for 1,261 yards with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions. The touchdown to interception ratio symbolizes the two different directions this game could go. The New England Patriots could see the good Trubisky or they could see a young quarterback they can force into a couple mistakes.
In any event, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is wary of second overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
"“He’s done a good job for them,” Belichick said, as transcribed by the Boston Herald. “He’s an athletic kid, big, strong, good arm and can make all the throws.“He’s tough and he’s hard to tackle in the running plays he’s involved in. He seems to be more comfortable with the offense each week. They make a lot of big plays and he’s been hitting them all year.”"
How to watch New England Patriots vs. Chicago Bears
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Kickoff: Sunday, October 21, 2018 1:00 p.m. ET
TV: CBS (Check local listings)
Streaming: fuboTV
Week 7 Prediction:
The New England Patriots may have to grind this one out without the services of Rob Gronkowski.
With Kahil Mack giving it a go, the Chicago Bears defense will be amped up and could create some early game struggles for Tom Brady and the offense. Again, how the offensive line holds up will determine any success Brady has in the air.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Patriots’ defense will need to prevent the Bears from getting off to a fast start. After last Sunday night’s second half performance against the Kansas City Chiefs, I think the defensive unit, particularly the secondary, will come to play.
Next. New England Patriots: 3 reasons team will maul Bears in Week 7. dark
Even without Gronkowski, the Patriots will prove to be too much for Chicago. With a heavy dose of Sony Michel on the ground and Julian Edelman in the short passing game, New England wins this one 34-21.
For in-game live updates, follow us below.