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NFL Power Rankings, Week 8: New England Patriots No. 2 offense; awful defense

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 21: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 21, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 21: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 21, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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After escaping the Windy City with a 38-31 victory over the Chicago Bears, the New England Patriots remain at No. 2 in the NFL Power Rankings.

It wasn’t the greatest game, but a win on the road is a win on the raid and that’s how this week’s NFL Power Rankings sees it.  Following a 38-31 victory over the Chicago Bears, the New England Patriots (5-2) remain in the No. 2 slot just above the Kansas City Chiefs.

According to the rankings, it is the Patriots offense that has the team still above the Chiefs.  On Sunday, Tom Brady found connections with Chris Hogan and Josh Gordon to help fill the void left by Rob Gronkowski.

Gordon, who is slowly getting into the mix, caught four balls for 100-yards.  It was also nice to see Hogan contributing, hauling in six receptions for 63 yards.  In scoring 38 points or more in their fourth consecutive game, the Patriots offense is proving to be lethal no matter who is out there as long as Julian Edelman is on the field.

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That proved true after rookie running back Sony Michel went down with a first half injury.  James White and Kenjon Barner were able to step in and fill the void on the ground.  White continued to be an important factor in the passing game as well.  The versatility this team has is a reason for the No. 2 ranking more than the team’s special teams and defensive performances.

Making Mitchell Trubisky look like Michael Vick

If it wasn’t for mediocre quarterback play out of Mitchell Trubisky, the Chicago Bears may have pulled off the upset due to some sloppy special teams play and lack of discipline on defense.

Then again, if it wasn’t for Trubisky’s Michael Vick impression, this game would’ve and should’ve been a complete blowout.

In all, Trubisky made an embarrassment out of the New England Patriots defense.  With 81 rushing yards on 6 scrambles, the second-year quarterback kept drives going and scored on one of those scrambles in which Patriots defenders had him stopped behind the line of scrimmage.

If that wasn’t bad enough, the Bears quarterback had a long run that almost another touchdown.  The long scrambles could’ve have been due to the defensive game plan, but even then, allowing long scrambles to a quarterback like Mitchell Trubisky is embarrassing.

The overall defensive effort, along with the team allowing a Hail Mary reception to end the game is a prime reason this team should not be No. 2 at this point in time.  That tells you have impressive the offense has been.

With the NFL Trade deadline approaching, expect Bill Belichick to address a couple of issues on defense.  On the offensive end, the New England Patriots will only get better when Rob Gronkowski and Sony Michel return to the mix.

Next. Patriots Gridiron News: Rob Gronkowski may never be ‘100 percent’ again. dark

It would also be nice if the team had a second tight end they could rely on in the passing game.  Here’s calling out Jacob Hollister.

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