MNF Preview: Bears @ Patriots

Monday Night Football Preview

By Conor Perrett 

As the Chicago Bears travel to New England, all eyes will be on this quarterback situations at both the Patriots and the Bears. Justin Fields is looking to rebound with a win for the Bears after a loss against the Commanders on prime-time last time out. With the return of QB1 Mac Jones, he will be under pressure as his replacement over the last few weeks Bailey Zappe has lead the team to successive wins.

New England Patriots

Power Rankings – 12th

DVOA Rankings:

Offence – 22nd

Defence – 7th

ST – 16th

Overall – 10th

The Patriots have a chance to move above .500 for the first time this season as they round out the easiest three-game stretch on their schedule. A win will see all the teams in the AFC East with winning records. The big talking point is the return of quarterback Mac Jones, who missed the last three games with an ankle injury and watched rookie Bailey Zappe shine in his placement. 

A key battle for the Patriots offensive side will be wide receiver Jakobi Myers and the Bears top corner-back Jaylon Johnson. Meyers ranked 10th in the league in yards per target and entering MNF he will hope to showcase his ability as an underrated player in his position. He’ll be tested when lined up against Johnson, who has been targeted nine times in three games this season and surrendered only four catches for 42 yards and no touchdowns.

On an impressive two-game win streak, Bill Belichick will be looking to continue their winning ways after a shaky start to the season on offence. But after putting 67 points up over the last two weeks with a talented running game to the front,  they could be looking to continue this approach against a poor Bears D-line. Damien Harris returns from injury to help Rhamondre Stevenson with their smash-mouth approach of recent weeks. 

Chicago Bears

Power Rankings – 30th

DVOA Rankings:

Offence – 31st

Defence – 21st

ST – 8th

Overall – 32nd

Since Week 2, the Patriots defence has recorded an interception in every game. With the Bears struggling on offence, it would be easy to assume Justin Fields will keep that statistic alive. But if Chicago is to get back to winning ways that’s what they must not do: turn the ball over.  

Overall this Chicago team is not great at all, but to be fair to them we didn’t expect anything different this season. A rebuilding year was always on the cards! 

There have been few bright spots on offence. The attacking side of the ball has been holding back the Bears this season, with the O-line struggling with protection for Justin Fields being a major issue. But the finger of blame is also starting to point in the direction of their quarterback after a couple ill-advised throws in last week’s loss to Washington. Fields was the best player on the field but his worst mistake was throwing the ball that bounced off Efe Obada helmet that was picked off in the red zone. 

The defence has shown potential with rookie safety Jaquan Brisker catching the eye almost every week and corner-back Kyle Gordon showing promise. Head Coach Matt Eberflus comes from a defensive background and seems to have trust in these young pieces and they are delivering.  

Prediction

Justin Fields has not looked comfortable with his surroundings this season and a prime time trip to New England won’t make that any easier. Things seem off with his ball placement and pressure from opposing defences are causing major issues for the quarterback.

Belichick has this Patriots’ defence playing towards the top end of the league right now and has been a big factor for their impressive run. This only causes a matchup nightmare for the Bears as they will have to rely heavily on their rushing attack.

It’s no secret both teams like to run the ball and will look to control the run of play through that aspect of the game. I think this will result in a low scoring event with both offences looking to keep the ball for as long as possible. The Patriots happen to have a better offence and defence and with being at home, I think they should control the game to win comfortably.

Bears 6, Patriots 24