Patriots players earned a "Victory Monday" from Bill Belichick and aren't required back at the facility for meetings until Wednesday. The fact the Patriots play a Monday night game in Week 8 might also be a factor in Bill Belichick's decision.
Patriots offensive snaps: WR depth chart reflects rise of Josh Gordon (61), who was in top-2 pairing with Julian Edelman (63). Then Chris Hogan (42), Phillip Dorsett (8) and Cordarrelle Patterson (6) round things out.
Patriots defensive snaps: Rotation of sorts at CB spot opposite Stephon Gilmore was a new development, with Jason McCourty (55) and J.C. Jackson (31) splitting time. That is a season high for Jackson.
The top 5 team pass protection performances of the week through the 4pm games in week 7 based on our new Pass Block Win Rate (PBWR) metric are: 1) Ravens 79% PBWR, 2) Patriots 77%, 3) Colts 73%, 4) Browns 72%, 5) Lions 71%. You can bank on their opponents being in the bottom 5 in Pass Rush Win Rate. [PBWR uses player tracking from Next Gen Stats.]
The Patriots escaped Chicago with a 38-31 victory on Sunday after they successfully kept Bears receiver Kevin White out of the end zone following a 62-yard heave from quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.
The veteran receiver had four catches for 100 yards, including a 55-yarder in the fourth quarter that helped the Pats build a decisive two-TD lead.
James White's 11 rushing attempts set a new career high and his 40 rushing yards were his third-most (45, Super Bowl L; and 44, 2018 Week 4). He's on pace for 328.9 PPR fantasy points and 103 receptions.
Tom Brady threw for three touchdowns and the New England Patriots hung on to beat the Chicago Bears 38-31 Sunday when Kevin White got stopped at the 1 on a 54-yard pass from Mitchell Trubisky.
The Patriots return specialist reached a speed no other New England player has reached on any play this season.
The Bears' mobile quarterback used his legs to keep the play alive before taking it in for the score.
Patriots CB Eric Rowe sustained a groin injury in the third quarter, and his return was announced as questionable by the team. Rowe had a prior groin injury that sidelined him three games. He appeared frustrated on the sideline. Rowe was utilized Sunday in a specific nickel package and in the dime package.
After taking a hit while running from Bears tackle Bilal Nichols, Patriots running back Sony Michel required help getting to the sideline and was ruled out of the second half.
The Chicago Bears are 8-2-1 ATS with five outright wins in their past 11 games as a home underdog. They're currently 2-point 'dogs against New England.
Patriots center David Andrews, who grew up a Braves fan, arrives at Soldier Field in a Red Sox hat.
Julian Edelman is all business as he arrives at Soldier Field.
Patriots inactives: C/G Brian Schwenke, DE Keionta Davis, TE Jacob Hollister, OL Marcus Cannon, TE Rob Gronkowski, DE Geneo Grissom, DE/OLB John Simon. So this means Ted Karras, in a homecoming of sorts, is the top backup at C/G over Schwenke.
Bill Belichick and his son, Steve, walk off Soldier Field. They often make a early visit to the field at road games, where they might discuss the history of the stadium, or past memorable games there.
A feel for the media crowd as Tom Brady arrives at Soldier Field.
Brown's father is a cop who had to work during the storm, but the family was able to emerge safely.
| TEAM | W | L | T | PCT | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New England | 5 | 2 | 0 | .714 | 214 | 179 |
| Miami | 4 | 3 | 0 | .571 | 151 | 177 |
| New York | 3 | 4 | 0 | .429 | 182 | 176 |
| Buffalo | 2 | 5 | 0 | .286 | 81 | 175 |
| RD(PK) | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1(23) | Isaiah Wynn | OG | Georgia |
| 1(31) | Sony Michel | RB | Georgia |
| 2(24) | Duke Dawson | CB | Florida |
| 5(6) | Ja'Whaun Bentley | ILB | Purdue |
| 6(4) | Christian Sam | OLB | Arizona State |
| 6(36) | Braxton Berrios | WR | Miami (FL) |
| 7(1) | Danny Etling | QB | LSU |
| 7(25) | Keion Crossen | CB | Western Carolina |
| 7(32) | Ryan Izzo | TE | Florida State |
