The last time we saw the Bears was actually just last week on Thursday Night Football - I know, everyone has tried very hard to forget that one - where they floundered to a 12-7 loss to the Commanders. In both their prime-time games this year, the Bears have yet to exceed 10 points, which actually is not a far cry from their average points per game of 15.5 this season. But when it comes to the national stage, even Bears' fans are tired of seeing their team embarrass themselves in front of the national audience. I think everyone will be glad after this one to have no more Bears' prime-time games.
But unfortunately tonight is not that day. Now the Bears walk in to Gillette Stadium to go up against the Patriots and the greatest football coach of all time, Bill Belichick, who ironically is currently tied with Bears' hall of fame coach and legend George Halas for second on the all-time wins list. And things are looking up for Belichick to pass him after this game.
First off the Patriots are getting back their starting QB Mac Jones, who has been out the last three games with a bad ankle sprain. He's returning to a team that as of late has looked significantly better than before he went out. They have been running the ball down opponents' throats, thanks to their RB duo of Rhamondre Stevenson and Damien Harris, who also is expected to return from a one game absent. And their Defense is giving up the 7th least points per game (19) in the NFL with back to back games of 0 and 15 points allowed. That's before we even get to the Belichick effect for this game.
Since 2003, rookie and second-year quarterbacks are 3-42 against the Patriots at home. With Justin Fields at the helm, a second-year QB, it's safe to say the odds are stacked against the Bears. And that's just to start. This season the Bears only success on offense has been running the football. Between their three headed monster of RBs David Montgomery, Khalil Herbert and QB Justin Fields, they are averaging 170+ yards per game on the ground. When it comes to the passing game, Fields and the offense are averaging 123 net passing yards per game (subtracting yards lost to sacks). That is good for last in the NFL.
And what does Belichick do better than any other coach? Adapt his game plan on a weekly basis to take away the other team's best trait. Look no further than last week where the Pats shut down probably the best running game in the league in the Chubb, Hunt led Browns to only 70 yards rushing. So Justin Fields better get his arm warmed up and ready to go, because if there is going to be any game where he lets it loose, it'll likely be this one. And honestly, I think for most Bears' fans, that's exactly what they've been waiting to see.
Well even with all that said, you're probably going to need some supplementary entertainment for this one, especially if Belichick has his way. That's why we are here to bring some extra friendly competition. Add additional fun by picking a side on our Props below and compete against friends to see who can get the most correct.
As always, all of our Props have nearly even chances of happening, so it doesn't matter how much you know, anyone can play.
The Props
First Bears scoring play (non-safety):
[ ] Touchdown
[ ] Field Goal
Total Points by both teams combined in first half to be:
[ ] Odd
[ ] Even
Rhamondre Stevenson to have a single Rush of 16 yards or more:
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
Justin Fields to have a Pass completion of 33 yards or more:
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
Bears to score 16 points or more:
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
Patriots to win by 9 points or more:
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
Tiebreaker: Guess the Total Points scored by both teams combined, closest to the result wins! (Currently estimated to be around 40)
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