The Bears (4-4) return home to host the Patriots (2-7) Sunday at Soldier Field. Here are three things that should increase their chances of winning:
(1) Stop the run.
The Bears currently rank 20th in the league in run defense, allowing an average of 131.6 yards per game. After permitting just 68 yards on the ground in a win over the Jaguars, the Bears yielded 168 and 213 yards in losses to the Commanders and Cardinals, respectively.
"We have to do a better job as a unit to stop the run so that we can get quarterbacks to third down and make them beat us," said linebacker T.J. Edwards. "I truly believe our back seven is one of the best in the league and that if we get them in good field positions, we'll win. So we've got to do a good job on first and second down to get those."
The Patriots offense entered Week 10 ranked 32nd in the NFL in total yards, 24th rushing and 32nd passing. Their ground game is led by running back Rhamondre Stevenson (114 carries for 438 yards and six touchdowns), a powerful 227-pounder who is adept at breaking tackles.
In addition, rookie quarterback Drake Maye has led New England in rushing in three of his four starts, including last Sunday when the 6-4, 225-pounder ran for a career-high 95 yards on eight attempts in a 20-17 overtime loss to the Titans.
"Once he decided that he couldn't go to his go-to target—was covered or wasn't available—then he turned into a running back," said defensive coordinator Eric Washington. "He's got tremendous size and speed. He's decisive, That's just tough, We've got to make sure we keep him in the pocket."
The Bears realize that until they improve defending the run, opponents will continue to attack them on the ground.
"We know something's got to get cleaned up," Edwards said. "In the NFL, you're going to keep seeing something until you put the fire out. We know that it's coming, and we're excited about it. We have the guys to do it. We have the coaches and players to do it."
One challenge for the Bears' run defense moving forward is the loss of nose tackle Andrew Billings, who was placed on injured reserve this week with a torn pectoral muscle. The good news is that both defensive end Montez Sweat and nickel back Kyler Gordon are expected to return from injuries Sunday.
(2) Get the offense back on track.
After scoring five touchdowns in back-to-back games for the first time since 1956, the Bears offense has mustered just two TDs in its last two contests. They were kept out of the end zone in last Sunday's 29-9 loss to the Cardinals, advancing inside the Arizona 20 on just one drive that resulted in one of Cairo Santos' three field goals.
"We've just got to get back to scoring," said receiver DJ Moore. "We just had a game where Cairo had all the points and that leaves us all with a sour taste in our mouth. We want to go out there and score touchdowns for the team, the fans, the organization, which we need to do at any cost, whether it's throwing the ball, running the ball, defensive touchdowns. Somebody's got to score some touchdowns."
When the offense has been at its best, it's featured a balanced attack with explosive plays on the ground and through the air. When it's struggled, it's been the result of negative plays such as penalties and sacks that have put the unit behind the chains in predictable passing situations.
"The negative plays [resulting in] second-and-long, third-and-long situations have really crept up for us in those games where we haven't had as much success," said offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. "Those are scenarios you want to stay out of as an offense. When we're going and playing at a higher level, we know we're getting more runs called because we're not having as many negative plays, we're staying efficient with that balance, the marriage of the run and the pass."
"For us, the urgency has definitely kicked in," said tight end Cole Kmet. "We've got to get some things figured out, and we haven't done that quite yet. We have to be a consistent group, and that's what we're striving to do."
The Bears are hoping that being back at Soldier Field will provide a boost. They've won all four of their home games this season by scores of 24-17, 24-18, 36-10 and 35-16. In those contests, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has completed 67.3% of his passes for 780 yards with seven TDs, one interception and a 105.1 passer rating.
On Sunday, the Bears will face a New England team that is 1-4 away from home. The Patriots defense is tied for 25th in the NFL in total yards, 26th against the run and 22nd versus the pass.
(3) Generate consistent pressure on the quarterback.
The Bears entered Week 10 having allowed the fewest TD passes (5) and third lowest passer rating (77.2) in the league. They hope to continue that trend Sunday against Maye, the third overall pick in this year's draft.
After sitting behind veteran Jacoby Brissett for the first five games, Maye was anointed the starter in Week 6. He'll enter Sunday's game having completed 65.6% of his passes for 770 yards with six TDs, four interceptions and an 85.1 passer rating.
Washington described Maye as "another person that can extend plays, that can make off-schedule plays and that has done a lot with his on-the-ground scrambling. So we have to do an excellent job of taking away that from him."
Having Sweat back Sunday is key for a Bears defense that has produced multiple takeaways in five of its last six games.
"He's a Pro Bowl-caliber player," Washington said. "He's a person that's capable of making standout plays and forcing the issue. He's excellent at the point of attack. The value he adds to our defense, we're all aware of that. We'll be excited to have him back out there. His influence, his leadership, his talent will make a difference for us."
